Sunday afternoon, Dutch oven on. The rest of the week takes care of itself.

Chile verde pork Sunday, pasta alla Norma Monday, big-batch chili Wednesday, Thai red curry Thursday — and curry fried rice Friday with whatever's left.

The Fourth lands on Saturday. The week does the cooking.

Chimichurri — Argentina's herb sauce — anchors chicken Tuesday and salmon Thursday, then carries straight into a ten-minute holiday rice bowl.

This week, acid does the work.

Puttanesca, Thai basil beef, a paillard over stone fruit and burrata — and the quick pickle that carries you through September.