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.
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.
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.
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!
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It’s grilling season at last. Whether you’re planning for the upcoming holiday, a special occasion, or dinner tonight, a marinade will enhance the flavor of your meat, and impress everyone at the table.
Delight in the company of friends and loved ones over these delicious marinade recipes.
Slightly sweet with a mild kick, Kitchen Swagger‘s Beer Teriyaki marinade is excellent for a date night in, or an intimate celebration with close friends. The recipe recommends using a medium bodied, bitter beer like an IPA or pale ale to complement the bold flavors and spices found in the marinade. Whisk the combined ingredients in a blender or bowl, then transfer to a ziplock bag with the tips. Marinade for 8-24 hours before cooking.
Perfect for the grill or broil, Food.com‘s recipe uses ingredients commonly found in most cupboards. Flank steak is a flavorful, lean cut that is ideal for marinade. Mixed together directly in a large zip lock bag, this well-balanced marinade enhances the flavor of the meat without overpowering it. Let the meat soak for at least five hours prior to grilling, and be sure to let the meat rest before serving.
If you want a light, refreshing marinade, look no further than Hey Grill, Hey‘s Citrus Marinade with Cilantro Gremolata. The steak soaks in the marinade for only an hour or two, to avoid the acidity of the citrus breaking down the meat. Zest and juice of lemons and limes combine with hot sauce and olive oil to create a bright and versatile marinade. After grilling, top the steak with the savory gremolata made from bell peppers, cilantro, and lemon.
If you need a quick marinade that’s easy to whip up, Mom On Time Out‘s Best Chicken Marinade is the recipe for you. With simple ingredients like balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce, a fantastic dinner has never been more achievable. The marinade makes for a perfectly moist chicken entree, and can be used as a baste or a sauce for serving.
5) Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb With Garlic Curry Spices
Butterflied leg of lamb is a great dish for low-key entertaining as sections of the meat cook at different temperatures, pleasing a broad range of meat-eaters. First, garlic and salt are mashed into a paste and spices are toasted in a sauté pan. The two are then mixed in a bowl with the remaining marinade ingredients until the mixture resembles a thin, grainy soup. The marinade and lamb are placed in a baking dish and covered for two hours so the sauce can fully penetrate the meat.
Happy Fourth of July from Butcher Boy!
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Next week is devoted to celebrating mom. We owe many things to mothers, and they deserve more than just one day to honor them. On this special holiday, you want to show your mother, grandmother, or mother-of-your-children how much you care. That’s why we offer a selection of beautiful flowers, cards, and chocolates to surprise her.
Another great way to show your love is through food. A delicious quiche or a refreshing artisan salad is sure to thrill the matriarch in your life. Pick up one of our fantastic prepared salads, or create your own quiche from the options listed on our catering menu. If you’re looking to impress by cooking at home, here are some terrific recipes that are sure to take her breath away.
Who says a salad can’t be hearty? This palate-pleasing dish from Foodie Crush is just right for Mother’s Day lunch or dinner. A tantalizing combination of spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, tender chicken, and mellow white balsamic dressing will be the high point of her pampered day. Top the salad with smoothly sliced almonds and feta, and pair with her favorite wine. This wine guide will help you select the perfect varietal to complement her meal.
Mom has earned a great meal, and Self-Proclaimed Foodie promises to deliver just that with her “perfect” cobb salad. The recipe recommends cooking the chicken in a slow cooker for optimal moistness, then shredding the meat for the salad. Crumbled blue cheese, hard boiled egg, avocados, cherry tomatoes, bacon, and the chicken are added to a bed of romaine and red leaf lettuce. Then, buttermilk blue cheese dressing is drizzled on top as a grand finish. This recipe comes with bonus instructions on how to make the blue cheese dressing at home, if you’re feeling ambitious.
3) Arugula Skirt Steak Salad with Caramelized Pears, Pecans, and Gorgonzola
Dad isn’t the only one who loves steak. Spicy arugula serves as the base of Baker by Nature‘s bold and colorful skirt steak salad. First the steak sizzles in a large skillet for 5 minutes. The meat is left to rest while the pears (and later, the pecans) are caramelized in butter and brown sugar. The steak is then arranged on the arugula and covered with the pears, pecans, and gorgonzola. Lightly dress with vinaigrette and add some after-dinner chocolate on the side.
This smoked cheddar and black bean quiche from Cooking Bride is a unique spin on the savory tart, and will stand out from the buttered toast breakfast-in-bed of yesteryear. The crust of the pie is filled with the beans and baked for 12-14 minutes. The beans are then removed, the crust is baked for 8-10 more minutes and set aside to cool. The cheddar, chicken, beans, and other ingredients are combined and poured into the cooked shells. Bake your quiche until the tops are slightly browned. Serve with a big smile and a heart full of love.
Mom’s got a long day of pampering ahead of her. Fuel her up at breakfast with this meat-and-cheese-filled flaky quiche from Barbara Bakes. Bacon, ham, and ground sausage are added to a par-baked pie crust filled with well-beaten eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Then sprinkle some serious amounts of cheese evenly throughout the pie. The quiche’s center will be set after baking for 20 minutes. Grab mom’s favorite coffee cup and set up the bed tray to give her the full-service experience she deserves.
Grandbaby Cakes gives the classic quiche recipe a delicious twist with the addition of a tender hash brown crust. Not only does this spinach and bacon pie bake up beautifully, its presentation on the plate will live in her Mother’s Day memories for years to come. The hash browns are cooked until golden brown, then formed into a crust in a pie plate while bacon crisps in a pan nearby. The smooth egg custard is mixed up and poured into the hash brown crust along with spinach, cheeses, and tomatoes. Garnish with cherry tomatoes on top and rose petals on the side for that extra special touch.
Happy Mother’s Day from Butcher Boy Market!
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Spring is in full swing and it is finally warm outside. Take advantage of the pleasant weather by hosting a garden party, back yard barbecue, or a tea party in the sunroom. Food is the centerpiece of family and friend gatherings, so it’s important to have something for everyone.
Appetizers like antipasto platters and satay skewers are fantastic finger foods that invite socializing and mingling. Our catering menu offers a variety of platters, so you can order online for pick-up and join the rest of your guests without the stress of wondering when (or if) the food will arrive.
If you prefer to impress your guests with your own carefully crafted creation, we encourage trying the following delicious recipes:
This antipasto platter from Half Baked Harvest has all the favorites of the traditional Italian version: deli meats, veggies, and mozzarella cheese, with an added Greek twist. Beautifully arranged sun-dried tomatoes, hummus, goat cheese, and pita chips fill out this cultural, culinary spread, including marinated feta and olives to enchant your guests’ palates. We’d be remiss not to mention the apricots, strawberries, fig jam, and honey that’ll appease those craving something sweeter.
As the saying goes, “you eat with your eyes first.” Ingredients such as those in The Mediterranean Dish‘s Antipasto Skewers are selected for their color and texture, in order to set the stage for dinner. Rolled or folded proscuitto is stacked on a skewer, followed by artichoke hearts, mini mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and finished off with a Kalmata olive. Parsley or basil leaves are rotated on the skewer, and dried oregano is sprinkled on top for garnish, making this appetizer true beauty on a stick.
Can an appetizer really deliver sweet, salty, and savory in one bite? Tip Hero‘s skewered steak bites have a deep infusion of flavor, thanks to the acidic nature of the balsamic vinegar in the marinade, which further tenderizes the meat. Sweetness is added through honey, saltiness with soy sauce, and finally, a savory finish with herbs and garlic. Marinade the steak for 1-4 hours, then pan cook to your liking. Use our handy Steak Guide to learn how to check the steak’s temperature without a thermometer.
There’s nothing tastier-sounding than alliteration, especially when bacon is involved. House of Yumm‘s Bacon Bourbon Meatballs are hand-formed from ground beef and bacon, then simmered in a pan filled with tangy bourbon-BBQ sauce. We love the zing of spice from chili powder. Toothpicks make these delicious bites the perfect no-mess appetizer, and the BBQ sauce works great in a tiny ramekin for your guests’ dipping pleasure.
Baked or grilled, these chicken skewer appetizers from Carl’s Bad Craving are sure to be a hit opening act. Soy sauce, brown sugar, tumeric, and coriander are just some of the mouthwatering ingredients featured in the savory sauce that will function as both marinade and base of the Peanut Sauce. The chicken requires a minimum 6 hrs of refrigeration in the marinade, but we promise it is worth the wait. Next, peanut butter is added to the remaining sauce after boiling. All that’s left to do is for you to dip the chicken and enjoy.
Want more springtime appetizer ideas?
Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.
On February 5, the Patriots will face off against the Falcons in the Super Bowl. This is going to be a big game in Patriots’ country and your guests are going to have a large appetite to match. Make sure your spread is as memorable as this game is sure to be.
Try these five championship-worthy favorite recipes to serve during the big game:
Is there anything better than the deliciously combined flavors of a hearty chili? With nutty, smoky cumin, and sugary sweetness balancing the tarty tomatoes, Pip and Ebby‘s self-proclaimed “best chili on earth” recipe is comfort in a bowl. Just what you need when watching the Patriots make history.
2) Baby Back Ribs
There’s nothing quite as finger-licking good as homemade BBQ sauce dripping off slow-smoked ribs. First mix together the spice rub to imbue the meat with plenty of flavor. These fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs from Bay Area Bites are perfect for your guests to anxiously gnaw away on as they watch football history in the making, or at least enjoy the halftime show.
Prepare this perfectly spiced pulled pork the night before to give yourself extra time to prep for your guests. With just the right amount of apple cider vinegar to give the tender pork a zip of extra flavor, this game day staple from Slow Cooker Gourmet can be served as sandwiches, tacos, or on its own. We recommend sandwiches, to avoid mixing pointy objects and high emotions.
It simply would not be the Super Bowl party without a plate filled with crispy wings. A Night Owl‘s recipe for baked honey bbq wings is easy, leaving frying completely out of the delicious equation. The sweetness of honey and the tangy spicy of hot sauce will satisfy even the most devoted fan, turning their attention from the screen even if just for a moment.
There’s no rule against serving two different types of wings during the big game. Pleasantly surprise your guests with Joyful Healthy Eats cheesy twist on this football fan favorite. Smoked paprika and red pepper flakes delight the palate while the sprinkled-on parmesan will have your guests licking their lips for more.
Want more Super Bowl snack ideas?
Visit us in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.
It’s possible you may have overindulged during the holidays. Luckily, the start of the new year represents a new beginning and, for some, the opportunity to be more healthy.
Healthy food doesn’t have to be bland. Here are some recipes packed with flavor that won’t pack on the pounds.
1) One Pan Roasted Pork with Sweet Potato, Pear, Apple and Garlic
People don’t often think of pork as lean, but it actually is considered white meat. That said, if not cooked properly this cut can easily dry out. Garlic Matters’ recipe for roasted pork tenderloin keeps the meat moist with the help of pears, apples, and sweet potatos, which release juices as they cook. For best results, let the tenderloin rest rest before cutting and serving.
A tagine is perfect for a cold winter’s night. It’s filling, and most of the recipe can be cooked in advance. In fact, the flavor only intensifies and improves the longer it sits. This comes from Kevin is Cooking and incorporates lamb leg with dates and tangy apricots. Orange peel and honey are added to the sauce to create a sweet, exotic taste that elevates this meal to the next level.
This salad from Feed me Phoebe is sure to wow. Chicken breast is cooked in a cast iron skillet until golden brown before being placed on a bed of Romaine lettuce and topped with chopped peanuts, carrots, and a creamy dressing made of all-natural peanut butter, gluten-free tamari, honey, lime, and cayenne pepper.
Who said salads have to be boring? Begin Within Nutrition’s cobb feels indulgent thanks to avocados and maple-roasted chickpeas, despite the fact it’s low calorie. It’s also vegan and gluten-free. Healthy fats, protein, and fiber mean you’ll feel full after eating without the bloat or sluggishness that can accompany heavier dinners. If you’d like to make your own vinaigrette, try combining Dijon mustard, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
Want more healthy ideas?
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The fall season brings so many opportunities to try amazing foods, and one of the places we love digging into dishes most are at tailgate get-togethers. Tailgating is known for its finger-licking, belly-warming, picnic-style foods that leave everyone smiling and asking for more. And, since it’s hard to get to a tailgate party every night, we’ve found five recipes that bring those irresistible foods from the game to your kitchen.
The hardest part about this recipe isn’t making the pulled pork. It’s waiting for it to finish cooking so you can dig in. This slow cooker pulled pork recipe lets you set, forget, and go about your day. By the time dinner comes around, you’ll have tender pulled pork with explosive flavor that’s ready to be served up however you like. This is a great one to turn on early in the morning for those late-afternoon games.
One of the first foods that comes to mind when talking about tailgate favorites is chicken wings. It’s easy to see why, since they’re easy to make and can be paired with almost any kind of sauce. This recipe comes from Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY, home of the original buffalo wings, so we know this is the way they’re meant to be made. Of course, feel free to swap out the recipe’s sauce for one of your favorites so you can be sure they’re something you’ll love.
All-American, all flavor, no hassle. Taste of Home has put together a simple recipe showing how to whip up some fantastic sausage and pepper sliders in less than an hour. With brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, these bold sliders will be gone in a flash. The good news is that they’re so easy to make, you won’t mind whipping up a new batch.
Chili has always been a tailgate favorite with its bold mix of ingredients and warm, hearty goodness. There’s no better time of year than fall to try mixing up this classic dish with turkey instead of traditional beef. Country Living has created a recipe that’s as delicious as it is simple to make. With beans, spices, peppers, and our favorite Thanksgiving bird, this turkey chili will be a sensation no matter where you bring it.
Barbecue baby back ribs are one of the ultimate finger-licking foods you can get at the tailgate, and this recipe lets you have all the flavor without all the hassle. Just prep the meat, place it on the grill, and find a way to distract yourself while the ribs cook to perfection. In about an hour, you’ll have some tender, juicy barbecue ribs that beg to be devoured. Just remember to keep the napkins within arm’s reach.
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Summer is over, and that means that the days will be getting shorter, the breezes will be getting cooler, and the holidays are almost upon us. While we’re sad to see summer go, we’re excited to slip into some warmer clothes and make dinners that are perfect for fall. Here are five savory recipes you can put together to help get you into the spirit of the season.
One part of the pumpkin that’s frequently overlooked are its seeds, but not everyone has forgotten them. Chef Franco Lania has created a stunning recipe that uses the crunchy texture and hint of spice from pumpkin seeds as a delectable, memorable crust on a rack of lamb. Together, this flavor combination is one that is sure to become a favorite for fall and beyond.
This full-flavored dish from Taste of Home combines apples, raisins, sausage and spices for a warm, rich, fall-inspired dinner that everyone is sure to love. From prep time to cook, it’s done in less than an hour, meaning you can quickly get back to carving pumpkins or raking leaves after dinner.
3) Cider-Braised Chicken, Brussels Sprouts, and Apples
It’s hard to imagine fall without apples. From ciders to pies, apples can be used in a variety of ways that help to create a meal perfect for fall. This recipe from Midwest Living takes that apple flavor and brings it center stage in a mouthwatering chicken and brussels sprout dish. Just don’t forget the mashed potatoes on the side.
There’s no question the pumpkin reigns supreme this time of year, so this list wouldn’t be complete without a pumpkin recipe – but would you have guessed it would be for pumpkin chili? This recipe from Shannon at The Glowing Fridge mixes that pumpkin flavor we love with the feel-good warmth of a hearty chili that’s perfect on a cool fall day.
Of course, what fall recipe list would be complete without mentioning turkey? Try this easy panini recipe from She Wears Many Hats that makes apples, turkey, and brie collide in an explosion of flavor. It’s also a nice way to satisfy your turkey cravings without having to wait for the Thanksgiving leftovers.
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Visit us in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.
Dry rubs are a simple, delicious way to take any meal to the next level. From sweet and savory to spicy and bold, there are endless ways to mix up a meal and give it a tasty twist without breaking a sweat.
Here are two simple recipes for dry rubs that you can easily put together in time for dinner and will go great on any meat. Just mix the ingredients together in a bag or bowl and rub onto the meat before cooking.
Of course, part of what makes cooking fun and exciting is making things your own – including creating your own signature dry rub. If you’ve got a spice rack, you already have all the ingredients you need to get started. Here are 6 tips to help make sure you’re balancing your favorite spices just right.
1) More salt, less sweet
You want your salt-to-sweet ratio to be heavily balanced towards salt. Salt has a magical ability to bring out the complex flavors of whatever it seasons. Sugars are much less versatile. However, there are a few dishes that taste fantastic with a sweet rub, particularly when you’re cooking with poultry and pork.
2) Pick your pepper
Pepper adds a critical element of heat to your dry rub, but that doesn’t mean you have to reach for the standard black pepper sitting on the dinner table. There are plenty of varieties from which to choose, including white, red, and cayenne. Choose one, or try out a combination of a few.
3) Be creative
This is your chance to add your own flair to a dish. Give your spice rack a spin, and start pulling out flavors you love.
4) …But not that creative
Spices have a tendency to compete against each other. Put too many in the mix, and no one wins. After you’ve added in your salt, sugar, and heat, stick to three or four additional spices. Any more than that, and your dry rub will start to lose any subtlety of flavor.
5) Taste it first
Before you season your whole family’s sirloin with your new creation, taste a small pinch of it. Make sure it’s balanced to your liking. Better to correct any mistakes before you ruin five pounds of perfectly innocent steak.
6) Pay attention to dates
How often do you refresh your spice rack? Chances are, more than a few of the spices in your cupboard are old. While expired spices don’t typically present much risk to your health, they do start to lose potency after a few years. For an intense, flavorful dry rub, make sure you’re using fresh ingredients. Stop by Butcher Boy whenever you need to replenish.
Now, go and create something delicious – and uniquely yours.
Toss your chicken with peppers and onions and a blend of spices to create a unique all-in-one dinner. The flavors meld together beautifully on the grill. Get inspired with this easy chicken fajita foil packet meal from Real Housemoms, and then start making your own creations.
Kabobs are a quick, simple, and wholesome summertime dinner. Chunks of chicken breast, or vegetables, and a good glaze are all you need. We love My Organized Chaos’s recipe for honey sriracha grilled chicken skewers.
When in doubt, wrap in bacon. TableSpoon has a delicious recipe for bacon-wrapped chicken kabobs. These kabobs include some yummy vegetables, and pineapple to compliment the meat-on-meat. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
4) Grab some marinated Butcher Boy chicken
Via Butcher Boy Market
Butcher Boy’s marinated chicken is freshly prepared in-house, with our quality cuts of meat placed in easy grab-and-go bags. We’ve got a wide variety of flavors to choose from, including Lemon Pepper, Teriyaki, Barbecue, and Buffalo. Bring your favorite home, cut the bag, and toss it on the grill. It’s the easiest delicious dinner you’ll ever make.
Want more dinner ideas from our butchers? Visit our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.
