Over the past two weeks, my use of the word “mullet” was outnumbered only by the news media’s use of the phrase “fiscal cliff.”

No, I was not at the State Fair, a 1980s theme party, or a Euro techno concert—I was yelling at my husband.

Ben is growing his hair, and the process has been painful. I understand that awkward phases can be a necessary evil when changing hairstyles (reference: My monster bangs grow-out of the late 1990s). One stage that should be strictly avoided, however, is the mullet.

Ben’s Business in the Front, Party in the Back showed signs of development a few weeks before Christmas. I bugged him to go for a quick trim to tidy the back. No action.

Fast-forward four weeks. Ben’s hair was no longer merely flirting with mullet-status; he was ready for a NASCAR race. My “bugging” turned to “pestering.” Ben promised his sister would cut it before we went to Miami. No action.

This week, my “pestering” escalated to full-on “nagging.” Ben didn’t see the need to spend $17 at Supercuts, when he could put that money towards a plate of fish and chips at our favorite bar instead. Seriously? His refusal could only be for spite, punishment for my barrage of mullet-related comments.

Exasperated with each other (me at Ben for perpetuating the mullet; Ben at me for the continual mullet-mocking), we crossed a marital milestone: The First In-Home Haircut. Ben grabbed our kitchen scissors, we crowded into the tub, and I cut.  Good-bye Mr. Mullet.

Then we went out for fish and chips.

Despite Ben’s total disregard for my orders regarding his hair, he has been an endearing sous-chef over his winter break. Proof that our marriage will outlast mullet-fights: Ability to work side by side in a 6 ft x 2 ft kitchen. One winner we whipped up: Chicken, Apple, Sweet Potato, and Brussels Sprout Skillet.

Typically prepared in a single pot, a skillet is a big pan of pleasing ingredients that you can customize to suit your tastes. While I feel the word “skillet” often implies a dish designed for a greasy-spoon trucker stop, Chicken, Apple, Sweet Potato, and Brussels Sprout Skillet is anything but. You are going to love its play of flavors, health benefits, and the fact that it leaves you with only a single skillet to wash!

Let’s talk about its name: Chicken, Apple, Sweet Potato, and Brussels Sprout Skillet. Yes, this name is heinously long (not unlike Ben’s former hair), but each component is so integral to the dish, I couldn’t bear to leave a single one out of the title. Each ingredient adds a distinct color, flavor, and texture, yet they unite to create a single, beautiful mosaic of a meal.

Bright Granny Smith apples sizzle with earthy sweet potatoes and crispy turkey bacon. Brussels sprouts add crunchy rhythm, and pinches of cinnamon and thyme work warm spice magic.

All lean protein and fruits and veggies, Chicken, Apple, Sweet Potato, and Brussels Sprout Skillet is also a healthy go-to dinner option and makes great leftovers.

Whether you are looking to eat a nutritious meal, save time on dishes, or just whip up something your family will enjoy, Chicken, Apple, Sweet Potato, and Brussels Sprout Skillet is the dinner for you.

Here’s to the end of one –et word in my life (mullet) and the enjoyment of another in your kitchen: skillet!

Adapted from this recipe