Celebrating National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month!

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

National Rotisserie Chicken Day

Whatever you eat on June 2nd, 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:

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

Recipes for the Ultimate Barbecue

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

Graduation Party Must Haves

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

Happy Mother’s Day

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

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo With Our Mouthwatering Recipes

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

Recipes Worth Getting Your Grill Out For

For some people, it is always grilling season, and they don’t need an excuse to get the grill out. For others, it’s nicer to wait for days to get a bit longer and the weather slightly warmer before eventually deciding that today is the day for the grill. Whatever your preference, Caputo’s has the best recipes that will have you wanting to grill every day of the year.

Cilantro-Salsa Steaks

These delicious Cilantro-Salsa Steaks are first marinated in a flavorful salsa overnight. They are then grilled to your desired perfection to release all that wonderful flavor for juicy steaks that are nice and tender. They can be served with salad, potatoes, or any other of your favorite side dishes that complement this appetizing meal.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Kebabs

Kebabs are a popular choice for a grill as the grill marks and taste enhance the flavor of the meat and the vegetables on the kebabs. These Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Meatball Kebabs can be personalized to suit the eater with all kinds of different vegetables, and once you’ve tasted one of the teriyaki chicken meatballs, there’ll be no other kind of meatball you will want to eat again. If you’re tempted by a kebab but want to try a different recipe, check out The Recipe Rack for a whole host of kebab recipes for you to try on your grill.

Shrimp and Avocado Tostadas

For something a little different on your grill, try our delectable Shrimp and Avocado Tostadas. These will surely become a firm favorite with you and any guests you invite for supper. Lime, avocados, grilled shrimp, and crunchy fried tortillas- we don’t think it gets much better than that!

Grilled Desserts

The grill isn’t just for savory. Try out some of these mouthwatering grilled desserts the next time you eat outside.

Bananas split down the middle and filled with chocolate and marshmallows wrapped in foil and put on the grill are an easy go-to dessert that will always thrill. The melted chocolate, marshmallows, and heated bananas go down so easy you’ll have to put your name on one to ensure you get a bite!

We all love savory kebabs, but have you tried a grilled fruit kebab? Heating the fruit allows the total juiciness and flavor to come out, and served with a side of whipped cream or ice cream tops the whole thing off wonderfully. Fruits like pineapple, peaches, watermelon, and pears are just a few fruits that are great on the grill!

Shop Your Food Supplies at Caputo’s

Caputo’s equals quality food. Whether you are looking for ingredients for your next dinner party or are looking for inspiration for midweek meals, Caputo’s has everything you need. When planning your next outdoor grill session, choose Caputo’s for your ingredients and try out some of the recipes above. The Recipe Rack even enables you to add ingredients straight from the recipe card to your cart for easy shopping. We also have plenty of stores to visit if you prefer the in-store experience. Shop at Caputo’s online or in-store today.

From Our Family To Yours

National Picnic Day

The sun is shining and the weather is changing which makes us want to spend more time outside! We’re in the time frame of fresh, crisp spring weather when all you want to do is enjoy the outdoors. A great way to do this is with a picnic! There is nothing like a relaxing picnic outside with friends or family. 

April 23rd is National Picnic Day which makes it a great day to gather your favorite foods, your favorite people, and go have a picnic! 

Whether you’re going to a park, a special area, or just want to get into your backyard, here is some inspiration for some easily packable and shareable foods for your next picnic!

3ft Sub Sandwiches

Available with American or Italian lunch meats, the 3 ft subs are perfect because you can cut ahead of time (or not, it’s up to you!) and are easy to serve. The sandwiches are easy to eat on the go and require no prep, just cut and serve! The Italian features mortadella, volpi salami, mild capocollo, and provolone cheese. The American features hard salami, Krakus ham, oven roasted turkey and yellow American cheese.

Olive Salads

Our olive salads are another great addition.With so many different varieties, they are bursting with flavor and an easy addition. We use a variety of different olives and each salad is a different blend of ingredients, herbs, and spices. Some of our salads are greek olive salad, sicilian olive salad, olive and artichoke salad, and more! Easy for snacking, they can compliment any dish perfectly!

Crackers and Breads

Items that are individually wrapped or sized are best for sharing, so foods like taralli, mini focaccia, and other crackers not only taste good, but are great for snacking and for bringing along on your picnics!

Fruit

When spending all day outside, it’s important to keep the nutrients up! This is why fruit is a great addition. It is refreshing and there are so many tasty, in season fruits this time of the year. Cut fruit, berries, whole fruit, or maybe a nice mixed fruit salad!

Dessert

Something sweet is always appreciated! Our bags of cookies are great because they come in resealable bags so you have as many as you want and then close up the bag and pack them up again! Baked in house, these cookies are just some of the sweet treats we offer! Available in different types like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, and m & m!

What are you bringing on your picnic?

From Our Family To Yours

Surprise Your Senses with Fresh Citrus Fruits

We love fresh, seasonal food at Caputo’s, which is why we’re bringing you some fantastic recipes involving your favorite fresh citrus fruits, including grapefruit and oranges. Prepare your senses for some sharp and sweet combinations that are sure to put a spring in your step!

Chicken Breasts with Orange-Balsamic Glaze

Who says fruit is only for sweet not savory? Try this Chicken Breasts With Orange-Balsamic Glaze recipe for a tasty zing and robust flavors. A versatile recipe, this can be served with rice, potatoes, or any accompaniment you like. It is also super easy to make, with just five minutes of preparation time needed and 15 minutes of cooking time before it is on the dinner table.

Slow-Cooked Carnitas Tacos

Slower cooker meals are life savers in a busy household. This Slow-Cooked Carnitas Tacos recipe is full of citrusy goodness that you can leave to cook in a slower cooker during the day and just assemble when you are ready. It doesn’t get much better than crispy pork and spicy juices coming together in a taco that all the family can enjoy.

Strawberry Mango Popsicles

Let’s not forget about dessert! Don’t let anyone tell you these Strawberry Mango Popsicles are just for kids. Any age can enjoy the delicious cooling taste of these delightful fruity popsicles. Keep some handy in your freezer so you can bring them out whenever you need a refreshing taste of something chilled.

Italian Ice

It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t mention homemade Italian Ice. This glorious sweet treat is dairy, gluten, and egg free, so it is perfect for those who can’t indulge in ordinary, run-of-the-mill ice cream. Italian Ice can be made with any of the fresh fruits that are in season right now, so you can be creative as you want. It’s simple, all you have to do is blend some ice, lemon juice (or a bit of juice of your choice), and some fresh fruit of your choice! All of the ingredients to make Italian Ice are available in Caputo’s stores and our online shop.

Berry Salad

With the warm weather, fresh fruit is always a go to snack. We love to get our favorite berries and mix them together to make a berry salad. then we add some of our fresh squeezed orange juice or lemon juice and a little bit of brown sugar and you get a delicious and simple fresh berry salad! Watch here

Shop for Citrus Fruits at Caputo’s

Caputo’s is known for its fresh, flavorful food, and nothing tastes better fresh than citrus fruits. Take advantage of them when they’re at their tastiest, and enjoy creating these recipes that make the most of their flavor. If you like these recipes, we have more available on our website at The Recipe Rack for you to try out. Shop Caputo’s today online or in-store.

From Our Family To Yours

Italian Easter Staples

Many holidays come with tradition. In Italian culture, traditions are centered around what brings everyone together… food! The days leading up to Easter are spent in the kitchen, prepping meals and all the delicious desserts and foods that remind you of this joyous occasion. If you have less time to prep this year, but are still looking to enjoy some of the traditional items, you’ve come to the right place! We have tons of traditional items that will transport you right back to Nonna’s house on Easter. 

Here are 7 Items we look forward to every Easter!

1. Calzone

Calzone is dough in the shape of a pie or a pizza, then filled with various foods. There are two different kinds. The traditional style has no meat, but is filled with eggs, black olives, onions, and mozzarella cheese. All the ingredients are put into our homemade crust. On Good Friday, we eat calzone because there is no meat on Fridays during Lent. Some people enjoy another type of Calzone enjoyed on Easter Sunday. This one is our homemade sausage, eggs, black olives, onions, and mozzarella cheese. This calzone is typically enjoyed on Easter day. The addition of meat makes it a heartier calzone. Heartier foods were typically used at feasts. Since Easter is a celebration and everyone is rejoicing, the more ingredients, the better for the calzone with meat! Learn more about calzone here

2. Easter Bread

Easter bread is a fun and colorful tradition! It is a sweet bread with dyed eggs baked right into the bread! It is usually baked in a circle to symbolize the crown of thorns that was put on Jesus. The egg in the center is to symbolize new life– like when Jesus resurrected. Some people also use Easter bread to resemble the tomb that Jesus was put in and that they found empty on Easter Sunday. 

3. Pastiera

Pastiera, also known as Easter pie, is a traditional Easter dessert whose main ingredient is Ricotta! This dessert is light, has notes of citrus, and takes a while to prepare which is why picking one up in store is worth it! Pastiera is meant to symbolize peace and Resurrection! 

4. Pizza di Ricotta

If you don’t want a whole pastiera, pick up a few slices of our pizza di ricotta in our bakery case! This baked ricotta dessert is a must have on the Easter table. It has chocolate chips and zests of citrus

5. Tuma

Tuma is a cheese that can really only be found right around Easter! It is a mild and creamy cheese, similar to mozzarella, but a bit firmer and with a more mild flavor. People often use it in baking and cooking! In fact, we just used it to make artichokes sfincione style…It is meatless which makes it a great dish for Good Friday, but honestly we could eat this any day of the week… watch here! 

6. Lamb Cake

And for dessert, a lamb cake! This popular European dessert is a pound cake in the shape of a lamb. It is then decorated however you wish! Usually with frosting, including green frosting on the plate to show a lamb laying in the grass. This tradition also symbolizes Jesus’ role as the Lamb of God.

7. Chocolate Easter Eggs

While not usually handmade, chocolate Easter eggs are a timeless tradition! Many kids wake up Easter morning with these chocolate eggs ready for them, others bring them as a gift to loved ones or hosts, and more! They are festive and the chocolate is delicious! Can’t eat all the chocolate? Chop it up and use it in cookies or dessert that calls for chocolate chips or chunks.

We have tons of other Easter themed items in store! Want to make everything yourself? Stop by for all the ingredients you need for your traditional cooking and baking.

Looking for a basket stuffer that will keep the Italian heritage alive in your little ones? Pick up our children’s book which has all your favorite Italian grocery store items

From Our Family To Yours