Event Tag: Fourth of July

4th of July Cookouts – A New Spin On Classics

As the fog of the past year continues to lift, this season’s biggest summer celebration deserves a little extra special attention. While we always love a good old-fashioned cookout with burgers, sausages, and corn on the grill, we think this year is a great time to kick it up a notch with some unexpected specialties. But hey, if you’d prefer to elevate your event by simply setting out some fancy ketchup and mustard options with those burgers, that’s great too.

grilled steak pineapple avacadoWe’re always on the lookout for new, unexpected, and delectable ways to prepare your favorite Butcher Boy steaks, ribs, and chicken. If you’re looking for a little fancier, out of the ordinary, and delicious recipes, here are a few ideas that caught our attention for this Independence Day:

3-Ingredient Grilled Steak, Pineapple, and Avocado Salad

Sweet and Spicy Ribs

3-Ingredient Pesto-Grilled Chicken with Peaches

If your idea of a 4th of July cookout is a classic delicious, juicy steak on the grill, then, of course, a great steak speaks for itself. If you’re less than confident on the grill, check out our steak-grilling guide here. Let our butchers know how many people you’re feeding and how you’d like to present it (sliced on a platter? individual steak tips, or small cuts for each guest?), and we’ll help you select the best size and cut. Need more inspiration? Check out some of our July 4th favorites.

Or to our earlier point, up your condiment game with these eye-opening toppings that put ketchup and mustard to shame. Then round out your menu with ease – pick up potato or pasta salad, baked beans, antipasto platters – fresh produce for grilled veggies, or a garden salad.

red white blue layered drinkNeed another fresh idea to “amp up” the day and make it memorable?

Add an Independence Day-themed cocktail to your menu. Try this Red, White, and Blue Margarita and include the kids by letting them mix up their own patriotic drink, the Red, White, and Blue non-alcoholic layered drink. You can pick up everything on your list at Butcher Boy. We carry beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages for simple, one-stop shopping. And don’t forget the dessert. We have a delightful variety of pastries, pies, and cakes to choose from.

This July 4th, Butcher Boy can help you discover some new favorites, as well as savor some classic summer foods, and again, enjoy each other’s company.

A Sizzling Backyard Fourth of July

backyard fourth of julySummer is in full swing, the grills are sizzling, vegetable gardens are starting to bloom, and the sound of splashing in backyard pools and sprinklers can be heard throughout the neighborhood. The Fourth of July is finally upon us, and even though we won’t make our usual treks to see the fireworks this year, we can still celebrate. Here are a few ideas for your festivities:

Bring the Boston Pops to your backyard! Keith Lockhart and the Boston Symphony Orchestra won’t be on the Esplanade this summer but the show WILL go on. The Pops are live-streaming a ‘Salute to Our Heroes’ concert that you can display on a screen in your own yard. Here’s a DIY screen courtesy of HGTV you can make from basic bedsheets. If you’re in the market for a projector, outdoor mini models are available starting under $100, but you could also simply play the music through speakers connected to your phone or other device and forgo watching the video.

Fireworks displays are canceled in many cities and towns, but you can light up your own sky with festive lighting. String up patriotic red, white, and blue paper lanterns or multicolor twinkle lights above your deck or patio.

Adjust your barbeque menu with social distancing in mind. Burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob make a great contactless meal — pull them off the grill with tongs or a spatula and everyone can take their own. Butcher Boy carries our own burgers and natural casing hot dogs, as well as marinated meats that you can grill any way you’d like. Instead of putting out the usual bowls of chips, consider providing individual bags for your guests to choose from. For dessert, check out the great selection of single pastries and cupcakes in our bakery case, ready to enjoy with no prep.

What’s a summer holiday without a festive and fruity beverage? These Raspberry and Lemon Rose Sparklers are easy to make and require no contact – everyone can mix their own. For a non-alcoholic version, use club soda, lemonade or a light juice in place of the rose. Make Butcher Boy your one-stop shop, where you can pick up all of those meats, sides, sweets, and refreshments at once.

Don’t forget to keep wipes and hand sanitizer available throughout the day. We’d love to hear how you plan to celebrate this year. Please share ideas with our community on Facebook or tag @ButcherBoyMarket on Instagram.

Not Your Average Independence Day

School’s out, and the lazy days of summer are just beginning. For most Americans, celebrating the Fourth of July is when the season of fun in the sun really kicks into high gear. Maybe you’ve celebrated in the past with a low-key backyard barbeque and coolers full of water, soda, and beer. Let us help you raise the bar with a more memorable menu for our country’s big birthday party.

Have you stocked up on entertaining basics? If so, you won’t have much shopping to do for serving utensils, string lights, and disposable plates to good use. If not, no problem! We’ve got what you need at Butcher Boy, including all things red, white, blue, and star-spangled.

Basic hamburgers can be taken up a notch with pre-made seasonings or rubs, or you can create a simple condiment bar for guests with favorites like bacon, cheese, dressings, and veggies in mason jars. Try a sirloin strip steak, grilled to perfection, sliced, and served on a platter. We can also help you select beef tips and meats you can marinate yourself. How about trays of grilled sausage and peppers with sliced rolls ready for party goers to make their own subs? Check out more July fourth recipe ideas we’ve shared before.

Don’t let preparing salads, side dishes, and desserts keep you inside and away from the party. The easiest option is to pick them up at Butcher Boy. We have traditional favorites – potato or pasta salad, baked beans, antipasto platters – fresh produce for a simple garden salad, and a variety of pastries, pies, and cakes to choose from.

Butcher Boy also carries a full selection of beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages for simple, one-stop shopping. A summer cocktail made in batches can provide welcome refreshment.

Update the well-known mimosa by swapping orange juice and champagne for lemonade and prosecco, poured over fresh blueberries for garnish. For a festive option the kids and adults who prefer something non-alcoholic will enjoy, use sparkling white grape juice, ginger ale or club soda instead of prosecco. Stick with the patriotic theme of the day with a red, white & blue sangria.

However you celebrate Independence Day, make it a memorable start to summer, with the promise of beach days, hikes, bike rides, and kayaking ahead.

Make July 4th a Real Blast

4th of July Fireworks

The most American of holidays is upon us. You could celebrate our nation’s independence with a basic cookout or picnic of burgers and hot dogs…but why not kick it up a notch or two with some of these recipe suggestions that will impress everyone on your guest list?

Spicy Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Parsley

Skin on and bone-in, this grilled chicken is a true summertime favorite. Brown the chicken on direct heat first before cooking thoroughly on indirect heat without burning it. If you don’t have smoked Spanish paprika, no problem! Create the desired smoky flavor yourself by adding a dash of cumin or one of these other alternatives to regular paprika. View recipe here.

Bourbon-Glazed Baby Back Ribs

4th of July Cookout

Low and slow is the key to fall-off-the-bone ribs. This easy recipe starts off with the ribs in the oven, then browning them on the grill and basting with glaze. The chili paste adds heat to the sweet bourbon, but there are a few good spicy substitutes to consider if you don’t have it on hand. View recipe here.

Smoked Chicken Wings

When you want to add some finger food to the grill menu, this is one to go for. Switch up the barbeque sauce for a homemade marinade. Or, check out Butcher’s Boy’s selection of marinated chicken that you can just toss onto the grill. Satisfy multiple preferences by cooking up a variety of flavors! View recipe here.

Porterhouse Steak with Summer Vegetables

Season this cut of beef liberally and make sure you bring the steak up to room temperature before putting it on the grill. A porterhouse is thick, and that will ensure even cooking. When it’s just the way you like it, carve the steaks off the bone, then slice the strip and the tenderloin into 1/4-inch slices for the crowd to share. View recipe here.

Grilled Filet Mignon with Brandy Mustard Sauce

This recipe will give your 4th of July party a more upscale taste. The sauce ingredients are easy enough to throw together in a skillet. You can finish it off while the steaks are resting off the grill. View recipe here.

 

Son grilling with dad

Looking for some ideas more suited to honoring the red, white and blue of the occasion? Revisit our 5 Patriotic Dishes suggestions to celebrate America. If a side dish is what you need to round out the main courses, try Mexican grilled corn, a delicious alternative to basic steamed or boiled corn on the cob.

 

Have a safe, fun and happy 4th of July!

5 Marinades for Fourth of July

It’s grilling season at last. Whether you’re planning for the upcoming holiday, a special occasion, or dinner tonight, a marinade will enhance the flavor of your meat, and impress everyone at the table.

Delight in the company of friends and loved ones over these delicious marinade recipes.

1) Beer Teriyaki Marinated Steak Tips

Beer Teriyaki Marinated Steak Tips
via Kitchen Swagger

Slightly sweet with a mild kick, Kitchen Swagger‘s Beer Teriyaki marinade is excellent for a date night in, or an intimate celebration with close friends. The recipe recommends using a medium bodied, bitter beer like an IPA or pale ale to complement the bold flavors and spices found in the marinade. Whisk the combined ingredients in a blender or bowl, then transfer to a ziplock bag with the tips. Marinade for 8-24 hours before cooking.

2) Flank Steak Marinade

Flank Steak Marinade
via Food.com

Perfect for the grill or broil, Food.com‘s recipe uses ingredients commonly found in most cupboards. Flank steak is a flavorful, lean cut that is ideal for marinade. Mixed together directly in a large zip lock bag, this well-balanced marinade enhances the flavor of the meat without overpowering it. Let the meat soak for at least five hours prior to grilling, and be sure to let the meat rest before serving.

3) Citrus-Marinated London Broil

Citrus Marinated London Broil Top
via Hey Grill, Hey

If you want a light, refreshing marinade, look no further than Hey Grill, Hey‘s Citrus Marinade with Cilantro Gremolata. The steak soaks in the marinade for only an hour or two, to avoid the acidity of the citrus breaking down the meat. Zest and juice of lemons and limes combine with hot sauce and olive oil to create a bright and versatile marinade. After grilling, top the steak with the savory gremolata made from bell peppers, cilantro, and lemon.

4) The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe

Best Chicken Marinade
via Mom On Time Out

If you need a quick marinade that’s easy to whip up, Mom On Time Out‘s Best Chicken Marinade is the recipe for you. With simple ingredients like balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce, a fantastic dinner has never been more achievable. The marinade makes for a perfectly moist chicken entree, and can be used as a baste or a sauce for serving.

5) Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb With Garlic Curry Spices

Cowboy Steak and Whiskey Butter
via Fine Cooking

Butterflied leg of lamb is a great dish for low-key entertaining as sections of the meat cook at different temperatures, pleasing a broad range of meat-eaters. First, garlic and salt are mashed into a paste and spices are toasted in a sauté pan. The two are then mixed in a bowl with the remaining marinade ingredients until the mixture resembles a thin, grainy soup. The marinade and lamb are placed in a baking dish and covered for two hours so the sauce can fully penetrate the meat.

Happy Fourth of July from Butcher Boy!

Want more Fourth of July ideas?

Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

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5 Patriotic Dishes For Your 4th of July Barbecue

With the 4th of July just around the corner, we’ve compiled a few savory dishes that put a little red, white, and blue on your plate.

1) Patriotic Chicken Kabobs

via bigbearswife.com

This recipe by Angie from Big Bear’s Wife makes for a fast, delicious, and simple main course. Blue potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and chunks of tender chicken. Put them on a skewer and cook. Angie sticks them in the oven, but they’d be great on the grill, too. Just be sure to partially cook your potatoes before grilling.

2) Blueberry Caprese Salad

via Aloveandoliveoil.com

We love this merican twist on a summer dinner classic by Love & Olive Oil. Blueberries, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and adds great color to your table.

3) Red, White, and Bleu Sliders

via laurenslatest.com

There aren’t too many naturally­ occurring blue foods in the world, and even fewer that you’d want to put on a burger. If your guests are willing to get a little creative with the definition, these bleu cheese sliders by Lauren’s Latest are fantastic.

4) Bacon Flag Pizza

via tablespoon.com

Here’s a pizza by Tablespoon that would make Betsy Ross jealous. The recipe instructs you to bake it in the oven, but for a slightly smokier flavor, try throwing it on the grill.

5) Star­-Spangled Potato Salad

via bonappetit.com

A mix of red­-skinned, white, and blue potatoes gives this barbecue staple a patriotic update. Bon Appetit’s recipe is quick and easy. Make it a few hours ahead of your party. The flavors need a few hours to sit, and it’s one less dish to worry about while you’re grilling.

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