A Moment of Brightness

I’ve thought a lot about my children this week, as I think just about every parent in America has. They are life itself, and my life specifically.

There were moments when I didn’t have much of an appetite, and other times when I went out of my way to cook because it was nice to have a mind-clearing task. And now, heading into the long weekend, what I want is to gather up kids and family and friends and soak in the sun — a brief reprieve from the wider world and one I’m lucky to be able to take.

There will be food, of course. There always is. The recipes below are fast and bright, and while I don’t mean to suggest they’ll make all the wrong things right, I hope they deliver some happiness. Reach out to me anytime with requests at dearemily@nytimes.com. I love to hear from you.

2. Hot-Sauce Shrimp

A reader called this Ali Slagle number a “genius little recipe” in the comments, and I agree. You sauté the shrimp and then toss them with hot sauce and butter until they’re coated in a silky sauce, for a dish that’s a spiritual sibling of New Orleans barbecue shrimp. Quick, efficient, utterly delicious.

4. Hot Dogs With Pico de Gallo

Tanya Sichynsky loads her hot dogs with fresh, spicy pico de gallo, for results that are like Mexican hot dogs but a little simpler to put together (nice for when you’re headed to a cookout and want to travel light). These are exactly the thing to kick off summer.

View this recipe.