Food Tag: Chicken

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!

Sizzle Season is Here

It’s time to break out the grill for summer! Summer grilling season is for every day of the week, whether it’s a Tuesday night family dinner or a big Saturday celebration. There’s something special about taking great meats, throwing them on a hot grill, then adding delicious sides, desserts, and the perfect beverages to create unforgettable meals that are easy, fun, and full of flavor.butcher boy north andover ma steak grilling summer sizzle season

Speaking of easy, Butcher Boy is freshly stocked with everything you need for your summer grilling needs. With our reputation for the best cuts of meat, house-made specialties, and everything you need for creating delicious meals, why go anywhere else? One stop and you’re ready to grill, serve, and sip with no hassle or stress.

butcher boy north andover ma steak kabobs grilling summer sizzle seasonStep 1: Pick your protein. From everyday favorites to special cuts guaranteed to wow your guests, we’ve got you covered. Here are just a few delicious options:

Casual Days – Easy, Tasty, and Satisfying

  • Marinated steak tips in crowd-favorite flavors, including burgundy, teriyaki, sweet bourbon, and more.
  • Bone-in and boneless chicken options, including thighs, wings, and breasts
  • Chicken marinated in one of our delicious marinade selections, including lemon pepper, garlic ginger, cajun, and other flavors.
  • 100% in-house made beef burgers, or one of our many fresh ground, hand-tied sausages, from sweet to hot traditional varieties, customer favorites like steak and cheese, hard-to-find English-style tomato sausages, and everything in between.

butcher boy north andover ma steak sausages grilling summer sizzle seasonWeekend and Party Picks – for Those “Wow” Moments

  • Handcut Boneless and Bone-In Pork Chops
  • Barbecue and Chinese Style Ribs
  • Delicious Steaks, including thick-cut bone-in sirloin and Cowboy, or choose a tender Delmonico, Porterhouse or one of our many other options.
  • Classic Brisket, London Broil, or Flank Steak for a low and slow feast.

Pro Tip: Mix your cuts of meat to satisfy different tastes and appetites.

Step 2: Add your perfect sides, salads, and the extras that steal the show.

  • Ready-to-go sides like potato salad, pasta salad, coleslaw and more.
  • Grilled veggie packs, skewers, and corn on the cob prepared and ready to throw on the grill.
  • Freshly baked bread and roll selections from our bakery.
  • The perfect condiments to take your meal to the next level, from house-made marinades to savory rubs and BBQ sauces.
  • Delicious Desserts – Whether you want luscious pastries, rich brownies, the perfect cookie, moist cakes, or a fancy show-stopping Konditor Meister cake creation, we have it.

Step 3: Quench your thirst with perfect sip pairings for every Grill Master.

Beer and Cider

  • Local brews and summer seasonal selections.
  • Lighter lagers and refreshing IPAs perfectly pair with smoky meats.

Wine & Spirits

  • Rosé, chilled reds, and bold cabernets, perfect for hearty steak.
  • Summer Cocktails featuring whiskey, tequila, or rum.
  • Mocktails, Craft Sodas, Sparkling Water Selections and more to please the non-drinkers

Don’t Forget Details are the Secret to a Great Cookout.

  • Don’t be caught unprepared. Pick up your paper goods, tableware, napkins and table décor.
  • Don’t forget something sweet like a Mann’s or Valley View fruit pie or freshly baked, super chocolatey whoopie pies to make your meal complete.

Whether you are a planner or a last-minute entertainer, don’t forget to check out our Summer Favorites Shopping Guide, designed to make your summer meal planning as easy as check, shop, and grill. Print or bookmark it here for easy reference.

At Butcher Boy, our family has been helping people throughout the Merrimack Valley and beyond create good eats and precious summer memories for 70 years. Here’s to another season of celebrations around the grill with great food and great company. Visit us in store to stock up for your next cookout or weekend adventure.

Highlighting our Fall Favorites

Fall days were meant for comfort food, and what’s more comforting than a perfectly prepared beef, pork, or chicken dish? We’ve got you covered. These cuts lend themselves to a variety of cooking methods including smoking, roasting, and crockpot preparations for those busy days. Don’t miss our latest Fall Favorites Shopping Guide for more information on our customer favorites. And check out our Cooking and Grilling Guides for valuable preparation tips to ensure a perfect result every time. 

Here’s what our customers tell us are their favorites for fall: 

Beef Brisket – Whether you choose a lean flat cut (best for quicker preparation) or a rich full packer, beef brisket is always a delicious crowd pleaser. 

Check out this easy smoked brisket recipe from Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner.

Boneless Pork Butt – Perfect for pulled pork, this cut yields tender and delectable meat that can be used in a variety of recipes.  Just remember “low and slow.” 

Here’s a great smoker recipe from Serious Eats for perfect pulled pork.

Want to come home to delicious pulled pork after a busy day? Let your crockpot do the cooking. (Recipe from The Seasoned Mom)

Bone-In Center Cut Pork Roast – As impressive as a prime rib and just as delectable, this cut is surprisingly easy to prepare. Check out this simple smoker recipe.

Want to savor the smell of roast pork coming from your kitchen? Here’s a top-rated oven recipe from Food and Wine.

Beef Short Ribs – Marinating these succulent cuts of meat in a Korean-inspired perfect mix of sweet, sour, and salty makes for a delicious bite in this grilling recipe from Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. 

Want a great slow-cooker alternative? These slow-cooker short ribs from Taste of Home are sure to please.

Baby Back Pork Ribs – Classic and delicious, there’s nothing like spice-rubbed pork ribs fresh from the grill and served up with your favorite barbecue sauce. You can’t go wrong with this prize-winning recipe prepared on the grill.

Don’t forget our amazing selection of shanks, roasts, and oven-ready specialties for easy, quick, and delicious meals.

butcher boy oven ready roastsSeasoned & Stuffed Roasts: Choose from delicious options such as Honey Apple Pork, Garlic Pepper Pork, Stuffed Top Sirloin, and Stuffed Pork Roast.

Shanks: Veal Osso Buco is the ultimate comfort food with a hint of extravagance – ask for a veal hind shank at our butcher counter and try this recipe from Giada De Laurentis for a delicious dinner. For another incredible restaurant-inspired meal try braised lamb shanks, slow-cooked and served alongside a creamy risotto. Or, pick up some beef shin bones with meat and try this take on classic beef and barley soup. 

House Specialties: Our stuffed chicken breasts feature a variety of savory stuffings. Beef and pork options include Braciole, Meatloaf, Stuffed Flank Steak, Beef Pinwheels, Stuffed Pork Chops and Pork Pinwheels.

Perfect Sides: Our kitchen prepares delicious vegetables, classic sides, and much more. Don’t miss out on our fresh homemade applesauce, a perfect addition to your fall table.

 

Sizzle & Smoke: Mastering Outdoor Cooking

outdoor cookingFor a lot of people, there’s nothing like outdoor cooking. From the beckoning aroma of food sizzling on the grill to the casual vibe of gathering with friends and family, moving meal prep from the confines of the kitchen just seems to make everything taste better. That’s true, whether you’re using gas, charcoal, or wood smoke. Whether you already are a pro at the basics or you’re looking to perfect your methods, we can provide some reminders and help you take your skills to the next level.

Step Up Your Grilling Techniques

The most common way to grill is through direct heat. That’s when you cook the food directly over the flame. It gives your meat those familiar grill marks, and is the right method for foods that cook quickly, because if you have to keep it on the grill too long to ensure it’s cooked through, it will dry out.

Indirect heat requires grilling adjacent to the heat course. Cooking on the hot grates and letting the heat circulate around the meat is less intense – more of a slow and steady approach. It works best on large cuts of meat, such as whole chickens, roasts, and briskets, that need more time to cook perfectly at lower temperatures.

An experienced grill master knows how to manage two heat zones. Keeping direct heat and indirect heat sides of your grill gives you flexibility to cook various foods at once. For instance, you can sear your veggies or burgers over a flame, then move them to the cooler side so that they stay hot but don’t burn while other items continue cooking.

Have you heard of the reverse sear? Home cooks are discovering this method, and word is slowly spreading that it’s a near perfect way to grill a steak with tender, flavorful results. The trick is the two-zone combination of direct and indirect heat. Start the steak on the indirect side, low and slow, to bring the meat up to temperature and cook evenly to your taste. This technique calls for patience because it will take longer than traditional grilling. The last step is to hit the steak with a high flame on the direct heat side, to give it that charred crust, without burning because you know the inside is already done.

Smoking 101

An alternative to a gas or charcoal grill is a smoker. The main differences between the two are the cooking time required and cooking temperature. But those loyal to smokers know it’s not as simple as that. Smokers use the smoke from burning wood to slowly cook and infuse the meat with flavor.

Choosing the right smoking wood depends on the meat you choose and the flavor profile you’re aiming to match. First, decide on chips versus chunks versus small logs. Wood chips are best for short cooking times, for things like fish and smaller cuts of meat, because they burn up quickly.  Wood chunks and splits are good for hours of cooking time. Larger cuts of meat such as pork shoulder, brisket, and ribs fall into that category.

Fruit woods provide mild, sweet flavor. Choose apple or cherry wood for poultry, pork or fish.

Hard woods add more intense flavor. Hickory gives beef and pork some spice, while maple gives a sweeter smoky flavor best for pork and poultry. Oak is one of the most popular woods and its milder flavor goes with just about anything you want to cook. The most concentrated, bold flavors is mesquite, and works best on large cuts of meat.

Beyond Burgers: Upping Your Culinary Game

outdoor cookingHamburgers and hot dogs are standard summer cookout fare, but you could kick things up a notch with some variety in your grilling menu. Check out our Summer Order Guide for a look at all the marinated beef, chicken, pork, and sausages we offer to please a hungry crowd. When you want to throw steaks on the grill, but aren’t sure which cuts are best for cooking outdoors, we can help you decide!

Don’t forget the power of herbs and spices in the cooking process. Marinades, rubs, and glazes are another way to give your outdoor meal a punch. Marinades are a combination of spices, oil, and some kind of citrus or vinegar. Using them helps tenderize your meat. Butcher Boy has a wide variety of flavors to choose from, conveniently made fresh so you don’t need to mix the ingredients: steakhouse, teriyaki, sweet bourbon, lemon pepper, garlic ginger and cajun are just a few of the options you’ll find here. Like the name implies, dry rubs are made with only dry ingredients. The flavors infuse the meat when it’s rubbed onto the surface.

Do you feel ready to take on the challenge of the grill? Remember that Butcher Boy is your one-stop shop for pre-made side dishes, desserts, and beverages. We’ll help you find the perfect wine, local brew, and non-alcoholic options to go with your menu.

 

grills perfect match

Flavor Your Summer with Marinades

A good marinade can give beef, poultry, fish, and vegetables a kick of flavor. If you’re looking to maximize the benefits of marinating, check out these tips before you fire up the grill.

Marinating helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor. Some of the best cuts of beef to marinate are flank steak, London broil, kabobs, and sirloin tips. Most recipes for marinating meat and poultry recommend a minimum of six hours or up to 24 hours. Always marinate your meats in the refrigerator. Leaving it at room temperature for long can allow dangerous bacteria to grow and lead to foodborne illness. Recipes will also advise you to discard the used marinade once it has soaked in, but you can brush on a new, bottled sauce or marinade while you’re grilling for added flavor.

Every marinade should include an oil, but make sure it’s one with a high smoke point, such as canola or safflower oils in your marinade if you’re grilling. Oils help the flavors absorb into the meat and high smoke point oils are flame — and grill — friendly. High smoke point oils include peanut, canola, avocado, or sunflower.

marinade

Start with pre-marinated meats and leave all the prep work to us. You can mix your own marinade, or buy the bottled stuff, but Butcher Boy has more than 15 types made in-house for a delicious, fresh homemade taste.

Our most popular flavor is the steakhouse for beef tips. Coming in second is lemon pepper chicken. Italian-style Francesco also is a favorite. Other popular varieties in our butcher case are sweet bourbon, burgundy, teriyaki, and cajun, garlic ginger. And don’t forget buffalo wings! We also offer barbeque baby back ribs. If you’re not sure how long to cook them, follow this guide for grilling time and method.

Add a tossed salad, maybe some sauteed or grilled veggies, and rice or baked potato, and you have an easy meal for summer. Stop by for all of your lunch or dinner menu needs. What are your favorite summer flavors for the grill?

 

grills perfect match

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.