It’s 2023: Time to Bust Out!

We are busting out of the many limitations created by the pandemic. In terms of food, eggs, tacos, vegetarian, and sheet pan meals should not be limited to scrambled eggs, Taco Tuesdays, veggie burgers, and sheet pan surprises anymore! In this issue, we offer recipes like Gyeran Mari (page 26), or “rolled omelets,” and Birria, shredded beef and melty cheese tacos coated in sauce and pan fried until crispy (page 49). Try Crunchy Almond-Crusted Fish on a Bed of French Lentils (page 33), or kick up humble tray-baked recipes and please the vegans at your table with Jerk Veggie Skewers with Celeriac, Sultana, and Caper Salad (page 39). Besides busting out of the same old ingredients/recipes with the help of this magazine, our website also hosts a recipe portal that includes not only McCaffrey’s own recipes, but also those specific to some of our customers’ dietary needs—heart-healthy, diabeticfriendly, and gluten-free! You’re already aware of how awesome our seasonal publication is, but we’d like to take the time to let you know how to make the most of your visit to our website beyond recipes. Sure, you can find our store hours, locations, and weekly circular on our website, but there is so much more to explore!

here’s what you can expect when you visit mccaffreys.com:

Exceptional Rewards —Our cardless rewards program not only saves you money every day , but also mails rewards directly to your home five times a year! Sign up for it and make updates to your account right online.

Exceptional Items —Looking for What’s in Season? Visit each department’s page for our updated lists of what’s seasonal and, most likely, local , and economical . Check them out before you shop! Exceptional Events —McCaffrey’s hosts monthly, free, nutrition events led by our registered dietitian, Jill Kwasny, with topics like Eat for Your Heart’s Content and The Skinny on Diet Trends. Rather attend our free, in-store wine and beer tastings? See our online calendar of events!

Exceptional Giveaways —Monthly grocery giveaways! With our new site comes a new selection of items we are currently excited about, refreshed monthly. You can find this “We’re Obsessed with These” items on our home page and our giveaways on Facebook and Instagram.

Exceptional Careers —We get frequent rave reviews about our valued associates from valued customers via email, Facebook, and Google! View and apply for our open positions online. Enjoy a 20% associate discount on most groceries!

Whether you’re busting out of the house after a Covid lockdown, or busting out new recipes, please consult our Real Food magazine and website for all the above-mentioned reasons! Either way, thanks for being loyal customers and finding all your exceptionally fresh ingredients at McCaffrey’s. Happy spring!

James J. McCa rey III president James J. McCa rey IV executive vice president

FABULOUS Fungi

Mushrooms are nature’s year-round hidden treasure.

Before they reach your plate, commercially produced mushrooms go through a unique growing process in a highly controlled environment, according to the Mushroom Council. This makes these fungi readily available year round to add a nutritious punch of vitamin D to your meals, and also help stretch your budget by blending them with meat in a variety of dishes. Mushrooms are grown in nearly every state. However, Pennsylvania accounts for approximately 60% of total U.S. mushroom production. Here are some fun facts, tips, and a recipe to try, courtesy of the Mushroom Council.

mushroom fun facts budget-friendly blending

Unlike green plants, mushrooms don’t need light to grow, and are grown indoors on a year-round cycle. They double in size every day. They are not classified as a vegetable or fruit. Mushrooms are fungi, which are so distinct in nature they are classified as their own kingdom—separate from plants or animals.

Blend finely chopped fresh mushrooms with ground meat for delicious, nutritious, and sustainable meals. Try a 25/75 mushroom/meat ratio for burgers, meatballs, and meatloaf; 50/50 mushroom/meat ratio for dishes such as sloppy Joes, taco, and burritos; and 75/25 for chili or sauce to serve atop pasta. Blend the mushrooms in ground meat and proceed with your recipe!

Grilled Portobello Gyros with Yogurt Dill Sauce

MAKES 4 SERVING | RECIPE BY

EMILY WEEKS, RDN, LD, COURTESY MUSHROOM COUNCIL

Make meatless dinners more of a regular occurrence with these delicious vegetarian gyros. Portobello mushrooms are a great vegetarian alternative since they have a great meat-like texture and flavor that hold up to grilling. Not only are they delicious, but portobello mushrooms are rich in vitamin D. When served alongside the yogurt sauce, bell peppers, and tomatoes, you’ve got a probioticand vitamin C-packed sandwich.

4 portobello mushrooms

2 yellow bell peppers, sliced

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

4 pita breads or naan

2 tomatoes, thinly sliced

½ red onion, thinly sliced

½ head green lettuce

Crumbled feta cheese, optional for the yogurt dill sauce

1 English cucumber, grated

1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt

½ cup sour cream

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Juice from ½ small lemon

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon minced fresh dill

1. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and brush caps with a wet towel. Carefully scrape out the gills with a spoon. Slice mushrooms into ¼-inch pieces and place in a medium bowl along with the olive oil, oregano, and smoked paprika.

2. Preheat an indoor grill pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and peppers and grill, tossing occasionally, until tender, 5 to 7 minutes.

3. To make the Yogurt Dill Sauce, squeeze the grated cucumber in a clean towel to remove excess liquid. Add to a large bowl with yogurt, sour cream, olive oil, lemon, garlic, salt, and dill. Stir to combine.

4. To serve, place mushrooms and peppers in the middle of the pita bread. Top with tomatoes, onion, lettuce, feta (optional), and a big dollop of yogurt sauce.