Event Tag: Winter

Customer Favorites: Most-Loved Meats and Meals This Season

Spring may be just around the corner, but you’d never know it by the winter we’ve been having. When temperatures are cold and snow threatens, there is nothing like a hearty, filling meal made with your favorite cuts of meat.

At Butcher Boy, we have generations of experience in preparing and purveying the finest in meats and prepared foods to our customers. Whether you want a perfectly prepared steak or one of our house-made specialties, a visit to our North Andover store will be sure to cure your appetite – and your winter blues.

Need some inspiration? Our 60-foot full-service meat counter is sure to have just the right thing. Here are some of our most-requested cuts of meat:

steaks, marinated meats, burgers, sausages, and ready-to-cook meals North AndoverHand-Cut Steaks: Our expert butchers carefully cut and trim the finest cuts of beef:

  • Porterhouse: Make a dinner to remember with our amazing Porterhouse steak that combines tender filet mignon with the succulent richness of a New York sirloin (or New York strip) steak.
  • Delmonico: Known for rich marbling and tenderness, a Delmonico is a thick and juicy steak cut.
  • Flank Steak: If you’re a fan of fajitas or marinated steak dishes, the leaner flank steak cut is a great choice.

Marinated Meats: You can’t go wrong with pre-marinated beef, chicken, lamb, or pork. Choose from Burgundy, Steak House, Teriyaki, or Sweet Bourbon Beef Tips. For a lighter dish, our Lemon Pepper chicken is a perennial favorite, or try one of our other marinated chicken selections such as Italian, Teriyaki, or Garlic Ginger. Love pork? You can’t beat our Chinese Style or Barbecue ribs, and our Honey Apple Pork Roast is perfect for those cold nights.

Burgers your way: Our 100% beef, in-house crafted burgers are ready to cook and garnish just the way you want them.

hand-tied sausages customer favoritesSausage: There’s nothing better than hearty sausage to warm you up. Serve them with onions and peppers and serve on rolls, or toss them with any combination of vegetables and pasta you have on hand. With over eight different varieties from hot to sweet to savory, our sausages make savory and delicious meals.

Need just a little more? After a long day, sometimes the last thing you want to do is figure out “what’s for dinner.” Let us do the work with our prepared meats and meals. Here are just a few customer favorites you might find in the store:

Stuffed Flank Steak: Picture this: a rolled flank steak bursting with spinach, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley and seasoning. Pop it in the oven and serve an elevated dish that looks like it took you hours to prepare.

Meat Loaf: An American classic, juicy and delicious. Pair it with our mashed potatoes for true comfort.

Chicken Pot Pie: Made fresh in our kitchen, our pot pies are oven-ready, filled with tender chicken and vegetables topped with a classic, flaky pie crust.

And, if you just need a “little something sweet” after a delicious meal, may we suggest something from our bakery or chocolate selections? Konditor Meister Apple Strudel is rich, flaky, and the perfect dessert for two. Or maybe some Raspberry Linzer or Lemon Ricotta cookies from one of our favorite vendors, Fisichelli’s Bakery, who bake in one of the oldest ovens in Lawrence.

Dinner is just a few hours away. What are you waiting for? Come and see us!

View our Ideal Beef Cuts for Braising & Roasting here. 

Deliciously Dry: Perfect Pairings for Alcohol-Free Occasions

After the indulgence-filled holidays, the first few months of the year are the perfect time for a fresh start. Enter “Dry January,” a popular newer tradition designed to help us establish better health in the new year by abstaining from alcohol for short periods of time. “Dry” or “Damp” periods of time for those who would like to reduce their alcohol consumption, bring some real health benefits. These can include lower blood pressure and resting heart rate, better sleep, and improved hydration.

But giving up alcohol for a month or longer doesn’t have to mean giving up what you love about enjoying delicious food and beverage pairings with family and friends. Years ago, going “dry” meant settling for fizzy water or generic alternatives. In today’s more health-conscious climate, there is a wide selection of non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits to choose from with more being created every day. Here are some of our favorite go-to deliciously dry pairings:

Speaking of non-alcoholic beers, the tasteless single compromise is a thing of the past. Today, we have a wide selection of flavorful N/A beers including traditional and craft selections, perfect for pairing with casual gatherings and football.

non-alcholic dry january food pairingWhile many non-alcoholic recipes have historically relied on fruit juices and sparkling water, the evolution of non-alcoholic distilled spirits has really raised the mocktail game. Relying on botanical ingredients such as citrus and herbs, these beverages are great substitutes for alcoholic spirits such as whiskey and tequila while bringing their own depth of flavor and unique notes to drinks. We invite you to explore our large collection of non-alcoholic spirits to substitute in your favorite cocktail recipes or to use as inspiration for your own house mocktail creations.

Going dry isn’t what it used to be. Whether it’s a simple sparkling water, non-alcoholic beer, or a tasty mocktail made with dry spirits, we’ve got you covered.

Butcher Boy’s Picks: Cuts We Love in the Winter

Is there anything better in the winter than the aroma of a delicious roast or savory osso buco in the oven? With the right cuts of meat and a good recipe to follow, restaurant-quality meals are yours with just a little preparation and some patience.

butcher boy market Best winter cuts of meatIf you’ve ever visited our store in North Andover, you know we have a wide selection of meats, including beef, chicken, lamb, and pork. Winter, with its cold temperatures and cozy vibe, calls for comfort food, dishes that could have been passed down from your grandparents.

Let’s start with the classic pot roast. Boneless chuck is the traditional choice for this dish, but other cuts of meat, including brisket, are delicious alternatives. For a complete guide on how to cook a roast in the oven, including temps, times and valuable tips, check out our guide here.

butcher boy market Best winter cuts of meat osso buco recipeOne of our favorite cuts of meat is the often-underrated veal shank, a bone-in cut that is the foundation for a classic osso buco, a surprisingly simple dish that delivers amazing flavor. Substitute beef, lamb, or pork shanks (just make sure they are shank cuts from the leg) for equally delicious results. For another variation, brown your meat and veggies in pancetta rather than olive oil for an added dimension. Always make extra – osso buco, like many slow cooked dishes, is even better the next day.

Speaking of lamb shanks, there is nothing like the tender goodness of braised lamb shanks, perfectly paired with green beans or grilled vegetables from our kitchen.

butcher boy market Best winter cuts of meat classic beef stew recipe beef cubesHow about a classic beef stew featuring our cubed beef? Pair it with a crusty bread selection from our bakery to sop up all that gravy goodness.

If you don’t have the time for a slow-cooked meal, we’ve got some delicious marinated and ready-to-cook options perfect for those cold winter nights including our always-popular honey apple pork roast and pork pinwheels stuffed with fresh spinach, mozzarella, and breadcrumbs. Your family or guests will never know you didn’t spend hours preparing them!

Want more inspiration for perfect winter cuts and recipes? Come in to browse our selections and for some expert advice from our butchers and staff. You’ll always get a warm welcome at Butcher Boy.

Winter’s Best Comfort Foods

Winter has settled over us, and with more time spent at home, there’s more time for cooking and finding comfort in our favorite foods. These are the kinds of meals that bring us emotional comfort — reminding us of fond memories, occasions, people or places in our lives. What are your go-to meals for chilly evenings and weekends when the only thing on your schedule is to stay cozy at home?

There are classics, such as pot roast, meatloaf, stews, pastas, and casseroles from family recipes. Others have a modern twist, some are simple enough to prepare on a weeknight, and still others are even better as leftovers. Here are a few ideas that will fill your home with delicious aromas and meet all your comfort food needs.

Sometimes there’s nothing better for Sunday dinner than a traditional roast, accompanied by a variety of vegetables. The same goes for beef stew. These are the meals that simmer for hours and make your mouth water while you wait… and it’s worth it. Meatloaf is another meal often associated with reminiscing about childhood or making us feel better when we need a boost. No matter which beef entree is on your menu, Butcher Boy can provide the freshest cuts of meat, including ground beef prepared right in our store so you always know you’re getting the best quality.

bone in center cut pork roast

If pork is more to your liking, how about a bone-in roast? It looks more elaborate than it is to prepare, so you can impress the family with an amazing meal. For something different, how about Butcher Boy pork pinwheels stuffed with spinach, mozzarella and breadcrumbs? It’s a fancy-looking meal that is prepped for you – but no need to tell the family that little secret!

stuffed pork pinwheels

No matter the time of year, sometimes there’s nothing like lasagna or baked ziti to bring a family together. Many of the conventional recipes we love can be tweaked for something more sophisticated, like this recipe for baked rigatoni with lamb ragu. The most basic spaghetti and meatballs can hit the spot, too. For the side, we think you’ll love a fresh focaccia bread from local favorite Iggy’s Breads – available at Butcher Boy Market. Just slice and serve.

After a cold winter’s day in the snow and ice, either sledding, skiing or skating, what’s better than a hot homemade chicken noodle soup or chili to warm you up? Talk about comfort! Make a big batch to feed your family for days or freeze some for later. Don’t forget to shop for all your ingredients at our market — from fresh veggies to poultry and your meats of choice.

When time is tight after working all day or you just don’t have the energy to prepare a large meal, simple is best during the week. For a change of pace, try sizzling beef steak fajitas. But on the nights when cooking is more of a chore, Butcher Boy has you covered, with prepared foods like rotisserie chickens and side dishes to go with anything on your dinner table.

It’ll be weeks before we can think about grilling without winter coats and wind chill, so we hope you can find some seasonal inspiration in some of these ideas. For more ideas and inspiration, check out the recipes and guides on our website!

How To Cook A Roast In The Oven: Temps, Times & Tips

cook roastIf you’ve ever cooked a roast, you might have followed our Beef Roasting Guide for instructions on what temperature to set the oven, how long to cook it, and how to know when your roast is done to your liking. The basic steps for successful oven roasting apply to any cut of meat.

  • Take your roast out of the fridge and take the chill off by letting it come up to room temperature. This can take about an hour.
  • While you’re waiting, preheat your oven to the recommended temperature. You’ll notice our chart selects low to moderate heat, in the range of 325 or 350 degrees, for larger roasts and higher heat, above 400 degrees, for smaller, tender roasts to produce the best results. That’s because large roasts need to cook slowly and evenly, or else the outside of the meat would cook too fast before the inside is done.
  • Place the roast on a rack in a roasting pan. A heavy pan is best, for even distribution of heat. The rack will prevent the meat from sitting in the drippings. If you don’t have a roasting rack, a wire cooling rack in the bottom of the pan will help raise the meat above the liquid. Do not cover your roast or put any water in the pan.
  • A meat thermometer is another important tool. If you have an ovenproof one, insert it into the thickest part of the beef, usually the center. An instant read thermometer works, too, but don’t leave it in while the meat is cooking. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can pick one up at Butcher Boy while shopping for your roast.
  • Take your roast out of the oven and give it a rest when the thermometer reads about 5 or more degrees less than your target temperature for doneness. Transfer the meat to a cutting board, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, let it sit about 15 minutes. It all depends on the size of the roast. Your roast will continue cooking and reach that perfect temperature. Resting also allows juices to redistribute inside the meat.

Are you looking for some inspiration for your next roast? Visit Butcher Boy and let our experts help you decide which cuts of beef are ideal. Any of these recipes can get you started after you’ve shopped our aisles for all your ingredients:

If you have any questions about how to cook a roast, whether you’re unsure about the oven temperature for a certain type or size of roast, or how much cooking time it takes to get just the right doneness, Butcher Boy can help. And don’t forget to let us know how it turned out the next time you stop in!

Game Day Favorites: Meaty Snacks, Main Dishes & More

game day favoritesFootball’s biggest game of the year is right around the corner. True, our home team won’t be playing, but it’s still a great excuse to gather with friends and family while you enjoy food and drinks. Have you decided what’s on the menu? Along with traditional chips and dips, your guests will devour all the more substantial game day foods. But heartier doesn’t have to mean more work. All of these ideas can be made ahead of time, and you won’t have to miss the game day fun stuck in the kitchen.

Chili is a no-brainer favorite at any watch party, but if you’re looking for something a bit different, try this meatier version using stew beef as the base. For a chili you can set and forget, check out this one for your slow cooker. If you do stick with the classic ground beef variety, put a twist on how you serve it and make it a Fritos® pie, which isn’t a pie at all, but a clever way to create individual, convenient servings.

For a beefy snack everyone will want a piece of, try meatball stuffed bread. Think meatball sub meets pizza. You can even make it football-shaped. And don’t be intimidated by the process – it’s extra simple when you use prepared dough.

Similar in concept, buffalo chicken Wellington puts a new spin on basic boneless tenders. It can be sliced and shared.

Your crowd is sure to expect wings. Use your favorite spices or rub…or try a new marinade, such as the one in this recipe for sweet and spicy drumettes or something with a Caribbean flavor. Want to skip ahead? Butcher Boy carries a wide selection of marinated chicken wings prepared in-house – simply open the bag and pop them in the oven or air fryer.

Another finger food favorite, pigs in a blanket, gets raised to a new level with kielbasa as the star ingredient.

Carnitas is a fantastic versatile dish. Slow cook a boneless pork shoulder and shred it. Then let your guests make pulled pork sandwiches or add it to nachos, or set it out with all the fixing for tacos.

Butcher Boy carries a wide selection of beverages to complete your game day feast. Choose from a variety of wine, beer, and soft drinks. You also can pick up dessert or prepared foods to make planning your party even simpler. Tell us which dishes are the big winners in your house!

Winter Comfort Food: Weeknight Meals, Sunday Dinners, and Seasonal Slow Cooking

comfort foods braised short ribsA good meal can warm up the coldest winter days and nights. It’s the perfect time of year for roasting and braising in the oven – the best cooking technique for some cuts of meat. To help you decide what to put on the menu and how to prepare it, we’ve put together a handy guide for Oven Roasting and Braising – bookmark or print a copy and bring it shopping with you for easy reference.

Oven roasting

A whole chicken is easy to prepare with the simplest of ingredients and the leftovers can be used throughout the week to add to salads, soups, or sandwiches.

Slow roasting

Beef roasts don’t have to be reserved for holidays or special occasions. Slow roasting is the key to enhancing and getting the most out of the flavor beef has to offer. Similar to prime rib, a ribeye roast will come out juicy and tender.

Pork is a delicious alternative when you’d like something other than beef or poultry. Bone-in pork roast is a Butcher Boy favorite, as well as seasonal favorites like our pork pinwheels stuffed with spinach, mozzarella, and breadcrumbs. We prep them for you!

Braising

Create one of the most decadent dinners with wine-braised short ribs. Braising takes a few steps and might be best prepared on a day when you have more time, but the process is simple. In the recipe above, simmering the beef in red wine and Guinness brings out the flavor. At Butcher Boy, you can purchase all the ingredients in one stop – let our staff help you choose either bone-in or boneless short ribs, along with the perfect bottle of red wine, and bottle of Guinness. We have more tips on braising and additional recipes to try on our website.

Slow Cooking

Chili is a crowd favorite for game days – or any day of the week – and this recipe for chunky beef chili from the team at Beef, It’s What’s For Dinner is a delicious alternative to the traditional version we’re familiar with. Instead of ground beef, stew meat slow cooks to tender perfection on the stove or in a pressure cooker.

The countertop slow cooker is a winter go-to, but if some of your standard recipes are getting a bit boring, try ‘Slow Cooker Recipes to Warm Your Winter’ for fresh inspiration.

Stovetop Comfort

How about a new spin on chicken and dumplings – with pierogies? We carry locally-owned Jaju Pierogis that would be perfect for this recipe. Homemade from a treasured Polish family recipe, Jaju offers various flavors to satisfy any of your cravings.

What are some of your favorite, savory winter meals? Let us know, and don’t forget to visit us for all of the ingredients, including fresh bread, produce, prepared side dishes, and desserts.

Our Most-Requested Celebration Meats

celebration meats roast beef tenderloinThe holiday season offers many opportunities for preparing and enjoying delicious meals with family and friends. A stop at our butcher counter will show you all the possibilities to make a dinner special this year. The most often requested cuts of meat are available in our Butcher Boy Holiday Order Guide. But how should you prepare them? Our holiday roasting guides are a great place to start for advice on oven temperatures and cooking times.

A rib roast doesn’t have to be complicated when our garlic pepper seasoning can be just the thing to bring out amazing flavor.

Try this beef tenderloin, which includes roasted vegetables so that at least one of your side dishes is ready at the same time.

For an elegant dinner, a strip roast fits the bill. We have trimmed it for you, leaving enough fat for the best flavor.

Slow cooking is the key to a classic braised beef brisket. And Butcher Boy’s signature brisket recipe adds a flavor step for a delicious braised brisket.

If your family would enjoy something other than beef, consider a rack of lamb, which is not as difficult to cook as it might seem for a special occasion.

When you want to impress guests with presentation, try a rack of roast pork. We’ll take the elegance up a notch by frenching the bones for you – that is, removing excess fat and muscle from the end of the rib so part of the clean bone is exposed. Tying racks of pork together in a circle creates a “crown” roast. We have those, too.

Do you have some favorite holiday side dishes your family craves every year? You can’t go wrong with a mix of vegetables roasted to perfection. Put a twist on basic mashed potatoes and make them twice baked. They go well with whatever you choose for your main entree.

We’re taking orders now for the winter holidays. Be sure to call us to place your order, and don’t forget to count on Butcher Boy for all your holiday meal ingredients, including desserts, sides, beer, wine, and spirits! We even carry a large assortment of Caspari Christmas napkins and dishes.

Fix It And Forget It, From Slow Cooker To Table

slow cooker lamb chopSometimes life gets so busy with home and work that we appreciate taking a break from cooking duties. But when you still want to put a rich, hearty meal on the table, it doesn’t have to be take-out. Enter the slow cooker, which does so much more than stews and pot roasts!

Some cuts of meat are ideal for preparing in your slow cooker because of the way the low, slow heat breaks them down to be fork-tender. Among them, beef chuck, pork shoulder, short ribs, chicken thighs, and brisket. Even though the slow cooker does most of the work, there are tried and true techniques to make the most flavorful, juicy, meat-that-falls-apart meals.

It’s a good idea to brown the beef first. A quick sear or caramelization will ensure a rich flavor. This extra step also will prevent excess grease in the finished meal.

A little seasoning can go a long way. Slow cooking doesn’t produce a lot of liquid, and flavors can become pretty strong as a result. Start with a little seasoning, then add more before serving if necessary.

Avoid overfilling the slow cooker. That’s because the steam will have trouble escaping, which will create more unwanted liquid, and the meal will end up being steamed.

It’s tempting to peek, but whatever you do, keep the lid on. Consistent temperature as the meat cooks is the key to success. You don’t want the heat to escape or the temp to fluctuate.

Are you a planner? Prepare your slow cooker meal the day before. The flavors will only be better the next evening.

If we’ve inspired you to give your slow cooker a regular place on the kitchen counter, give these recipes a try.

Food Network slow-cooker Cuban pork party sandwiches: Whichever kind of bread you choose – Brioche buns or Slider rolls – will work perfectly.

Beef Short Ribs with Ginger-Mango Barbecue Sauce: Classic and full of flavor, this is the easiest way to get fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

Slow cooker lamb chops: Impress your friends and family with a meal that takes little hands-on effort.

Hawaiian-Style Pork Ribs: After slow cooking, if you prefer, you can put the ribs under the broiler in the oven to get those charred, caramelized edges.

Savory Brisket: For best results, place the meat fat side-down in the slow cooker.

Butcher Boy’s Signature Brisket Recipe. The brisket recipe our customers ask for.

Lemon Chicken Thighs: The buttery sauce is perfect for spooning over rice and vegetables.

Freezing Temps? Stay in and Cook This Winter

winter meals_NY strip steakWe’ve shared some easy weeknight recipes that we think live up to the cozy vibe of winter. But when you’re home on the weekends, or are hunkered down while a snowstorm blows outside, or simply have a day off, you may find yourself with extra time to spend on the more complex recipes you’ve been wanting to try or the meals that take longer to prepare. Now’s the time to finally dig into those Pinterest boards you’ve been compiling or pull out the new cookware you scored over the holidays.

This recipe for the ultimate beef stew gets better the longer it simmers and will make your whole house smell great.

Do you love Greek lemon soup? Give this homemade version a try for something that’s truly authentic.

When pasta is on the menu, dress it up with a flavorful bolognese. This classic Italian sauce is slow-cooked and you can make enough to freeze what’s left over to save for future meals – perhaps lasagna next time.

A dinner of braised lamb shanks could become the new family favorite. Slow-cooking turns this inexpensive cut of meat into fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

If you’re willing to get started early in the morning, this layered brisket dinner will make it worth your while. It’s hearty for a cold winter day. If you don’t have all day, our signature braised brisket recipe can be prepared in an afternoon.

You know we love a good steak on the grill, but there are ways to get that seared flavor on the stovetop, too. Try this recipe for strip steaks with roasted veggies.

As always, we want to help you find all the best and freshest ingredients for whatever you want to cook at home. We can help with choosing the perfect cuts of meat, give some preparation advice, or offer substitutes to suit your preferences when the recipe doesn’t exactly match your tastes.