12 Meals of Christmas

12 Meals of Christmas

Signs of the holiday season are everywhere – including store displays and discounts, greeting cards in your mailbox, favorite movies on TV, and of course, party invitations. At the center of preparing for gatherings with family and friends is the food we associate with seasonal celebrations.

 

Fortunately, Butcher Boy has everything necessary to help you plan your holiday menus, whether it’s a quick stop to pick up the ingredients on your list or the items you want to order ahead of time. Need some ideas? Allow us to count down the possibilities, straight from our holiday meats & prepared sides order guide and holiday desserts guide.

On the 1st Day of Christmas, my butcher shared with me: 1 Prime Rib

Serve it with our delicious Butcher Boy au jus for a tender, juicy meat. Don’t let the cooking time intimidate you. The flavor is worth the effort.

On the 2nd Day of Christmas, my butcher shared with me: 2 Beef Tenderloins

This is the larger cut of beef before it’s sliced into individual steaks best known as filet mignon. Cook it whole, using our roasting guide to help you determine the temperature that suits your taste, then cut it into thick slices for your guests. Pair this tasty roast with some of our homemade béarnaise sauce.

On the 3rd Day of Christmas, my butcher shared with me: 3 Honey Apple Pork Loins

Slightly sweet and perfectly juicy, a pork tenderloin is easy to prepare but will impress. Adding fresh, local apples to the roasting pan will give it a seasonal flavor.

On the 4th Day of Christmas, my butcher shared with me: 4 Spiral Hams

Spiral hams are a crowd pleaser. Make it the centerpiece of your party buffet. A ham looks beautiful on the platter with its perfectly even slices, and is easy for guests to serve themselves. It tastes delicious warmed up, but it’s also great at room temperature.

On the 5th Day of Christmas, my butcher shared with me: 5 Gift Cards

As we are fond of saying, food makes the perfect gift, especially when it comes with the know-how and quality that Butcher Boy offers. Our gift cards make great stocking stuffers or a little something extra on the top of a beautifully wrapped present.

On the 6th Day of Christmas, my butcher shared with me: 6 Legs of Lamb

For an untraditional kind of roast, consider lamb. We can help you select and prepare the lamb of your choice. Roast it with some potatoes in the pan and use the drippings in a gravy for delightful meal.

On the 7th Day of Christmas, my butcher shared with me: 7 Farm Fresh Turkeys

Poultry is the holiday meal of choice for many families. With several sizes to choose from, we will help you find the perfect turkey for your table. Our turkey roasting guide is just a click away for tips and reminders on how to best prep, stuff, and cook your bird.

On the 8th Day of Christmas, my butcher shared with me: 8 Boneless Stuffed Veal Roasts

Requiring little preparation in the kitchen, these veal roasts stuffed with prosciutto and cheese will tempt any appetite.

On the 9th Day of Christmas, my butcher shared with me: 9 Traditional Turkey Stuffings

Full of the familiar flavors that come with the combination of herbs, onion, celery and bread, this classic dish is so delicious, you’ll want plenty of leftovers.

On the 10th Day of Christmas, my butcher shared with me: 10 Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and savory, homemade mashed potatoes are a family favorite.

On the 11th Day of Christmas, my butcher shared with me: 11 Konditor Meister Yule Logs

For every chocolate lover in your family, enjoy this decadent chocolate cake with chocolate mousse, covered with festive dark chocolate buttercream.

On the 12th Day of Christmas, my butcher shared with me: 12 Gingerbread Cookie Kits

Create special memories with friends & family while decorating cookies for Santa with our kits which include plain gingerbread cookies, frosting and sprinkles.

 

Butcher Boy is taking orders now for Christmas! Choose from any of our meats and side dishes, ready for your own oven. You can also order any of our delicious desserts, pies, cakes, and pastries. For more inspiration, check out our suggestions for the five meats of Christmas.

Make No Mis-Steak With Your Grill

Grilling a SteakWe like to share recipes with our customers. It’s fun to try new combinations of flavors or prepare our specialty meats in different ways. But when it comes to grilling steak, a recipe is only a winner if the steak is cooked just the way you — or your guests — like it. If you’re unsure about the general rules for cooking times of various cuts of steak, we’ve put together this helpful Steak Grilling Guide.

Keep in mind that cooking times are based on:

  • the cut of meat
  • the thickness of the meat
  • desired doneness

That’s why you can’t grill different types of steak for the same amount of time and expect the same taste and texture. The guide chart is customized to give you the best results for each cut of steak.

Universal tips for grilling the perfect steak:

  • Don’t take the steak out of the fridge and throw it directly on the grill. To make sure the meat cooks evenly, let it come to room temperature first.
  • Oil the grill grates. When it’s time to flip the steak, it will turn easily and not stick.
  • Be patient and let the steak cook on one side for the full recommended time before turning it. Flipping a steak too often will disrupt the grilling time and dry it out.
  • Searing a steak creates tremendous flavor. After you get a good crust on steak thicker than an inch, grill it over indirect heat so that it won’t burn before it finishes cooking on the inside.
  • Don’t be afraid to use a digital thermometer to keep a more accurate eye on your steak.
  • Always let your steak rest for about five minutes after you take it off the grill and don’t cut into it before.

Grill Marks on SteakAbout those grill marks…

Have you figured out the technique for creating those criss-crossed grill marks on steaks? Place the steak at a 45-degree angle on the grill. Flip it at the same angle. Turn the steak over a second time, rotating it 90 degrees. One last flip for a quick sear at the same angle will give you that familiar diamond pattern.

For more information about cooking all types of beef, check out our Beef Roasting Guide. You can also revisit similar guides for roasting pork, ham and turkey. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!

 

grills perfect match

Steak Grilling Guide

FILET MIGNON
Thickness Rare 110° to 120° Medium Rare 120° to 130° Medium 130° to 140°
2″ 4 Min Each Side 4.5 Min Each Side 5 Min Each Side
DELMONICO (BONELESS RIBEYE)
Thickness Rare 110° to 120° Medium Rare 120° to 130° Medium 130° to 140°
1 1/2″ 3 Min Each Side 3.5 Min Each Side 4 Min Each Side
PORTERHOUSE
Thickness Rare 110° to 120° Medium Rare 120° to 130° Medium 130° to 140°
1 3/4″ 6 Min First Side
5 Min Second Side
6.5 Min Each Side 8 Min First Side
7 Min Second Side
CLUB (SIRLOIN STRIP STEAK)
Thickness Rare 110° to 120° Medium Rare 120° to 130° Medium 130° to 140°
1 1/2″ 6 Min First Side
4 Min Second Side
6 Min Each Side 7 Min Each Side

Tips

  • Don’t take the steak out of the fridge and throw it directly on the grill. To make sure the meat cooks evenly, let it come to room temperature first.
  • Oil the grill grates. When it’s time to flip the steak, it will turn easily and not stick.
  • Be patient and let the steak cook on one side for the full recommended time before turning it. Flipping a steak too often will disrupt the grilling time and dry it out.
  • Searing a steak creates tremendous flavor. After you get a good crust on steak thicker than an inch, grill it over indirect heat so that it won’t burn before it finishes cooking on the inside.
  • Don’t be afraid to use a digital thermometer to keep a more accurate eye on your steak.
  • Always let your steak rest for about five minutes after you take it off the grill and don’t cut into it before.
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grills perfect match

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!

Killer Pot Roast Recipes

We’re in the thick of winter, and spring feels forever away. One advantage of this cold and snowy weather is that it makes you want to stay in and cook a meal that warms up the entire home! A pot roast dinner is the perfect all-in-one meal that fills your kitchen with rich, tantalizing smells, and fills your family’s bellies with hearty, comforting food. 

Boneless chuck and bottom round are ideal cuts for a succulent roast that creates the perfect melt-in-your-mouth meat experience. 

1) Perfect Pot Roast  

Perfect Pot Roast
via Life Made Simple

Tender yet flavorful, Life Made Simple‘s Perfect Pot Roast packs a whole meal into one easy-to-clean dish! First, heat the oil in a Dutch-oven over medium heat, and generously apply salt and pepper to the boneless chuck. With the “secret ingredient” of balsamic vinegar, this roast recipe promises to be fork tender with meat that falls right apart. Simmer the roast, then transfer to the oven to finish cooking. Tent with foil on a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.  

2) Round Roast Beef Bottom Perfection

Round Bottom Roast
via Just A Pinch Recipes

Just A Pinch Recipes promises a heavenly, aroma-filled kitchen while making this ideal “Sunday Dinner” roast. Before cooking, bring the meat to room temperature in a roasting pan. Grind garlic and onion with seasonings with a mortar and pestle to create a semi-thin paste to smear on the beef. This paste forms an aromatic crust when roasted. Start making the gravy while the roast is resting, allowing the juices to settle. Pour the gravy over mashed potatoes and serve.  

3) 3-Ingredient Chuck Roast in Foil

3 Ingredient Chuck Roast
via Fountain Avenue Kitchen

As the name states, this crowd-pleasing, slow-cooked pot roast recipe only has three ingredients: meat, potatoes, and onion soup mix. Mouthwatering with minimal effort, Fountain Avenue Kitchen‘s recipe is perfect for dinner parties or casual family meals on a cold winter weekend. If you prefer completely homemade, the recipe includes an alternative dry rub mixture to use instead. After the cooked meat rests, place it in a serving dish and pour the remaining juice, or “au jus” on top. The leftover meat is fantastic in a basic vegetable or mushroom barely soup the next day.

Happy cooking!

Want more dinner ideas?

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

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

Choosing the Perfect Holiday Roast

Christmas is right around the corner. Your decorations look great, your guests’ travel plans are set, and now it’s time to focus on the food!

We’ve put together a list of considerations to review when selecting and cooking the perfect roast for your holiday dinner from our Holiday Order Guide. Consult our Beef Roasting Guide for exact temperatures and cooking tips.

1) Number of guests

How much meat do you need? Our order guide breaks down size of cuts and how many people they serve per pound. Better to overestimate, then under – no one has ever complained about leftovers. Plus, you can make a great dinner the next day, like this Leftover Prime Rib Beef Stroganoff from Bake It With Love.

2) When to start cooking?

Once your meat is selected, use our Roasting Guides to plan out when you’ll need to start cooking. Cuts like prime rib and rump roast are cooked by minutes per pound, so more guests means longer cooking times! Use our Guide’s time chart as a general guide, it’s good practice to check the roast before the minimum time recommended.

3) Guests’ preference on temperature

Will you be serving your meat medium rare or medium? Every oven is different, so invest in a meat thermometer and consult our Guide in order to cook your roast to the preferred doneness. The roast continues to cook once removed from the oven, so make sure to take it out when the thermometer reaches 5° fewer than your desired temperature.

4) When is dinner served?

There’s nothing worse than keeping guests waiting for their dinner. So keep in mind, the roast should reach room temperature one hour prior to cooking. After cooking, your roast needs to rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving and serving. It will all be worth it when you see your satisfied guests enjoying the meal. But if you’re really worried about the hungry masses, then you may want to select a cut with a shorter cooking time.

Call us at 978-688-1511 to place your order.

Happy Holidays from Butcher Boy Market!

Want more holiday dinner ideas?

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

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

Sides and Tips for Your Holiday Roast

The holidays have arrived and we’re here to help you prepare. Friends and family are what make the holidays special, the meat is what makes the meal. That’s why our Holiday Order Guide has a variety of roasts, available for order now by calling 978-688-1511.

Last year we featured the five meats of Christmas on our blog, a delicious assortment that satisfies even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you choose prime rib, tenderloin, or rump roast for your meal, our Beef Roasting Guide is the perfect resource to achieve that ideal temperature.

This year, we’ve compiled a of list delicious side recipes and resources for your meal’s centerpiece, so that you can focus your energy on enjoying the holidays instead.

Sauces and Sides

1) Red Wine and Wild Mushroom Sauce

Red Wine and Wild Mushroom Sauce
via Food Network

Our roasts pair well with Butcher Boy Au Jus and Béarnaise. If you’re looking for something a little different, this Red Wine and Wild Mushroom Sauce from Food Network will do the trick. Featuring an array of mushrooms, this creamy sauce is decadent and extremely easy to make.

2) Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans

Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans
via Rachel Schultz on Homemaking

Jazz up your required veggie side with Rachel Schultz on Homemaking‘s pan-seared brussels sprouts. Cranberries add a beautiful pop of color, while pecans add a needed crunch to this versatile dish.

3) Roasted Holiday Potatoes

Roasted Holiday Potatoes
via created by Diane

Potatoes are your meat’s favorite food companion. This side from created by Diane features both baking and sweet potatoes, making this the ultimate potato dish. Beautifully arranged, these holiday potatoes will look fantastic next to your roast.

Quick Hit Holiday Tips

  • Condense shopping trips. We’re open extra hours on Friday and Saturday, so stop in on the way home from holiday shopping.
  • Use a meat thermometer. Use these tips from Kitchn on using and maintaining your meat thermometer.
  • Plan your spirit pairings for your meat. This guide will show you how to pair wines to your favorite meal.
  • Choose appetizers to complement the meal! Consult this post for appetizer ideas, or order from our Holiday Order Guide.

Happy Holidays from Butcher Boy Market!

Want more holiday dinner ideas?

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

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

4 Fall-Themed Squash and Pumpkin Dinner Recipes

Your home decorations change to reflect the seasons, your meals should as well. Seasonal dishes encompass the feeling of the time of year, the weather outside, and upcoming holidays to be celebrated.

Decorate your fall meal plan with these squash and pumpkin dishes:

1) Farro and Sausage Stuffed Roasted Acorn Squash

Farro and Sausage Stuffed Roasted Acorn Squash
via Skinny Taste

Warm up your kitchen with the tantalizing smell of Skinny Taste‘s savory baked squash dish. Simply hollow out and season the acorn squash with salt and pepper before placing in the oven. Cook the nutty farro stuffing and sauté the sweet chicken sausage while the acorn bowls bake. This easy dish is perfect for a weeknight meal. You may even want to add it to your Thanksgiving spread!

2) Beef-Stuffed Butternut Squash

Beef-Stuffed Butternut
via Paleo Leap

Bored of basic roasted butternut squash? Pep up dinner with Paleo Leap‘s delicious mixture of beef, bacon, and vegetables stuffed into butternut squash halves. First, the halves are baked with salt and pepper in the oven for forty minutes. The cinnamon-seasoned beef is browned with skillet-softened veggies and sliced mushrooms. After baking, the flesh of the squash is scraped out and added to the stuffing. Bacon and caramelized onions top the dish off for a great finishing touch.

3) Savory Ground Beef and Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Savory Ground Beef and Spaghetti Squash Casserole
via Mother Rimmy’s Recipes

Squash noodles are a great healthy alternative to regular pasta. This fall-themed casserole from Mother Rimmy’s Recipes is a comfort dish with staying power. Spaghetti Squash noodles are seriously simple to make, you don’t even need a spiralizer. Just microwave the squash, scoop out the seeds, and use a fork to shred the skin into noodles. Beef broth, oregano, garlic, and the squash are added to a large skillet after the beef is browned. Plate and finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

4) Beef and Pumpkin Shepard’s Pie

Beef and Pumpkin Shepard's Pie
via Cafe Delites

Pumpkin dominates fall for a good reason. It’s sweet and irresistibly creamy with an intoxicating aroma. Cafe Delites knows the importance of this seasonal treat, and features it in their unique twist on shepherd’s pie. Between the crispy parmesan cheesy top and beef, potato, and veggie filling, your whole family will go to bed stuffed full of fall-flavored goodness.

Visit Butcher Boy for all of your favorite fall flavors!

Want more fall dinner ideas?

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

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

5 Mouthwatering Meatloaf Recipes For Fall

Hearty and rich, meatloaf is one of the best-loved meals in modern American history. For such a simple name, there are seemingly endless ways to prepare this quintessential comfort food.

Satisfy your entire family with these 5 mouthwatering meatloaf recipes:

1) Honey Barbecue Meatloaf Recipe

Honey Bbq Meatloaf
via Andi Mitchell

Andi Mitchell‘s must-make meatloaf tastes of pure comfort and love. This recipe is sweet and smoky thanks to the addition of BBQ sauce and honey. The meat is hand-mixed with the BBQ sauce, panko, and Worcestershire sauce, then molded into a long, thick log. The sauce is spread over the formed loaf and baked for 45 minutes. Satisfying and moist, this recipe tastes best when served with creamy mashed potatoes and chives.

2) Classic Meatloaf

Classic Meatloaf
via Simply Recipes

This classic recipe from Simply Recipes is anything but ordinary. Italian pork sausage (half sweet, half spicy) guest stars in the dish, mixed in with the ground beef. The key to many good Italian meals is the “sofritto base” of minced carrots, onions, celery, and garlic. The extra effort pays off; the smaller you chop, the better the meatloaf holds together. Slice the loaf up thick, as you’ll certainly want extra.

3) Mexican Meatloaf

Mexican Meatloaf
via Simply Stacie

Make it a fiesta night with Simply Stacie‘s Mexican style meatloaf. Crushed tortilla chips and taco seasoning spice up the meat, while shredded cheddar cheese makes it extra flavorful. After the meat is cooked, flip over and spread salsa and green onions on top to complete the south-of-the-border experience.

4) Korean Kimchi Meatloaf

Korean Kimchi Meatloaf
via Closet Cooking

A truly international dish, Closet Cooking‘s recipe combines the comfort food with the Korean staple side dish of salted and fermented veggies, Kimchi. First, the Kimchi is drained and chopped, then mixed in with the ground beef. Onion, garlic, and ginger build up the flavor, while dried mushrooms and fish oil add a hit of umami. The dish is finished off with sesame oil, which brings an intoxicating aroma to the meatloaf.

5) Best Ever Meatloaf

Best Ever Meatloaf
via Yummy Healthy Eats

A recipe becomes a tradition for a reason. Good food becomes an unforgettable experience that you want to relive over again, and share with those you care about. Yummy Healthy Eats promises a meal you won’t soon forget with their take on traditional meatloaf. This recipe is gluten-free, using oats in the place of bread crumbs in the mix. Packed with flavor, the sweet glaze of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard is spread on top of the loaf before it’s placed in the oven to cook.

Bring our tradition home to your family with our oven-ready meatloaf, ready for pick-up in our Meat Department. We also have cooked meatloaf dinner available every Monday from the kitchen.

Want more dinner ideas?

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

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

Summer Shish Kabob Skewers

Shish Kabobs are a fun, tidy way to cook your favorite meats on the grill. Forget utensils, just prepare your ingredients, skewer, and cook!

You’ll have your hungry family or ravenous BBQ guests jumping for joy when you serve these marinated shish kabob favorites.

1) Marinated & Grilled Lamb Shish Kabobs

Marinated and Grilled Lamb Shish Kabobs
via Vodka & Biscuits

Colorful and delicious, this lamb shish kabob recipe from Vodka & Biscuits is extremely simple to make. Their killer combo marinade consists of paprika, coriander, cumin, and oregano mixed with lemon and garlic. Soak the cubed lamb and veggies for two hours, stack onto skewers, and place on the grill. Plate as is, or slide the food off the skewer atop a couscous base.

2) Grilled Asian Garlic Steak Skewers

Grilled Asian Garlic Steak Skewers
via The Recipe Critic

Full of fantastic flavor, The Recipe Critic‘s soy sauce garlic marinade is guaranteed to seep into your steak and make the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender. Toss the cubed sirloin in the sauce and refrigerate for three hours (or as long as overnight). Thread the steak along with onions on wooden skewers, which have been pre-soaked in water. Top off with sliced green onions to complement the sesame seeds. Now your meal is picture perfect.

3) Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs
via Cooking Classy

Make your dinner as sweet as summertime with Cooking Classy‘s Hawaiian Kebabs. Pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce are gleefully combined to create a sweet, tropical-inspired taste. With bell pepper and red onion stacked between the chicken and pineapple, this savory sequence is sure to please both the stomach and eyes.

4) Butcher Boy Prepared Skewers

Butcher Boy Chicken and Beef Skewers
via Butcher Boy Market

While there is pleasure in making your own marinade, you can save time by picking up our prepared marinated skewers, available at our meat counter. Choose from chicken or beef, with yellow and green bell peppers, onions, and finish with cherry tomatoes. Our shish kabobs will be a hit at your next summer barbecue.

Happy Grilling!

Want more grilling ideas?

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

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.