Rainy Reads & PepperJax-Style Bowls

This past week brought a few rainy days, and while it kept us indoors, I couldn’t help but feel grateful—especially thinking of the farmers who need the rain. A few rainy days meant more time at home, and honestly, it’s been kind of nice. We’ve been diving into the summer reading program at our local library and bringing home stacks of children’s books. Charlie is soaking up storytime right before bed—and so far, no ripped pages, which feels like a win!

Featured Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Rice Bowls

A delicious dupe of a PepperJax-style bowl—flavorful, quick, and family-friendly!

🔗 Get the full recipe here from The Weary Chef
Tip: To keep it gluten- and dairy-free, use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce and skip the cheese or sub with a dairy-free option like Violife or Daiya.

Topping ideas:
• Sautéed onions and peppers
• Mushrooms
• Avocado
• Hot sauce or mustard drizzle
• Fresh parsley

Meal Ideas for the Week

• Monday: Turkey zucchini meatballs with roasted potatoes

• Tuesday: Taco Bake

• Wednesday: Philly cheesesteak rice bowls

• Thursday: Baked Tandoori Chicken and Veggies

• Friday: Shish Kabobs

Quick Snack: Cinnamon Apple Chips

Slice apples thinly, sprinkle with cinnamon, and bake at 225°F for 2 hours—flipping halfway through—until crisp. Sweet, crunchy, and no added sugar.

Time-Saving Tip

Use kitchen shears to cut meat into strips right over the pan. It saves a cutting board and speeds up prep—especially helpful with steak or chicken.

What’s in Season?

• Raspberries
• Zucchini
• Cucumbers
• Snap peas
• Cherries
• Fresh herbs (like basil and mint!)

Hope your week is full of laughter, yummy meals, and a little sunshine (even if it’s in book form ☀️📚).

-Cara