Author: Rosella Presta

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:

• Sub Sandwiches
• Shrimp tacos
• Burgers 
• Pizza
• Olive Salads
• Caprese Pasta Salad

Dessert Foods for Pool Parties

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:

• Italian Ice
• Berry Salad
• Cookies 
• Popsicles
• 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.

• Mojito Mocktail
• Aperol Spritz

Pool Party Success

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. 

From Our Family To Yours

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!

From Our Family To Yours

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!

From Our Family To Yours

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 

From Our Family To Yours

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.   

1. 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.  
2. 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.  
3.  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.   

From Our Family To Yours

Whatever you eat on June 2^nd, it had better include one or two rotisserie chickens to celebrate National Rotisserie Chicken Day!

Rotisserie chicken is a chicken cooked on a rotisserie, using direct heat to cook because the chicken is placed next to the heat source. The chickens are put onto rods that rotate to ensure optimal juiciness and cooking. 

You can feel good about feeding it to your family. Our chickens are always fresh and never frozen. There are no added hormones or steroids and they are MSG free. In addition to these benefits, the taste is incredible!

Our chicken is known for its outstanding flavor and juiciness. We season it with a special herb rub. The special seasoning is made with a variety of different herbs and spices to give the chicken a unique and delicious flavor. It is our homemade blend that we took the time to test and develop until we got it to the special blend we were proud to feed you and your families!

We offer three different styles of rotisserie chicken– traditional, Mexican, and jerk. Each different style has a unique flavor profile you can’t get anywhere else!

We love using rotisserie chicken in recipes that call for shredded or pulled chicken– in soups, on nachos, and in buffalo chicken dips are just a few ways we use it!

Side Dishes to Complement Rotisserie Chicken

Our Recipe Rack is brimming with recipes for side dishes that will make the perfect accompaniment for National Rotisserie Chicken Day. Why not tempt your guests with some delicious vegetable recipes such as:

• Ginger, Almond, and Garlic Broccoli,
• Sautéed Tomatoes, or
• Roasted Carrots and Parsnips with Basil alongside these tasty Salt Baked Potatoes with Roasted Garlic & Rosemary. There will be empty plates and happy faces all around the table.

You could also keep things simple and healthy with a nutritious salad. Our Cobb Salad takes only ten minutes to prepare and serve, whereas our Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Warm Bacon Balsamic Dressing takes a little more effort but is worth it.

Rotisserie Chicken Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers from your rotisserie chicken recipes, you have many options to choose from to make some delightful recipes. Chicken is such a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, sandwiches, soups, casseroles, and more. Check out our Recipe Rack for the full list of recipes that involve chicken.

Buy Your Ingredients at Caputo’s

When planning your National Rotisserie Chicken Day celebration, choose Caputo’s for all your ingredients. From ready-flavored rotisserie chickens that only need to be put into the oven to all the ingredients for your side dishes, Caputo’s has it all. Fresh, flavorful food is what we’re known for, and we can guarantee you will have a great party and your guests will leave happy. Shop online or at one of our Caputo’s stores today.

From Our Family To Yours

The sun is shining into the evening, and the days are getting warmer. You smell the neighbor’s barbeque and think you should get in on the action. At Caputo’s, we have mouthwatering recipes that will make everyone want an invite to your next barbeque. Get your supplies from Caputo’s and have your best-ever cookout!

Extra-Special Steak

Give your steak an upgrade with our extra-special Coffee Rubbed Steak recipe. The flavors combine delightfully to give you a steak that is cranked up a notch. Everyone will wonder how you got that flavor and ask you for the recipe.

Grilled Bratwurst Salad

It’s always good to have a little bit of green at a barbeque! Satisfy everyone’s hunger with our Grilled Bratwurst Salad recipe. Simply load your skewer and keep turning it on the barbeque until it’s cooked through. Serve with a salad on the side and twice-baked potatoes. There’s no need to prepare the skewers early; everyone can make their own with the number of vegetables they want. These hot sausages are sure to go down well with your guests.

Tequila Lime Chicken

Our Tequila Lime Chicken may take a little more preparation than our other recipes, but it’s definitely worth it. It tastes best if it has been marinated the day before your barbeque, for all those succulent flavors to do their thing, making the chicken nice and moist. This super tasty dish is also great once it has cooled, so it doesn’t matter if you have leftovers. It is perfect to have with a salad and double-baked potatoes or to take cold on a picnic.

Get Your Best Barbecue Supplies at Caputo’s

Caputo’s is the place to go to get all your delicious, fresh ingredients for a barbecue that will stay long in people’s memories. We live for great food and socializing and only provide you with cuisine you will be proud to present to your guests. Shop at Caputo’s online or in-store and make the most of the summer months with delectable, flavorsome barbecue food using our fantastic recipes, more of which are online.

From Our Family To Yours

We can’t believe another school year is winding down. AS the countdown to summer gets shorter and shorter, that means many students are preparing to start a new chapter in their lives. The graduates are getting ready to walk and we are getting ready to celebrate them!

Having a get together to honor the accomplishments of your student? We know emotions are high as life milestones pass by, so let us take some of the party stress off you. Our catering department is ready to help you make your event perfect!

Full meals, individual platters, desserts, just one part of the meal… Whatever you need, we’re here to help! We take pride in creating delicious meals with the best ingredients, all items are made from scratch so you can be sure you’re getting quality dishes! Family is who we are and we want you to make the most of all the time you can spend with your family.

Here are some grad party staples:

Antipasto trays

Easy for your guests to munch on throughout the party, trays are a staple! We have a variety of different meat, cheese, and olive trays for you to choose from!

• 

• 

• 

• 

Pasta

With our homemade sauces, we have tons of pasta cuts and sauces for you to choose from. We also offer specialty pasta dishes like pasta with rapini, sausage, carbonara, frutti di mare, and more!

• 

• 

• 

Mains

Chicken, salmon, beef, sausage and peppers… we have it all! We even offer deluxe meal packages which include multiple components of the meal!

• 

• 

Specialties

We love tradition which is why you can find some specialty items that might be hard to find elsewhere! Lasagna rollups, eggplant and ricotta roll ups, antipasto salads, stuffed peppers… we’ve got all the goods!

• 

• 

Dessert

Our La Bella Romana bakery team is ready to work with you to make your party a success! With customizable cookies, specialty cakes, school color treats, a custom party cannoli, and more. Your guests are sure to have their sweet tooth satisfied. 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

To place your catering order, shop online or call us at (630) 620-4444 ext 1040. To place your bakery order, email us at lbrbakery@caputomarkets.com or call us at (630) 620-4444 ext 1036.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

From Our Family To Yours

Mother’s Day is this Sunday. It is the day to honor your mom and all those who you have maternal bonds with.

I am incredibly grateful to have many strong, beautiful women to celebrate, two of which hold a very special place in my heart, Romana Caputo and Antonella Caputo Presta.

Our matriarch and my grandmother, Romana Caputo, was one of the best women there was. Any person who has crossed her path is sure to tell you a memory centered around her cooking skills, generosity, or classiness. A self taught cook, she spent hours in the kitchen preparing for various occasions and meals. No one who encountered my Nonna was left hungry. It was her mission to make sure all of her loved ones were happy and she did everything she could to lift others up. She was always there for her husband, Angelo Caputo, as his biggest support and his rock through his long, grueling days of hard work. She made sacrifices to help him achieve his dreams. She had the biggest heart and the kindest soul. The picture of class, she made everyone in her presence feel like a part of her family. It is inspired by her beauty and exceptional cooking skills that we get the name of our private label, La Bella Romana. Translated to the Beautiful Romana,  Angelo created our private label as a way to acknowledge all she did for our family and company. Although gone too soon, she has left a beautiful legacy and we continue to honor her in every way that we can. Her spirit and her mission lives on through her daughter, Antonella.

• 

• 

Another integral part of the foundation of our family and business is my mother, Antonella Caputo Presta. She is the perfect example of a mother, daughter, grandmother, business owner– really of just a woman in general. Her selflessness, humbleness, and hard work are inspiring. She is the heart and soul of our family– a devoted mother and the best nonna, she does everything she can for her family. My siblings and I spent some time reflecting this year on what we’ve learned from our mom and the memories and lessons were countless. She has taught us everyday tools like don’t wake a sleeping baby, drive defensively, and always clean as you go. She is a woman of faith and lets her trust in God guide her and encourages all of us to do the same. Some of her other lessons that our family carries with us everyday are do what you know is right and let God control the rest, you don’t know what’s going on in someone’s life so don’t judge, the importance of family, and so many more. She is always there for a hug, a meal, a prayer, or anything we may need. 

• 

• 

I am so blessed to have my grandmother and mother as role models in my life. They are everything I hope to be one day. 

Happy Mother’s Day, Nonna and Mommy, and Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful mothers and motherly figures ❤️

From Our Family To Yours

Who is ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? You don’t have to be from Mexico to celebrate the fantastic culture and their delicious food. You may have sorted your decorations and place settings but what about the food? Fear not; we at Caputo’s have the perfect fish tacos and enchilada recipes, plus the tastiest guacamole and nachos that are ideal to make in bulk for a family party that will put you in the mood! Continue reading to create a Cinco de Mayo party your family and friends will never forget.

The Best Fish Tacos

No Cinco de Mayo party would be complete without tacos. Our Crispy Fish Tacos with Avocado and Pineapple Salsa is our favorite taco dish. The salsa perfectly complements the fish. You’ll have to be quick to get your hands on one of these as we guarantee there won’t be any left by the end of the night. If fish isn’t your thing, we have plenty of other taco recipes to get your taco fix! Search our Recipe Rack for “tacos” to find more.

Enchiladas with A Twist

Delight your vegetarian friends with these Vegetarian Green Chile Enchiladas! The prep time with these is only 15 minutes, and then simply cook in the oven. A great twist on a classic, this is a dish that everyone can enjoy.

Super-Simple Nachos

We like to keep things simple but delicious when hosting a party. These sheet pan nachos are a crowd-pleaser and easy to make. Toppings can be altered to keep even the fussiest guest happy. We can’t think of anyone who would be able to resist this tasty dish.

The Perfect Dish to Serve with Guacamole

You could put a dish of guacamole and a spoon on the table, and everyone would be happy, but we recommend serving your guacamole with this mouthwatering chicken quesadillas recipe. This only takes 5 minutes to prep and 8 minutes to cook. Everyone’s a winner with these.

Drinks and Desserts

No party is complete without some Mexican-themed drinks and desserts. Tequila, margaritas, and craft beer are popular Mexican alcoholic drinks. Provide raspberry hibiscus iced tea and Horchata for those not drinking alcohol.

For dessert, churros are a no-brainer, and you can easily satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth with a Tres Leches cake. With all of these recipes, everyone’s going to want to come to you for Cinco de Mayo every year!

Party with Caputo’s

You can find all the ingredients for your Cinco de Mayo party at Caputo’s. When searching for recipes, you can add all the ingredients directly to your shopping basket to make things even easier! Pop down to your local Caputo’s or shop online today.

From Our Family To Yours