Food Tag: Beef

Grill & Smoker Inspiration To Up Your Midsummer Dinner Game

It’s August! We’ve reached that part of the season when it feels like summer is slipping by and we need to catch every minute of sunshine, swimming, playing, and lounging outside that we can. That includes, of course, maximizing the opportunity to use our grills, smokers, and fire pits — and soaking in those moments by dining al fresco in the comfort of our patios, decks, and backyards.

If you’ve been cooking and eating outdoors for as long as the weather has cooperated over the past few months, you might have started to run out of ideas to keep summer menus interesting. We’ve put together a boost of inspiration to help get you out of the same-thing-every-week cycle.

Pork is one of our favorites, and while we love a good tenderloin on the grill, a shoulder (also known as a butt) is fantastic for feeding a crowd during a weekend day spent hanging out with friends. Smoke it low and slow for amazing flavor. All it takes is time and patience. Shred it for barbeque sandwiches or tacos. Use the leftovers for rice bowls, pizza, or nachos. Pick up a boneless pork butt at Butcher Boy…and choose from our wide variety of spices and dry rubs that will help you smoke it to perfection.

pork shoulder

A whole chicken is delicious when you roast it in the oven, but grilling it brings the flavor to a whole new level. The best way to do it?  Butterfly the bird by splitting it and removing the backbone so you can flatten it out. It’s called spatchcocking, and the benefits for grilling mean the breast and legs cook evenly in a shorter time. Does the process sound too complicated? Don’t worry, because we have the chickens split and ready to go for you to put right on the grill! It’s a great alternative to boneless chicken you might grill more often.

spatchcock chicken

But even when you’re in the mood for burgers, you don’t have to stick with convention. Check out this list of the best burger recipes from Food & Wine magazine. From pimiento cheese to pickled slaw and fried shallots, there’s something here for everyone’s taste to give a basic cook-out favorite a bit of zing. To make prep even easier for the grillmaster, buy our 100% ground beef patties, made in-house. A ten-pound box gives you 32 5-ounce burgers. They’re packaged in four stacks of eight to use as many or as few as you need for your family and guests. Bring a box along to the next cook-out you’re invited to.

burger patties

Is your garden ready to harvest? Toss a few of those sun-ripened veggies, like zucchini, summer squash, cherry tomatoes, or peppers on the grill, or mix up a simple salad of freshly-picked tomatoes and cucumbers with olive oil and herbs for the side. Even easier? Pick up your favorite prepared sides from Butcher Boy while you’re here.

What are your favorite summer meals on the grill and in the smoker?

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.

Easy Weeknight Grilling

Sometimes it takes a while for our New England weather to catch up to the season, but now that the days are getting warmer and longer, it’s finally time to uncover the grill and take a break from standard kitchen cooking duty. Why wait for weekends? Make the most out of the sunshine with easy grilling recipes, even on your busiest evenings during the workweek.

weeknight grilling hamburgersBurgers are usually a quick family favorite. Butcher Boy has the freshest ground beef for the best-tasting hamburgers. Shop with us for the buns as well as your favorite toppings and sides, like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, coleslaw, or potato salad. Our selection of prepared sides can take the stress out of cooking a full meal on nights when you’re short on time.

Grilled sausages are another easy option, especially in foil packets with peppers and onions to make clean-up a breeze. Sub rolls make for an easy grab-and-go meal or grill up any leftover veggies you have on hand and toss them together with the sausages on a bed of rice for a well-rounded dinner. How about ready-to-cook chicken in a variety of flavorful marinades to choose from? We’ve got a well-stocked case of customer favorites ready for you to pick up. Pair that with a salad and some grilled potatoes for a simple meal any night of the week.

weeknight grilling steak skewersUp your weeknight game with steak tip skewers. Simply pop some plain or marinated steak tips onto wooden skewers, with veggies in between. When you stop in at Butcher Boy, we’ll help you choose the best cut for your kebabs. Enjoy time on the deck or patio and out of the kitchen while your skewers grill by picking up a salad from our deli.

No matter what you choose for your protein main entree, fresh mixed vegetables on the grill always go well together. Toss zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, mushrooms, broccoli florets, cauliflower — or anything, really — in some olive oil and garlic and cook them up in a grill basket.

Don’t save dessert for weekends, either. After a long, cold winter, it’s time to make these ordinary days a little sweeter. Take advantage of later sunsets and comfortable temperatures when you have a chance to pull yourself away from work and school devices. A springtime meal outside can be just the thing to brighten up your week. We have a bakery stocked with all your favorites, from small cakes and pies for sharing to individual pastries, cupcakes, and other treats.

What are your easy grilled favorites? Share what you love…and don’t forget to visit us for all of your ingredients!

 

grills perfect match

Festive Easter & Passover Holidays At Home

Spiral Hams, Butcher Boy Market

The arrival of Easter and Passover is the annual cue that winter is over, and we can look forward to longer days and warmer temperatures as spring moves in. Celebrate the season of fresh beginnings with a holiday meal!

Lamb Lollipops, Butcher Boy Market

The spring holiday season is upon us, and we have plenty of options to make family meals special. If you are thinking of ham or lamb for Easter, we can help you choose the perfect one, depending on how you want to prepare it — whether it’s a classic spiral ham or lamb roast. For smaller appetites or something perfect for individual servings, give lamb ‘lollipops’ a try. Some families prefer to celebrate with brunch rather than a big meal later in the day.

Lamb Roasts, Butcher Boy Market

Passover — April 12  through April 20 this year — begins its week of customs with a ceremonial Seder. The meal’s menu might vary among families, but brisket, roast chicken, or lamb often are the main entrée to accompany traditional items. Our expert butchers can help you select the ideal size and cut of meat for your meal.

We have everything available to make your meal complete — including side dishes and desserts ready to serve. We have the selection you need and the people who know meat best. What are your favorite menu items for spring celebrations? We’d love to hear from you!

Special Occasion Dinners for Any Home Chef

Special Occasion Dinner at HomeFor many of us over the past year, an evening to celebrate a special occasion with dinner out on the town has been put on hold. In the meantime, we still need to celebrate, perhaps now more than ever. No matter your culinary talents — or lack thereof — any home cook can upgrade an ordinary night in, to give a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day (hint hint), or any big announcement or milestone the recognition it deserves.

Create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. It is easier than you think, but the results are just as impressive as if it were prepared by a professional. One of our most popular cuts of beef for a special dinner is the filet mignon. Keep it simple with a classic pan-seared cooking method that can’t be beat for tenderness. The same goes for the porterhouse, often a steak that is a real treat for hearty appetites. Serve with your favorite steakhouse sides, and it’ll taste truly authentic. Another special occasion meal that might be far from your usual at-home menu: grilled lollipop lambchops. The “rack of lamb,” has incredibly tender meat. It’s a perfect meal for two, either for Valentine’s Day or any weekend night and easier to prepare than you’d think.

lollipop rack of lamb
Lamb Lollipop (chops) at Butcher Boy

Focus on the cooking and let us help with the dessert. Butcher Boy has a sweet selection of cakes and pastries to pair with your savory entree. Looking for something decadent? Try a chocolate lava cake, Mousse Tower, or the Konditor Meister ganache cake for two. Need a great bottle of wine or the makings for a fancy cocktail? We have that, too!

Even though you’re at home, there are some easy ways to make it feel like a special night out. Change out of your usual attire and dress the part, break out the good dishes and glasses, light a few candles, and set the mood with music. If you have a fireplace, create some fireside dining romance. If the weather cooperates, how about an outdoor winter wonderland? String up some lights around the deck or patio. Sit around a crackling fire pit under blankets take the time to reconnect under the stars.

What are your time-tested romantic meals and at-home date ideas? Share with us on Facebook or Instagram.

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 Corned Beef Boiled Dinner

Corned Beef Boiled Dinner

Serves 6-8

INGREDIENTS:

5-8 lb. Butcher Boy Corned Beef

1-2 bay leaves (optional)

Some or all of the following vegetables:

4-5 parsnips cut into large pieces

8-10 carrots cut into large pieces

10-12 small white potatoes

2 medium turnips cut into large pieces

1 large head of cabbage cut into wedges

DIRECTIONS:

1. Leave string on.

2. Put corned beef in a large pot. Add bay leaf and enough water to cover beef by 1-2 inches. Cook over high heat until water boils. Reduce heat, simmer for 3 hours or until meat is tender when pierced with a fork.

3. About 40 minutes before meat is done, add remaining vegetables, except for cabbage & parsnips.

4. Twenty minutes before meat is done, add cabbage & parsnips, simmer until vegetables are tender.

To Make Corned Spare Ribs

1. Follow directions for corned beef but cook 1½-2 hours.

Surf & Turf for the Changing Seasons

surf and turfThere’s something about the Fall in New England that makes us live more in the moment. Knowing that the change of seasons isn’t far off, we want to squeeze every ounce out of each day: spending more time outside, soaking in the sun, hiking the trails,  or playing catch until the air turns chilly. These are the days that make us fall back in love with our region and the mouthwatering seafood we are known for.

What better meal for outdoor dining than surf and turf? While the classic steak and lobster likely comes to mind first, there are plenty of sea-meets-land combinations to choose from.

Here are a few ideas for dinners at home: 

Try one of our date night favorites, filet and scallops for two. One of the best things about scallops is the simplicity in cooking them. A quick sear on both sides is the perfect companion to a sizzling steak.

Sirloin and shrimp are another classic pairing with easy ingredients and succulent flavors. Similar to scallops, you can also control the portion. Cook up four to six shrimp for lighter fare, or up to ten for bigger appetites.

A light and fresh dinner can be created with a sliced sirloin and shrimp Caesar salad, which includes a twist on a traditional favorite. Make the salad your own with any fresh vegetables or marinate the shrimp before cooking them for an extra burst of flavor.

Bring a taste of the Caribbean to your backyard with these spicy steak and shrimp kabobs with pina colada sauce. Butcher Boy carries great cuts of meat that make it easy for you to prepare scrumptious kabobs at home.

Finally, you can go all out gourmet with steak and lobster tail. It looks fancy but is easier to prepare than you might think.

Don’t forget that you can pick up the best selection of quality meats and seafood at Butcher Boy Marketplace. When you’re finished shopping for your beef, sides, and beverages at Butcher Boy, pop in next door to Lobster Tail Seafoods for both fresh and cooked fish, shellfish, and sauces.

What are your favorite surf and turf combinations? Show us your culinary creations by sharing photos on our Facebook page or tagging @ButcherBoyMarket on Instagram.

Grilling For Father’s Day

Like many holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions over the past few months, Father’s Day is sure to feel and look a little different than we’re used to. But if you’re with your family – either at a safe distance or online – a backyard barbeque on a (hopefully) sunny, early summer day might help make this year’s celebration as close to “normal” as you can get, despite any restrictions related to the current public health crisis.

Why not cook Dad a steakhouse meal of your own? Butcher Boy has a variety of cuts available. Some of our favorites for a special dinner include tender filet mignon and flavorful New York strip.

father's day grillingWe’ve shared some delicious recipes in the past that are worth another look for your Father’s Day menu. For more inspiration, try this Steak au Poivre with Cognac Sauce or Bistecca alla Fiorentina, which is really just a fancy Italian name for a porterhouse dish but not any more difficult to prepare.

Need some advice for fool-proof grilling? We provide that, too, with our steak grilling guide and tips on techniques.

If it’s not possible to spend the whole day with your father, grandfather, or other special male figure, consider bringing him your homemade meal to go. Drop it off or set up a picnic on the lawn for you to enjoy together. No matter what, memories will be made this Father’s Day, and we wish all you a safe and healthy one.

Don’t forget Butcher Boy is open to serve you. Please visit and shop with us, following our current guidelines.

 

grills perfect match

Make Protein Part of Your Healthy New Year

Meat - Healthy New YearFor many of us, the new calendar year is a fresh start and a time to set goals. Resolving to improve one’s health is a common theme among those looking to lose weight, get fit, or simply develop better habits when it comes to eating and exercising.

By now, weeks into 2019, your attendance at the gym may already be lagging, and you might be in a mealtime rut that’s leaving you unsure of how to make any progress toward your “new year, new you” aspirations. We can help when it comes to making protein part of your nutritional turnaround.

Low carb and high protein diets – you’ve likely heard of paleo, keto and Whole30 – are highly popular. While you might dismiss them as merely 21st-century fads, there are aspects of the concept that work for an overall healthy lifestyle. So what are the benefits of eating red meat?

Beef is full of nutrients, including essential amino acids, and vitamins like zinc and iron. It helps to repair and build body tissues, as well as produce antibodies that will protect the body from infections, which in turn strengthens the immune system.

Meat is a critical component in steps toward a healthy body. You can work out as much as you want, and you will lose weight based on calories burned, but you won’t build muscle without proper nourishment. Muscles need the protein and energy that beef provides and cannot be replicated with supplements.

Making meat a regular part of your diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which prevents type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions. When your blood sugar is stable, you are less likely to crave unhealthy foods between meals.

Poultry has a place in high-protein diet plans as well. It’s best to eat turkey and chicken without the skin as these are lower in fat. Purchase it skinless or remove the skin before you prepare it.

Grill meat, rather than fry it, and don’t add extra fat or oil when cooking it. Another tip for reducing the amount of fat you consume: roast meat on a metal rack above a roasting pan so the fat can run off.

Stop by our store to speak with one of our butchers today! We can help you select a variety of lean cuts of meat to suit your diet preferences and also offer a rainbow of vegetables to complete your meals.