As the end of summer rears its head and Labor Day is upon us, it’s the perfect time to fire up the grill and make your favorite summer recipes, from hotdog cookouts to BBQ classic favorites. Take in the last hazy, warm, idyllic dog days of summer with these must-try Labor Day recipes.
Hot Dog Cookout
Celebrate the warm weather with a hot dog cookout! Create memories with the whole family, as you gill some of the best hotdogs anyone’s ever had. We’ve added one of our favorite hot dog recipes for you to try.
Recipe: Chili Dogs
A timeless family favorite, these chili dogs will be a family favorite and will probably be requested to be added to the next cookout menu.
Ingredients (all of which can be found at your local Caputos):
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup ketchup
8 hot dogs
8 hot dog buns, split
Add-ons of your choice: Shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onion
Directions:
Make your chili on a skillet on the stove. Cook your beef thoroughly and drain. Chop beef until it’s small, fine pieces. Then add beef back into the pan and mix in the seasonings and ketchup. Bring it to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook the hotdogs and serve your chili dogs on some of your favorite Caputio’s hotdog buns.
Canning Week
Preserve the summer produce you’ve grown, picked, or bought by canning your favorites. Make canned jams, salsas, preserves, pickled veggies, and more! We recommend trying to canning some of the beloved go-tos like canning tomatoes, canning green beans, canning peaches, canning supplies, and salsa canning.
Other Labor Day Cookout Favorite Dishes
Are you looking for more of your favorite Labor Day cookout menu ideas? Try some popular, easy Labor Day dishes for your next outdoor summer celebration. Beyond the tried-and-true hotdog and burgers, try some other classic BBQ favorites like BBQ chicken, short ribs, or wings. Pair your main dish with popular dishes, sides, and desserts to complete your Labor Day picnic. Some recommended dishes include potato side, green beans, watermelon, corn, and more. Shop Caputo’s for all your Labor Day cookout menu ingredients, and take advantage of Caputo’s Labor Day deals now.
Back To School Check-List for the Adults
Snacks On Snacks
As the kids prepare to return to school, get ahead of schedule with some early preparations. You can’t go wrong with school snacks like easy grab-and-go pre-packed single-serving items like chips and fruit snacks. Find healthy school snack options, like the kid’s favorite vegetables and fruits, with yummy dips like yogurt, chocolate, peanut butter, and more.
Don’t Forget the Coffee
But most importantly, don’t forget the coffee! While shopping for the kids, stock up on what you need, especially your favorite cold brew and coffee creamer. Avoid crashing and drink caffeine early in the day to prepare for school drop-off. Keep within the recommended 400 milligrams (about 4 cups of brewed coffee) of caffeine daily to avoid jitters and crashes. Shop Caputo’s specialty coffee beans here.
Shop Caputo’s back-to-school specials, including snacks, coffee, and more, so you are ready to make lunches for the upcoming weeks quickly and easily. Or save time by having your groceries delivered or picked up to focus on other back-to-school to-do necessities.
Are you wondering what the orange drinks that have been taking over your Instagram and Facebook feeds? One of Italy’s most popular drinks has been taking the world by storm and rightfully so. The Aperol Spritz is the drink of the summer because of it’s refreshing and fruity flavor.
Aperol is an aperitivo or aperitif, an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Aperol was created in Padua in the 1910s by the Barbieri Brothers after inheriting the company from their father. Aperol is still the same recipe from 1919, but the aperol spritz did not gain popularity until the 1950s. Since then, the drink has grown in popularity. A great thing about this drink is the simple ingredients and how easy it is to make it!
Heres how to make it:
1. Fill a glass with ice
2. Add the Aperol and Prosecco
*the amount of Aperol and Prosecco you adds depends on your personal preference. If you prefer sweet drinks to bitter drinks, add more Prosecco than Aperol. Aperol is a bitter*
3. Add a dash of soda water
4. Garnish with an orange slice
You can never go wrong with a classic Aperol Spritz, but there are a few variations that are fun to try! Here are 4 other ways for to enjoy Aperol
Aperol Mimosa
replace the soda water in the classic spritz with some orange juice! The sweet OJ pairs great with the orange bitter and makes for a great mimosa option
Aperol Margarita
Add a splash of Aperol into your favorite margarita recipe!
With Rose’
replace the Prosecco with your favorite Rose’ for a still refreshing, but slightly sweeter spritz
Add St. Germain
Not crazy about how bitter the spritz is? Add some St. Germain! This elderflower liqueur is incredibly sweet and contrasts the bitter Aperol to make this cocktail take a sweeter flavor
You can add other juices, mixers, fruit… the options are endless! Have fun experimenting with this versatile cocktail!
One of the best parts of summer is all the seasonal produce that comes with it! There are the classic peaches, plums, prickly pears, etc. Another summer classic, especially if you’re from Chicago, is the Melrose Pepper!
A melrose pepper is a type of sweet pepper. It is said that the Melrose Pepper came to be when an Italian immigrant coming to Chicago brought with him some seeds from his hometown to start his garden in his new life. One type of seeds he brought with him would turn into the melrose pepper– a sweet pepper! The Melrose Pepper has come to be a beloved summer staple.
It’s simplicity, delicious flavor, and ease to combine with any dish makes it a must try. Want to make a dish with melrose Peppers and not sure what to do? Here are 3 ways to enjoy melrose peppers
Pan Fry
The classic was to enjoy melrose peppers is to simply pan fry them. It’s a simple way to enjoy this delicious bite. You start by putting the peppers in a pan with olive oil and topping them with salt and pepper. Let that cook while you have some garlic and halved cherry tomatoes cooking in another pan. Once the pepper has a nice char, combine all the items in one pan and let the flavors merge together. Pair it with your favorite bread and enjoy a delicious sandwich!
With Barese Sausage
Just like the pan frying, you’re going to start by cooking the melrose peppers and the tomatoes and garlic. Meanwhile, on a grill or stove, cook some Barese sausage. Combine all the ingredients and you have a simple and satisfying dish. There are few things that make a better combo than Melrose Peppers and Caputo’s Homemade Barese Sausage
Stuffed Peppers
For our stuffed Melrose Peppers, we like to slice the pepper in half long ways and remove all the seeds. We lay them down flat in a pan with the cut middle facing up (almost like stuffed pepper boats). For our stuffing, we combined Caputo’s bulk sausage, chopped onions, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, breadcrumbs, parmesan, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix all these items together, fill the pepper with the mixture, and put them in the oven!
These suggestions all call for simple ingredients that provide satisfying dishes with this Chicago pepper! How do you enjoy your melrose peppers?
Summer is a season for outdoor fun, vacation time, and lazy, sun-soaked afternoons. It’s also a time when we want light, refreshing meals that don’t need a lot of prep work and no hot oven.
Let’s look at a favorite summertime ingredient: pork. Plus, we’ll look at desserts that aren’t too sloppy but just as fun, answer why light meals are best for summer, get a few simple recipes, and tips for meal prep. Let’s dig in!
Why Choose Light Meals in Summer?
When the temperature climbs, our bodies naturally want to keep cool. You may find that you crave light, easy-to-digest meals over heavy, calorie-laden ones in summertime. Eating meals such as salads, grilled vegetables, and lean proteins satisfies our appetite and helps maintain our energy levels. Is there anything worse than eating a big heavy lunch and then having to go back to work? Many summer dishes, such as fruit and vegetable salads, can have a lot of water content in them. These meals can support hydration, which is always important during the hot days of summer.
Sizzling Summer Meats: Pork
Hot dogs and cold fried chicken are summer staples. Elevate your dinner game with grilled pork chops, skewers, and pulled pork sandwiches this year. Put these ideas on your shopping list for a tasty summer meal. Bonus: They make great leftovers.
Grilled Pork Chops
Grilling is a quintessential part of summer cooking, and pork chops are an excellent choice. Marinate them with herbs, spices, and some citrus for a refreshing flavor. Pair these chops with a summer salad or grilled vegetables for a light meal.
Pork Skewers
Skewers are perfect for summer, easy to make, and fun to eat. You can thread pieces of pork loin with an assortment of summer vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini. A quality marinade will enhance the flavor even more and keep the meat juicy.
Pulled Pork Salad
Pulled pork can be a great addition to a hearty summer salad. Use lean pork shoulder simmered until it’s tender enough to pull apart, then pair it with a slaw or mixed greens, corn, and black beans, and top it with a light vinaigrette. Use left over pulled pork for sandwiches.
Stir-Fried Pork
For a fast summer dinner, stir-fry some lean pork cuts with a colorful group of vegetables, including crisp onions, baby corn, snap peas, and red bell pepper. You can use a light sauce of soy, ginger, garlic, and a dash of lime for a bright summery tang.
To keep this light, balance the portion of pork with a generous amount of vegetables and fresh, light sides. Try experimenting with pork throughout the summer and enjoy the results! You can also never go wrong with any of our homemade sausages on the grill!
Summer Fruit & Vegetable Sides
Summer provides an abundance of fresh produce and the opportunity to experiment with new side recipes and they’re also great to eat right out of the fridge (of course washed first).
Watermelon
Berries
Peaches
Cherries
For vegetables, stick to ones that taste equally delicious raw and make for great snacking, don’t forget that summertime favorite, ranch dressing, for dipping. These fruits and veggies are not only delicious but also help you stay hydrated.
Tomatoes
Bell peppers
Carrots
Celery
Delightful Desserts
Desserts are a delicious part of summer dining, but this doesn’t mean they have to be overly indulgent or require an oven to make them. Homemade popsicles with natural fruit juice can be an excellent way to satisfy your sweet tooth without straying from the theme of light and refreshing. You’ll find, when making your own popsicle treats, that there is an endless supply of ideas.
Another light dessert is angel food cake! Pick up one of our homemade angel food cakes and top it with some whipped cream and fresh berries for a delicious dessert!
A dessert that combines espresso and ice cream? Yes please! An affogato is a great summertime dessert is a simple and delightful Italian dessert. It features a scoop of gelato or ice cream, typically vanilla, boldly crowned with a shot of hot espresso. The hot espresso melts the cool gelato, creating a rich and creamy coffee sauce that mingles with the sweetness of the ice cream. You can enjoy it as is, savoring the interplay of hot and cold, or stir it up for more of a shake like dessert. You can even take it to the next level by adding a liqueur like Frangelico or Kahlua!
Tips for Summer Meal Prep
Meal prep can be a game-changer, especially during the summer when you’d rather spend more time outdoors than in the kitchen.
Prepare your ingredients in advance, including washing and chopping vegetables and fruit. This allows for easy assembly of meals later.
To keep meals fresh and safe, always refrigerate them in airtight containers and consume them within a few days.
Summertime and Dinner is Easy
Summer meals don’t need to be complex to be delicious. Choose light, refreshing ingredients, prep what you can, and grill often for perfect hot-weather meals. Now, all you need to do is spread out the picnic blanket.
For the freshest fruit and vegetables, delicious premade meals, and the best cuts of meats, head to Caputo’s!
Summer is officially here and you know what that means? Food! Delicious, wholesome, fresh foods that pair amazingly with backyard BBQs, days at the beach, picnics in the park, or simply a fun afternoon with the family.
But, what are the best seasonal foods for summer? And, is there any benefit to eating seasonal ingredients as opposed to foods that aren’t in season? Well, fortunately, the food-lovers at Caputos have the answers you’re looking for right here.
We’re breaking down a list of our top 10 favorite summer fruits and vegetables as well as their nutritional benefits, so you can make the best decisions when it comes to your family, your health, and your recipes.
Top 5 Summer Fruits
Arguably, the best time of year to enjoy fruits is the summer time when the hard-to-get, sweet fruits finally come back into season – and for a great price! In the Chicagoland area, there are tons of exceptional fruit options for summer and we’re here to tell you our five personal favorites and why you should put them on the list for your next Caputos grocery visit!
Watermelon
Watermelon is THE summer fruit, what with its high water content and large-enough-to-feed-a-family-of-7-deliciousness. High in vitamin A and C, this fruit is as nutritionally-dense as it is beautiful to look at. Rich reds offer high levels of potassium and B6 to keep your heart and eyes healthy.
Blend up watermelons for amazing summertime margaritas or sprinkle a little feta into your watermelon salad for the perfect combination of salty and sweet.
Strawberries
Strawberries are beloved by kiddos and adults alike, offering the distinct sweet and slightly sour taste of summertime childhood. These sweet fruits are also packed with fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, which is super helpful for fighting inflammation and keeping your teeth sparkly white.
Blend Strawberries up for a summertime popsicle recipe or add them to a fresh grilled chicken salad for a boost of color and flavor.
Pineapple
SpongeBob is not the only fan of this delicious summer fruit. We love pineapples for their sweet, tropical flavor, giving us a taste of vacations in Hawaii (even if we’re just sitting in our backyard). They also help boost your metabolism and reduce inflammation, so you can look and feel your best.
Add a couple cubes of pineapple to your chicken and pepper skewers or create an amazing Bay Breeze cocktail and impress your friends with a fun, backyard dinner and drink night.
Kiwi
We think kiwis are the most underrated summer fruit and we’re putting a stop to that now. These colorful and delicious fruits are packed with vitamin A, C, and B6, giving you loads of powerful, inflammation fighting benefits. They also taste amazing and are the perfect, complimentary color to add fruit salad.
Scoop a kiwi or two and blend with strawberries, yogurt, and pineapple juice for the perfect, refreshing summer smoothie you can enjoy anywhere, anytime.
Mango
Along with watermelon, we think mangos take the cake for the best summertime fruit of all time. These beautiful, colorful fruits pair well with all types of dishes – salty, sweet, umami; you name it and mangos probably pair well with it.
They’re also rich in fiber, potassium and vitamin A, giving you protection against harmful blue rays that can affect your eyes. We love adding mango to a summertime salsa, for the perfect balance of fresh, sweet, and spicy.
Top 5 Summer Vegetables
As much as we love summertime fruits, we might love summertime veggies even more – we know, it’s surprising us too!
Summer is the best season for producing fresh, crisp vegetables that are as colorful as they are nutritious. You can also cook, chop, roast, boil, and grill these veggies to your heart’s content during the heated months, which means more time for outdoor parties and hanging with friends.
A win-win in our book.
Here are our top five favorite summer vegetables to pick up on your next grocery visit.
Zucchini
Zucchini, also known as the “summer squash,” is like its fall and winter cousins in texture and shape, but delivers a crisp and colorful taste and appearance that is perfect to enjoy during the hotter, summer months. Best part? There’s truly no wrong way to cook zucchini – grill it, sauté it, fry it, stew it; the options are truly endless!
We love coring zucchini and creating spicy taco boats that pair with a fresh margarita or paloma for the perfect outdoor summer dinner.
Cucumber
What can’t you pair with a cucumber? You can put them in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or on a delicious veggie tray paired with smoky meats and cheeses. While their versatility is of course a benefit, we also love that cucumbers are rich in water and vitamin K, perfect to keep your hydrated during the hot, summer months.
For picky eaters, we suggest adding cucumbers to a fruit smoothie! They won’t be able to taste it, but they’ll still get all the amazing vitamins and mineral.
Corn
Is there anything more summer-coded than a grilled corn on the cob? We don’t think so, which is why corn takes our prize for best summer vegetable! Packed with vitamin C, corn is perfect for adults, kiddos, and seniors looking to add color, texture, and flavor to any dish.
Salsa? Add corn! Chicken and mashed potato bowl? Add corn! Summer salad? Add corn. The opportunities are endless.
Eggplant
Veggie lovers rejoice! We have the perfect, non-meat option for summertime that is flavorful, delicious, and oh-so colorful. Eggplants are so versatile, making them great for vegans and vegetarians looking for a meat alternative to use for their favorite meals.
You can grill it, add it in place for chicken for a parmesan, skewer it, fry it, and sauté it. Whatever way you choose to enjoy your eggplant, know that you’re also getting a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to help keep you energized and active.
Carrots
Finally, we have carrots – our favorite, colorful vegetables that’s easy on the stomach and the eyes (really, the beta carotene is phenomenal). Carrots are also richly packed with memory supporting vitamins and minerals to help keep your brain strong and healthy – even post-summertime.
Finely chop some carrots and add it into a brownie recipe for the perfect, hidden dessert recipe that even the pickiest kiddos can’t say no to.
Shop Angelo Caputos For High-Quality Summer Fruits and Vegetables
Ready to find the delicious, fresh, and high-quality summer fruits and vegetables at a grocery store near you? Shop Angelo Caputos today and be a part of the family that has looked after Chicagoland since 1958.
When you shop with us, you can trust you’re getting the same reliable, trusted customer experience we’ve been providing for over 60+ years.
Shop now or give us a call and we’ll help you find the exact produce you’re looking for to create your next timeless recipe.
Are you ready to throw the ultimate pool party this summer? No pool party is complete without a delicious spread of food and drinks. We’ll dive right in and give you some ideas for scrumptious and easy-to-make pool party recipe ideas that will make all the right waves.
Dive Into Pool Party Recipe Ideas
The amount of food you have will depend on how long and the type of pool party. Birthday parties for children would do well with easy-to-eat foods and snacks, plenty of water, and hydrating drinks. A party that goes for longer may require main dishes, sides, and desserts. Let’s look more at pool party recipe ideas.
Appetizers and Snacks
The great thing about appetizers is they do well all on their own for any pool party. If your pool party is only for a couple of hours, there may not be a need for a full menu. Appetizers and snacks can be filling to keep the energy up but not too filling to make sitting around in a bathing suit uncomfortable. Kick off your poolside feast with these ideas:
Antipasto trays
Fruit skewers
Caprese salad on a stick (mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil)
Guacamole and chips
Mini Bouchon sandwich platter
Charcuterie boards
Main Dishes & Sides
For pool parties that extend into the evening hours, the main course should be both satisfying and manageable poolside. A few ideas for poolside recipes include:
Now, let’s talk sweets. Ice cream sandwiches and fruit popsicles are easy to eat and provide a welcome cool down. Any summer fruit can be a perfect choice for a pool party treat. Watermelon and berries are usually at the top for pool party food. Additionally, baked goods are generally easy to eat with little mess. Instead of a large cake, try cupcakes or mini pies. Further ideas for pool parties include:
Angel Food Cake– all you have to do is pick up a homemade angel food cake from Caputo’s top it with fresh strawberries and your favorite whipped cream!
Refreshments
Hydration is crucial in the heat, so let’s not forget about the drinks! Tropical fruit punch and homemade lemonade are family-friendly options that will quench everyone’s thirst. For adults, a mojito can bring a refreshing twist. Set up an ice cream float bar for a fun and cool treat that guests of all ages will love.
Keep food fresh and safe in the summer heat by using ice trays for cold items and warming trays for hot foods. Present your dishes in an appealing way, perhaps using inflatable drink holders for beverages. Remember, the flow of food should be continuous, ensuring your guests have access to snacks and refreshments throughout the party.
Shop for Your Next Pool Party at Caputo’s
Caputo’s has the freshest fruit and vegetables, the most delicious cakes and baked goods, and high-quality meats and deli items. We have stores throughout the Chicagoland and surrounding area, or you can shop online for extra convenience. And don’t forget to send us an invite!
Even better, you relax and leave the cooking to us, and we’ll create a memorable pool party menu. Contact us today to learn more about our services, hours, and locations.
With the Fourth of July coming up, we know that there will be many celebrations and bbqs coming up! Being able to sit outside and enjoy some good barbecue with people you love creates some of the best summer memories. We can help you create some barbecue memories because we have all the grilling essentials you need this summer!
There are so many things that taste better when they are out on the grill. Here are 5 items you need for your 4th of July cookouts.
Corn
You can either put the corn on there with the husks and everything or peel the husks, remove the silk, add your seasonings, and let the corn sit on the grill. This gives the corn a delicious and fresh flavor. The grill leaves the corn warmed and with an unmatched and distinct taste. Whether the classic salt and butter, getting creative with some lime juice, or adding some spice like paprika or tajin, corn is a must!
Pineapple
Feeling adventurous? Try grilling your pineapple! You can cut your pineapple into rings or spears, then put them on the grill. Grilling pineapple allows for the natural sweetness of pineapple itself to caramelize. This caramelization process gives it a delicious taste that can be used in so many ways. You can enjoy grilled pineapple with ice cream as a dessert, chop it up with some grilled onions and make it into a salsa that would taste great on steak, or add it to your burger!
Veggies
Veggies taste great on the grill! Things like zucchini, eggplant, onions, peppers and more are all easy to grill and delicious. The grill gives it a wonderful charred flavor with little work and little mess!
Now we are getting to the main event of all barbecues– the meat! Our meat department offers a variety of the freshest products perfect for your barbecue. Our unique items will give your party or dinner a delicious and flavorful twist!
Kabobs
In our meat department, you will find a variety of pre made and pre-marinated kabobs that are a big hit at BBQs. Steak, chicken, or pork with peppers and onions, all the work is done for you! Just grill and enjoy!
Burgers
Everyone loves a good burger. Our ground round, chuck, or top sirloin burgers are all incredibly juicy. If you’re looking for something a little different to add to your menu, try our stuffed burgers! With three different options, these can satisfy a range of people. For those who like spicy, try our jalapeno cheddar burgers. For those that like cheese, we offer a blue cheese stuffed burger. For the meat lovers, try our bacon cheddar burgers! These will melt in your mouth and make your tastebuds dance with flavor!
Marinated Proteins
We all know that the flavor of the main dishes has a lot to do with the marinades, that is why we offer tons of pre-marinated fish, chicken, and meat! In tons of varieties for whatever your taste buds are calling for, this is an easy BBQ staple! Garlic parmesan chicken breast, Mediterranean salmon, greek chicken drumsticks, and more!
Sausage
What summer bbq is complete without some of our homemade sausage? Our sausage is made in house daily. Our recipe has been tweaked and perfected over the years. It is made th old-world way, by hand using lean pork and private seasoning blend. There is nothing quite like our homemade sausage. Hot or mild, links or rope, traditional or barese– we have it and we have dedicated a lot of time and effort to making it perfect.
These are just a few, stop by our meat department for stuffed jalepenos wrapped in bacon, stuffed mushrooms, stuffed peppers, and more! Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
As a family owned and operated company, we know how important what you feed your family is. We take pride in offering our extended family of customers . We go to great lengths to prepare high quality foods using the freshest and healthiest ingredients.
Did you know that in our warehouse, located in Carol Stream, we have a kitchen where we prepare the foods that you see in-store? We make everything from scratch, exactly how you would at home… just without all the mess! We use fresh food and produce straight from our shelves to prepare these meals and dishes so you can trust what you’re getting.
We also have state of the art technology which aids in our cooking process. Because of this equipment, we are able to extend the shelf life of our products without adding any preservatives or additives. All of the items in our prepared foods section are all natural and made from scratch using only high quality ingredients.
Our offerings range from individual portions to family size meals. We have pans of pasta, different varieties of chicken, soups, sauces, and more. Whether you are looking for a complete meal or you just need a sous-chef for the night and want to pick up a protein or pasta, we have what you need. You can do things like make your own parmigiana dishes with our marinara sauce, make your own eggplant salad with our breaded eggplant, put our lemon sauce over fish or chicken, add chicken to your pasta with our prepared chicken, serve our meatballs on pasta night, and so much more.
We even have Italian specialties like arancini, panzerotti, and seasonal dishes for holidays– calzone on Easter anyone?
Our prepared foods are available in our prepared food case in each store. It is also available in our hot foods department and through catering! We have tons of options and cuisines for every gathering.
Take a look inside our kitchen to see what we do, then stop in and try some food for yourself… you won’t be disappointed!
This upcoming Sunday is Father’s Day! The day is dedicated to appreciating all the father figures in a person’s life. It is a day to acknowledge all the valuable lessons, laughs, and guidance they have given over the years. Maybe you’re firing up the grill and getting ready for a BBQ or doing whatever dad chooses! With Father’s Day this Sunday, I can’t help but think of two very important men in my life and in our company. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize my father, Robertino Presta, and grandfather, Angelo Caputo.
My father started working at Caputo’s at a very young age. My grandfather hired him because of his strength and work ethic. His efficiency in unloading the trucks as a teenager is a testament to his ability to work hard. He never hesitates to step in during any task. He embraces all challenges, coming up with unique and efficient ways to get past them.
He has helped us and the business grow, including taking us to levels that we never thought were imaginable. Each step and new chapter is still based on the foundation instilled in him by my grandparents and constantly re-enforced by my mom.
One of the things I feel most fortunate for is that my father believes in us, sometimes more than we believe in ourselves. He doesn’t make us feel like we cannot handle a situation. He uses his mistakes to encourage us to do the same. My siblings and I talked about some of the many lessons we have learned from our dad and a few of the highlights are
You are capable of doing and accomplishing more than you think
Healthy competition
There is always a solution or way to fix something
You succeed by putting in the work
Don’t expect others to take care of things for you, you get it done
He helps to give us the tools we need to succeed and guides us towards the path of success. I have learned so much from not only my father, but my grandfather too.
Angelo Caputo was not only my grandfather, but an inspiration, another father, and a role model. His absence leaves us with a gaping hole, but we know he is always with us.
My grandfather and our patriarch, Angelo Caputo, has always been one of my biggest inspirations. He was a true testament of a hard working, dedicated man. Our whole business is built on his blood, sweat, and tears.
He led a life of hard work and was the strongest man I knew. He was constantly faced with challenges, but never let anything stand between him and his goal.
He was always there for a story, a lesson, a phone call, or an esspressino date. He took the time to sit with us and pass along important tools and some of his wisdom. From teaching us how to clean up a produce display or telling us stories from his childhood, he was always there for us. The many lessons he taught us are beautiful memories that we will cherish and carry with us forever.
I am very lucky to have these two strong men as role models. My father and grandfather are incredible people whose sacrifices and hard work have led to many great achievements. I have the utmost respect for these two men and strive to make them proud.
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures
At Angelo Caputo’s, we believe fresh fruit and vegetables should be celebrated year-round! June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month, a time for everyone to embrace the beautiful colors and delicious tastes of nature’s bounty!
Did you know we get our produce fresh daily? Our buyers start their day very early and head out to check on the available produce and buy it so that it ends up I Nour stores that very same day. We also do a lot of business with local farmers, some we have been doing business with for generations!
Discover the Power of Fresh Produce
Fruits and vegetables are the superheroes of nutrition. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In most cases, they’re very portable and can fit in your backpack or purse (exceptions include an entire watermelon or a pumpkin). Most require no cooking to enjoy. Just wash or peel. Veggies and fruit are vital in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. From the crisp crunch of a cucumber to the juicy sweetness of a strawberry, each bite is a bite towards vitality and well-being. So, let’s raise our glasses (filled with a refreshing fruit or veggie smoothie, of course) to the nutritional powerhouses that keep us energized and thriving!
Embrace the Joy of Fruits & Vegetables
If, like many of us, you struggle to increase the number of fruits and vegetables in your diet, National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month is a great time to tweak and improve your shopping and dining habits. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Make fruits and vegetables readily available. After doing your grocery shopping, prep vegetables for easy snacking. Wash and prep vegetables and store them in small containers for grab-and-go snacks. Have fruits like bananas and apples easily accessible on the kitchen counter.
Make vegetables the main attraction at dinner. Instead of having vegetables as a side dish, try new dishes centered around vegetables. For example, grain bowls, stir-fries, and hearty salads are fantastic and easy ways to incorporate vegetables. You don’t need to go whole vegetarian to get more vegetables in your diet. Salads with chicken and steak make filling entrees.
Let your kitchen become a playground! Have some fun! Try new cooking methods, visit farmer’s markets, and experiment with different and unusual vegetables and fruits. Buy in small quantities and let your taste buds be the captain of this new adventure.
Make Healthy Eating a Delicious Habit
Keep in mind that eating healthy does not mean we need to sacrifice flavor and satisfaction. Eating should be about pleasure and nourishment for both the mind and body. Like exercising, eating fruits and vegetables, you enjoy means you’ll eat them more and make them more of a habit. There’s no sense in eating kale (or doing burpees) if you absolutely don’t like it. Although our Kale Quesadillas may change your mind about this super veggie, how to enjoy burpees – please let us know.
National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month is the perfect time to explore creative recipes that showcase the deliciousness of fresh produce. Start your day with a delicious smoothie, a grain bowl topped with a rainbow of fruits, or savor a light and refreshing salad bursting with seasonal veggies. Don’t forget to indulge your sweet tooth with guilt-free fruit-based desserts. Plan your meals to be a celebration of health!
Share the Love for Fresh Produce
One of the best ways to celebrate National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month is by sharing fresh veggies and fruit with others. If you belong to an exercise or cooking group or have friends and family looking to change their diets for the better, organize a potluck dinner or a picnic where everyone brings a dish made with their favorite fruits or vegetables. Share recipes, meal ideas, and success stories to inspire others toward a vibrant and nourishing lifestyle.
Get Your Daily Dose of Fruits & Veggies at Angelo Caputo’s
So, let’s raise our forks to National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month! Now’s the time to fill up with colorful salads, juicy seasonal fruits, and crunchy veggies. Savor the flavors and reap the rewards to a healthier and happier you. At Angelo Caputo’s, we make it easy to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet. Shop Caputo’s online or in-store and make the most of fruits and vegetables today.
