6 simple suppers

You planned to leave by 3 p.m. Friday, but had to fix 10 minor crises first. You planned to skirt traffic, but so did the other drivers clogging your shortcut. Despite your late arrival you can still eat well, with a cottage meal that needs little prep time, cooks quickly, and doesn’t leave a pile of dishes. Whether you crave comfort food; a light, late supper; a dish you can serve guests; or that first taste of food off the grill, these recipes offer solutions to the Friday-night challenge—with no detours to the fast-food drive-through.