Summertime means a lot of outdoor activities! One of the best things to do on a summer night is a bonfire. There is nothing like sitting around a fire with your friends or family– listening to music, sharing stories, and creating memories. Don’t forget the s’mores!
S’mores are a classic summer treat that we look forward to. The combo of toasted marshmallow, chocolate, and graham crackers is a fantastic trio. Late nights around the bonfire during summer has us thinking about the delicious dessert. While a classic s’more is great, there are some things you can do to make your next s’more indescribable!
Here are 5 ideas to take your s’mores to the next level.
1. A peanut butter cup or peanut butter
Is peanut butter a guilty pleasure of yours? Chocolate and peanut butter are a fantastic duo, so why not bring it into a s’more?! Substitute your chocolate bar with a peanut butter cup for a new, savory flavor! This delicious pairing gives you sweet and salty in every bite!
Already have your ingredients, but want this peanut butter duo? Shmear your graham cracker with peanut butter and then add the rest of the s’more ingredients! You get to control how much peanut butter goes on it and you get the great flavor!
2. Cookies
Who doesn’t love a fresh cookie? It makes a great ice cream sandwich and it makes a great base for smores! Try to swap out your graham crackers for a cookie. Whether homemade or store bought, small or big, sugar or chocolate chip… the options are endless! It’s a fun way to change up the taste of a classic s’more!
Some cookie flavors to try– chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter, snickerdoodle, double chocolate… have fun with it!
3. Fruit
Want to add a little freshness to your s’more? How about some fruit. Chocolate and fruit go well together… think chocolate covered strawberries or bananas. Being that S’mores are a pretty rich treat, adding some fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas gives it a brand new flavor! Plus how good are juicy berries in the summer!
4. Pretzels
In a very sweet dessert, sometimes you want a little salt. Adding a pretzel is a great way to add a little salt and more of a crunch. You can even swap out the graham crackers for pretzels.
5. Nutella
Nutella is delicious on so many things and s’mores are no exception! Swap out the chocolate bar for some creamy Nutella and you will not be disappointed! A softer bite, a subtle hazelnut flavor, and pure deliciousness!
Using different candies, chocolate graham crackers, and so many other ways… enjoy the best days of summer with some of these innovative ideas!
On the go, packed for lunch, a quick bite to eat… sandwiches are a versatile meal option! August is National Sandwich Month and National Panini Month. Our deli is the perfect place to celebrate this.
Our international deli has a large variety of imported and domestic, premium meats, cheeses, and olives. There are a plethora of options for you to make your perfect sandwich. Prosciutto or Turkey, Swiss or Provolone, a mix of deli meats and cheeses– we want to know what your go-to is!
Think you’re the best sandwich maker? Put it to the test for your chance to win a Caputo’s gift card!
We want to know the ingredients you use to make your sandwiches. Submit your sandwich recipes. The brands, the slicing preference, the type of bread, hot or cold– we want to know it all.
Here’s how to enter:
Step by Step Directions
Shop at Caputo’s for all your sandwich making necessities
Make your sandwich and document it as detailed as you can
Write down all the ingredients you use. We want to know what you put in your sandwich that makes it better than everyone else’s.
Take a picture of it… lots of pictures!
Fill out this form with all the above info and submit any extras we should know. We will take your submission, review it, and test out the recipe! Our team will judge based on overall flavor and decide who has the best sandwich!
What you can win
A Caputo’s Gift Card
1st Place- $100
2nd Place- $50
3rd Place- $25
Your recipe is featured on our social media, websites, and is available for purchase as a special in our hot foods department on September 10, 17th, and 24th! The special and recipe will feature your name so everyone knows where it came from!
Your recipe will be featured on our website so other shoppers can test it out for themselves! It will also be featured in a banner on our homepage
We will then offer your sandwich as a special in our hot foods departments in our Addison, Carol Stream, and Naperville stores every Friday throughout the month
Bragging Rights
The Rules
You have the whole month of August to submit. We will go over the recipes and make the sandwiches, then pick a winner from there. The winners will be contacted and then announced on September 6.
Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date and see our family share our go-to sandwiches!
The weather is beautiful, the nights are long, and there is a lot to celebrate. If you’re looking for something beautiful and delicious to bring to a get together or to put out for guests, we have just the thing!
This board features new cheeses, fresh summer produce, unique crackers, and more! This board has what every good charcuterie board needs– a mix of flavors, shapes, textures, and colors! It looks beautiful and tastes delicious.There is something for everyone.
Before we get started, here are a few key things to remember when making a charcuterie board
Placement– When placing your items on the board, do not have anything that rolls in the corners or on the edges. This prevents items from falling off your board
Balance- You want to balance the items on your board. Have a mix sweet and savory, different textures, and different shapes
Color- having little pops of color goes a long way! Choosing a few bright items like green olives or colorful fruits and veggies is an easyway to accomplish this!
Nothing will be perfect, just have fun with it!
Now it’s time, here are the items on our summer, farmer’s market charcuterie board!
Cheese
Even if you aren’t looking to make a board, we have some fantastic and different new cheeses that you must try!
Windsor Red
This is a creamy and mild English cheddar. During the making process, port wine and brandy is infused into this cheddar which is where the unique red marbling color comes from. The result is a beautiful looking cheese that is sweet and savory at the same time. You get the sweetness of the wine and the sharpness of the cheddar in every bite. For our board, we cut this cheese into wedges.
3 year Gouda
This Vintage Lot Gouda is aged 36 months and from the Netherlands. It has a nutty, caramel, butterscotch taste and a firm bite. The aging allows salt crystals to form which give it a crunchy, yet creamy bite! For the board, we cut the cheese into matchsticks.
Mustard Seed Gouda
This cheese is a sweet, but savory gouda with mustard seeds in it from Holland. It is a lighter, mild cheese that is extra creamy.
For the board, we cubed this cheese.
Wooly Woolly
Wooly Woolly is a fresh sheep’s milk cheese that is spreadable and extremely versatile. This is great on crackers, in pasta sauce, with jelly, or even straight up with a spoon! It is fluffy and tastes rich, sweet, and mild. It is very different from any other sheep’s milk cheese because of how mild it tastes.
For the board, we cut it in half and added a spoon to the cheese.
Blueberry Lemon Goat Cheese
Even if you don’t like goat cheese, this is a must try! Incredibly creamy with a sweet tang, this goat cheese log is delicious! With a taste almost like a blueberry lemonade, this adds a sweet flavor to the board. This cheese would be good in salads or even as a dessert!
Homemade Bocconcini
A fan favorite, we also included our homemade bocconcini! Soft and fresh, our homemade bocconcini is unlike any other. This hand stretched and tied mozzarella is a must on any board!
Supreme Brie Bites
Bite size, individual pieces of brie. Each piece is incredibly rich, creamy, and buttery! This cheese comes pre packed, so we took it out of the packaging and added it into spots on our board to add some dimension.
Crackers
We used some new, delicious crackers on this board!
Effies Homemade Oat Biscuits
New to Caputo’s is the Effie’s biscuits, In a few different varieties, they are versatile and full of flavor. We used the oat biscuits on our board. They are buttery, great with every cheese. These are truly addicting!
Isola Cranberry and Poppy SeedFlatbread
This cracker has a great texture and flavor. It’s not super sweet and a great addition to any board!
Rosemary Sea Salt Mediterranean Baked Crackers
We chose these as a new texture, flavor, and because they are great on a cheese board
Meats
Peppered Salami
This peppered salami is a great contrast to a board that has a lot of fruit and no spicy cheese. This adds a new flavor and a good look as you can fold it into fun shapes
Mortadella
A great and simple meat, we suggest folding it softly into fluffy shapes
Parma Prosciutto
Another classic! We suggest rolling it lightly and on a bias for a full flavor profile
Savory
For a change in flavors, textures, and fun colors, we chose a few savory items to put on the board.
Castelvetrano Olives
These olives imported from Italy are sweet and buttery. They’re great for snacking and good with lots of cheese!
Roasted Red Bell Peppers
Available pre-marinated in our deli, these are a new, oily, savory flavor profile! They add color and good to stop items from rolling
Condiments
Little items to pick on that provide different textures and flavors, they are great for snacking between bites!
La Bella Romana unsalted pistachios
Valencia almonds with fine herbs
Mitica caramelized walnuts
Produce
Summer is a great time for fresh produce. There are so many items currently in season that go great on a board. This board has an emphasis on fresh produce to give it a farmer’s market feel!
Fruit
It’s stone fruit season, so those are a must!
peaches
white nectarine
sapphire grapes (not super sweet, but natural sweetness and adds a fun shape)
Cherries
Veggies
Persian cucumbers (Rich and buttery)
Orange bell pepper
Carrots (good for color and munching. We cleaned the carrot, cut tip, and halved i, but left some of the stem on it)
Italy has advanced to the finals and we could not be more excited! It has been an exciting run and we cannot wait to see Sunday’s game! Maybe you’re getting ready to watch with family or planning to come to Caputo’s and watch in the bar. No matter how you’re watching, we are sure food will be involved.
What better way to cheer on Team Italy than with some Italian classics. At Caputo’s, we are very proud of our Italian heritage. We have a variety of items imported straight from Italy and some classic Italian items.
Here are some staples that are great to cheer on Team Italy this Sunday!
Panzerotti
Panzerotti is dough stuffed with sauce, cheese, and other pizza ingredients! A classic in Angelo’s hometown of Mola di Bari, you can often see people in the piazza late at night enjoying panzerotti!
Taralli
Have you tried taralli? They are an Italian snack item that taste almost like a cracker and we have them available in a variety of flavors. They are great on their own or paired with cheese or salami!
Lupini
Lupini are a common Mediterranean snack related to chickpeas and lentils. In addition to their delicious taste, they are full of nutrients too. Lupini are a great source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and more!
Focaccia
Focaccia is a bread baked in an oven and topped with oil, tomatoes, salt, and more! We make ours in-house daily and in multiple sizes and shapes. It is known for its light and airy texture. It is great to make sandwiches with or eat on its own!
Sausage
Tradition is important to us and our sausage is a testament to that. Our homemade sausage is full of flavors and aromas that will make your home taste like Italy!
Our sausage is made in-house daily. The process starts with our old-world tradition of using hand-trimmed lean pork. We mix the pork with our private blend of spices and seasonings, developed specifically for our sausage.
Let us know what other Italian staples are your favorites!
The Fourth of July is the summer holiday known for fireworks, fun, and (most importantly) food! If you’re going to an American themed get-together, you might be tasked with hosting or preparing a dish. In a holiday known for grilling, sides and desserts are incredibly important! Let’s be honest, choosing what to make that will please a crowd is usually tough.
It’ll be hot enough outside, so don’t sweat over what to make. We have some ideas for you!
Here are 4 All American appetizer, side, and dessert recipes perfect for your Fourth of July festivities!
Appetizer Ideas
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Anything wrapped in bacon is good! Bacon wrapped dates are easy to make and a great balance of naturally sweet, salty, and savory.
We have two different options for you to try– one stuffed with goat cheese and the other stuffed with almonds. Both are delicious and completely a preference choice! You can even try both.
This protein-rich white bean hummus is the perfect thing to have ready-made in the fridge. Pair with fresh cut seasonal veggies and crunchy pita chips for a delicious, munchy snack that’s kid-approved!
These golden-brown sweet potato wedges make a versatile side dish or snack with only minutes of hands-on work. Each bite bursts with smoky and sweet flavors, perfect to pair with chipotle ranch dressing, sriracha mayonnaise sauce, or plain ranch dressing for dipping.
Nothing is more american than some apple pie! Add the use of mason jars and it’s perfect. These little pies might just be the cutest (and tastiest) pies ever. The mason jar lids act a bit like a little spring-form pan. It is a delicious individual dessert idea!
How does one begin to describe a man who did such remarkable things?
Angelo Caputo led a life of hard work, generosity, and faith.
He was the picture of strength. He came to America as a teenager with nothing, but the desire to make something of himself and create a good life for himself and his future family. The true pioneer in the grocery industry, he founded Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets in 1958.
His life goal was to serve others. He loved to make connections with people and make sure they were happy— especially by feeding them. With the creation of Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets, he was able to serve a large crowd. His work, paired with his wife’s ability to create a feast in a flash, meant that anyone who crossed their path was never hungry… in any way.
He was a true legend. He created opportunities for so many and was highly regarded as an inspiration and a teacher.
When my mom was designing our Caputo’s uniforms, she very intentionally put the Caputo’s logo on the left chest and the La Bella Romana logo on the right arm. It is with great pride that we wear his name on our uniforms over our hearts. He is the heart and soul of our family and our company, so it’s only fitting that his name is written over our hearts literally, while his memory and countless lessons remain written in our hearts forever. The name of his wife is worn on our right arm because Romana was his right hand and his strength and guiding force.
He was a very proud man, and he got the most pride from watching and being a part of the successes of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He wanted to be at every moment of our lives, big or small— every hockey game, dinner, birthday, milestone, trip to the park, or pick-up game in the backyard. He loved nothing more than sharing a meal or an espressino with his loved ones. No matter what the occasion, he wanted to be there supporting his family that he loved so much.
He would take every opportunity to teach us a lesson or tell us a story— teaching us how to eat a prickly pear, telling us to always make sure the bellies on the watermelon were face down, telling us stories from his childhood, or car rides full of singing and sharing memories… he was always there for us.
He drew his strength from his family and they were his everything. He loved to be surrounded by them, especially when they were wearing their red Caputo’s shirts.
His favorite song was “My Way” by Frank Sinatra and nothing is more fitting to him. The song goes “I’ve lived a life that’s full. I’ve traveled each and every highway. But more, much more than this, I did it my way”
He lived a full, beautiful life and made an impression on so many. He never shied away from any challenge, but faced every obstacle head on with class and perseverance. He created something so special.
He leaves us with an incredible legacy that our family will work endlessly to preserve in an effort to make him proud and give him the respect that he so greatly deserves.
We take solace in knowing that he is reunited with and at peace with his beautiful wife, the greatest love of his life. We know we will see him again one day and we will make sure his legacy on earth will continue forever. We know that Nonna welcomed him home with an incredible feast and they are dancing together again.
Rest In Peace, Nonno. We love you.
In an effort to continue his legacy and keep his spirit alive, we want to hear your memories. Please email us with any stories or memories you have of Angelo or Caputo’s. Send them to memories@caputomarkets.com
As we head into some of the warmest days of summer, your meal selections may reflect the hotter temperatures. You may be looking for something light and refreshing, but still full of flavor.
The Recipe Rack feature on our website has a variety of options that are great for every mood and craving. The great thing about the Recipe Rack? It’s your one stop shop! Find a recipe that looks good to you and you have the option to add all the ingredients to your cart and get them delivered right to your door or ready for curbside pickup!
It’s a perfect meal planning solution for the busy days running between activities.
A wonderfully light, flavorful chicken dish that’s great for backyard cookouts. This dish is truly the ultimate go-to: easy but beautiful enough for company.
Simply flavorful! This festively colorful dinner will wow both family and guests. Even better, it delivers brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and vitamin C-rich fresh salsa.
June 4th is National Cheese Day and there are so many ways to celebrate! We take pride in our large selection of cheese. Imported to domestic, fresh to aged, soft to hard… there are so many different options of cheese that make us excited to celebrate National Cheese Day!
With a deli and cheese section full of different varieties to choose from, it can be intimidating to choose your favorite. The Caputo family narrowed down some of our favorites!
Parmigiano Reggiano
Angelo’s Favorite- Our Founder
Imported from Italy, parmigiano is a hard Italian cheese. This cheese can only be made from cow’s milk who eats a certain percentage of foods. There are many producers of this cheese, but all factories are regulated to ensure that any parmigiano reggiano cheese meets certain standards and grades. This cheese is great cut in cubes or even freshly grated on pasta!
Caciocavallo
Robertino’s Pick- Angelo’s son-in-law
Produced in Southern Italy, Caciocavallo is a stretched, curd cheese. It is soft with a salty and sharp flavor. The word cavallo translates to “horse” because it is said that cheese used to be transported by tying it in bags and hanging on ropes over a horse’s back. This cheese is not always available, so be sure to get it while you can!
Fontina
Antonella’s Pick – Angelo’s Daughter
Fontina is a cheese made from cow milk with a semi soft to hard texture. It is incredibly creamy and nutty with a subtlety sharp flavor! Fontina is known to melt easily which makes it great for cooking or even using aas a fondue!
Cypress Hill Midnight Moon Goat Gouda
Giancarlo’s Pick- Angelo’s Grandson
This goat gouda is aged 6 or more months. It is nutty and buttery with hints of caramel. There is a bit of a sweet crunch to this soft cheese because as it continues to age, protein crystals are formed in the cheese. This unique cheese pairs great with sweet items like chocolate dipped caramels or salty items like seeded crackers!
Pecorino Romano
Daniela’s Pick- Angelo’s Granddaughter
Pecorino Romano is a cheese native to Italy. It is made from sheep’s milk, in fact,in Italian, pecora actually means female sheep! Its profile is on the saltier side, not too strong, and crumbly in texture. It is a very versatile cheese that is great for grating or snacking!
Homemade Ricotta
Rosella’s Pick- Angelo’s Granddaughter
Our homemade ricotta is one of our top favorites! Available in our deli, Ricotta is made from re-cooking the milk whey leftover from the production of other cheese. The result is a soft, creamy, and delicious cheese! There is so much you can do with ricotta. Need some ideas? Check out our ricotta blog here!
We have so many options, check out this video to see a few
On June 20, 1991, we opened our second store ever in Addison, IL. We have moved and grown, but we have created many memories and are proud to have served the Addison community through these last 30 years. We want to celebrate this huge milestone and to do so, we are throwing a month-long party!
We will have tons of events throughout the month of June. Pig roasts, food truck events, car shows, in-store demos, live music, coupons, giveaways and more!
On June 19th and 20th, Pit Master Jack will be in Addison with some great barbecue! On June 26th and 27th, we will have live music and a pig roast! Tons more events will be announced throughout the month, so make sure you are following us on social media and check our website for the updates!
As a thank you to our customers, we are also doing 30 Days of Giveaways! Each day in the month of June, we will be giving away a prize. The winners will be randomly drawn daily.
Want to enter? Here’s how:
Head to Caputo’s in Addison to do your grocery shopping, grab a bite to eat, or a drink. Each time you make a purchase at our store, you will be given a raffle ticket. Fill out the raffle ticket and drop it in the box by the exit. We will draw a winner every day and that person will win a special prize! See the calendar below for a full schedule of the prizes.
We will have various ways to gain extra entries throughout the month. You can begin entering on May 26th and the last day to enter will be June 29th.
Serving local communities has been a top goal of ours since we started in 1958. We have a passion to bring fresh food and meals to all of our communities.
With this goal in mind, we have been partnered with Northern Illinois Food Banks for many years.
Northern Illinois Food Banks is a member of Feeding America and their goal is to provide food and nutritious resources to people who cannot get the food themselves and do so with dignity, equity, and convenience.
We donate food items from every department– bakery, meat, deli, produce, etc. These items go to their distribution centers where they are packaged and distributed into local communities. This food will be sent to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters,and other feeding programs
Another way we contribute is through donation bags with your help. The donation bags are located at the front of each store. The bags contain various types of foods, each bag has a list of the foods in there. You can pick a bag and bring it to the register to purchase it. The bag is then put in a special bin. This bin is collected from various shelters. Each store has different, local food pantries they partner with so we can help to feed our hungry neighbors!
We are so proud to announce that in 2020 we were able to provide 567,739 meals to our neighbors across Illinois!
Thank you to all those who have helped us and we look forward for continuing to serve our neighbors!
