We had a week. Soccer practice ran late three nights, the dog had to go to the vet, and one of us was on a deadline that ate every spare hour. Three of those nights, we leaned on copycats.
Tuesday was the Big Mac. Two thin patties, the special sauce I made on Sunday, the three-layer bun assembly. Twenty minutes after the buns hit the pan we were eating. The kid was confused, then delighted.
Wednesday was the Crunchwrap Supreme. Ground beef, cheese sauce, the tostada, the fold. The Big Apron rolled his eyes; the kid asked for it again on Friday.
Thursday was Panda Express orange chicken. Cornstarch crust, hot oil, a sauce that takes ten minutes. We made it with leftover rice from Sunday and called it a night.
Three nights, three weeknight saves, no takeout receipt. The marquee picks earn their spot the second time you make them. They earn it again every time the week tries to push you to the drive-through.