Food Tag: Chicken

5 Delicious Dinner Ideas to Get You In the Autumn Spirit

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.

1) Pumpkin Seed Crusted Rack of Lamb

via Chef Franco Lania

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.

2) Autumn Sausage Casserole

via Taste of Home

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

via Midwest Living

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.

4) Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

via The Glowing Fridge

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.

5) Turkey, Brie, and Apple Panini

via She Wears Many Hats

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.

Dive Into Dry Rubs

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.

All Purpose Dry Rub Recipe

(Via AllRecipes.com)

  • 4 tablespoons white sugar
  • 4 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch dried oregano
  • 1 pinch dried thyme

Martha Stewart’s All Purpose Spice Rub

(Via MarthaStewart.com)

  • 1/3 cup coarse salt
  • 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup paprika
  • 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)
chicken-steak

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.

Want more know-how from our butchers?

Visit us in North Andover.

4 Innovative Ways To Grill Chicken

Chicken is only as boring as you make it. Today we’re sharing 4 exciting ways to grill
chicken that will give you a newfound love for poultry.

1) Wrap it in foil

Chicken-Fajita-Foil-Packet_content-1
Via Real Housemoms

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.

2)Stick it on a skewer

Via My Organized Chaos

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.

3) Wrap it in bacon

Bacon-Wrapped-Chicken
Via TableSpoon

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

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.

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