National Sandwich Month Contest

Is there anything more satisfying than a perfectly made sandwich? At Caputo’s, we take immense pride in our international deli. What sets our delis apart is our commitment to authentic and traditional ingredients. You’ll find an array of cheeses, meats, olives, and breads from around the world. 

Our deli is a sandwich maker’s dream and August is National Sandwich and Panini Month, which makes it the perfect time to get in the kitchen and craft your favorite sandwich. It can be something as simple as prosciutto and bocconcini or turkey and American cheese, or you can get creative in combining meats, cheeses, spreads… the options are truly endless when you visit our stores. 

Each individual component of a sandwich matters because it is what comes together to make the perfect sandwich. In our family, we have a little competition going about who is the best sandwich maker. 

We know everyone has their go-to sandwiches and we want to hear yours! So we are having a little sandwich contest. Here are the details:

Tell us your go-to sandwich recipe by filling out this form. Be sure to include any details your want us to know about your sandwich

We are going to select a submitted recipe each week. Every Friday throughout the month of August, we will make the sandwich, post it to our socials, and give it a try! If your sandwich is selected, you will receive a $15 Caputo’s gift card. Then at the end of the month, one sandwich will be named the winner! This winner will receive a $25 Caputo’s gift card, a Caputo’s T-shirt, and their sandwich featured in our hot foods as the special for a week!

From Our Family To Yours

La Bella Romana Passata

Have you ever heard of Passata? If not, prepare to be enlightened! This simple ingredient can transform your kitchen into an authentic Italian kitchen easily. This ingredient is a staple in our family that deserves some attention

What is Passata?

Simply put, passata is a strained tomato puree. Unlike crushed tomatoes, which contain large chunks and skin, passata is smooth and silky, with just the essence of the tomato captured. 

Our La Bella Romana Passata is imported from Italy and made with two simple ingredients– tomatoes and a little bit of salt.

Passata generally has a higher tomato solids content than canned tomatoes, meaning less liquid. This means that a passata will lead to a more intense tomato flavor and a thicker sauce that requires less simmering time. Passata is typically made from ripener, sweeter tomatoes.

Because it’s unseasoned, passata acts as a blank canvas for your creativity. Use it as a base for pasta sauces, pizzas, stews, or simply add a touch to brighten up roasted vegetables.

What to do with Passata

  • Sauce: Passata is a quick and easy base for delicious pasta sauces. You can simply simmer it with some olive oil, garlic, and herbs, or add other ingredients like vegetables, meat, or fish.
  • Pizza Sauce: Spread passata on your pizza dough for a simple and flavorful base. You can then add your favorite toppings like cheese, vegetables, and meat.
  • Soups or stews: Passata adds a rich tomato flavor to soups and stews. It’s a great way to add depth and complexity to these dishes.
  • Braised Meats: Use passata to braise meats like chicken, beef, or lamb. The acidity in the tomatoes helps to tenderize the meat and create a flavorful sauce.
  • Savory Bakes: Incorporate passata into savory bakes like casseroles or lasagna. It adds moisture and tomato flavor to these dishes.
  • Cocktails: Love a bloody mary? Passata can add a savory kick to this classic cocktail!

Need some ideas? This week we used passata to make a quick and flavorful bolognese over polenta. Check out the video and recipe here

So stop in to pick up some La bella Romana passata. This kitchen essential is sure to become your go-to ingredient for creating quick, flavorful, and delicious meals.

From Our Family To Yours

Elevated Mac & Cheese

A comfort food for adults and kids alike is the forever classic, mac and cheese! The bubbling cheesy goodness, and perfectly cooked pasta is like a warm, comforting hug on a plate. July 14th is National Mac and Cheese day which makes it the perfect day to whip up this classic dish and maybe even put a gourmet twist on it!

The simplicity of mac and cheese is a win for everybody. At its core, it’s just pasta and cheese, but there are so many ways to add a little something extra to it. While the classic boxed version holds a special place in our hearts, venturing into homemade territory opens up a world of flavor possibilities!

Here are 7 simple ways to elevate your mac and cheese game!

The Cheese 

The cheese is the true star of the show which is why choosing the right cheese is the most important first step! Sharp cheddar is a must-have, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Gruyere adds a touch of nuttiness and melts so perfectly, fontina creates a silky texture with a flavor slightly sharper than mozzarella, gouda will add a buttery taste, havarti could add a little bit of tang, and goat cheese brings a tangy surprise. There are so many different cheeses to experiment with and you don’t have to use just one! Try a blend of cheeses in your next dish. Parmigiano always makes for a good topping too! At Caputo’s, we have an extensive cheese department for you to explore!

Veggies

Try adding roasted broccoli, peas, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for a flavor and nutrient boost.

Brighten it Up

Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can add a bright, fresh flavor to your mac and cheese.

Spice it Up 

Can you handle a little heat? Throw in some chopped jalapenos, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, a dash of buffalo sauce or tabasco for a fiery kick.

Add a protein

Chicken, shrimp, or crumbled sausage can add a hearty element.The best part is that you can throw in your leftover proteins to use them up and add flavor! Even pulled pork.. bbq pulled pork mac and cheese anyone?

Add Some Crunch

A topping of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, potato chips or panko adds a great contrast because you get a delicious crunch added to your otherwise velvety and creamy dish.

Extra gourmet

Looking to impress someone in a classic way? A lobster or truffle mac and cheese takes this classic to a completely new level. You can use already cooked lobster meat or truffle oil as an easy way to elevate this dish.

Mac and cheese is really a blank canvas! It can be served as a side dish, a main course, or even an appetizer in bite-sized form. You can even use 

So, the next time you’re looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to please, mac and cheese is the answer. With a little creativity, you can turn this comfort food classic into a gourmet masterpiece

From Our Family To Yours