Lamb Archives - Page 2 of 2

Special Occasion Dinners for Any Home Chef

For 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.

Easter Brunch Ideas

Easter is the first holiday that brings families together out of winter hibernation. Whether you are hosting this year’s gathering or simply contributing to a delicious meal, we have menu suggestions ranging from making something from scratch or having it prepared for you. From savory to sweet, light to decadent, whatever you add to your brunch or traditional Easter dinner is sure to please.

First, decorations and table settings. The colors of Easter are perfect for a bright, cheerful display. You don’t have to go overboard with eggs, chicks and bunnies to set the Easter tone. Mix and match pastel colors for the tablecloth, napkins, and plates. Want to get creative? Make a napkin bunny for every guest.

For centerpieces, take advantage of the things you already have around the house and mix and match with standard Easter holiday décor items. Buy yellow tulips or daffodils to put in a pitcher or vase for a pretty pop of spring along with a small Easter basket with the eggs your family colored or these cute and colorful homemade string eggs.

Easter is an easy occasion to keep kids entertained. If you’re up for it and have the space inside or outside, you can set them up to dye eggs. Keep other options simple with coloring pages, a game like Pin the Tail on the Bunny, or any mess-free craft.

As for the meal, roast lamb is a traditional favorite. Butcher Boy has many options available in our Easter Order Guide for lamb: boneless or bone-in leg of lamb roast, lamb chops, lamb kabobs, rack of lamb, butterflied lamb, stuffed lamb roast, seasoned lamb. . .need we go on? Give this butterflied leg of lamb with cumin and garlic a try. Or fire up the grill for these rosemary lamb chops. Like turkey and cranberry sauce, lamb pairs beautifully with mint jelly. Make your own or buy it from us.

If you prefer ham, our Easter Order Guide includes several choices and we have a homemade honey ham glaze to go with the perfect spiral ham to feed a crowd. If you’d rather flavor your ham at home, try this Dijon maple-glazed spiral ham. Check out our Ham Roasting Guide to ensure your ham is heated perfectly while preserving the juices.

When you want to offer your guests some breakfast options, deviled eggs make a great snack as well as addition to Easter brunch. If you like bacon and eggs and a little extra spice, these bacon jalapeno deviled eggs will be a crowd pleaser. Shop our produce section for vegetables that are in season and make tasty dishes, including artichokes, carrots, asparagus, swiss chard, and potatoes.

What’s a Sunday breakfast without hash browns? These parsnip and sweet potato pancakes are a great alternative, which can be made ahead of time and frozen then reheated to serve.
Quiche is another tasty option, and this spinach and bacon quiche is both flavorful and filling. You can also order a variety of quiche from Butcher Boy’s catering menu.

Let us take the hassle out of holiday meal prep for you. We have everything for a successful brunch and dinner, from sweet Easter egg bread, which is a tradition for many families, to muffins, pastries, side dishes, and desserts.

View our Easter order guide here for details.

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

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

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.

5 Marinades for Fourth of July

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.

1) Beer Teriyaki Marinated Steak Tips

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.

2) Flank Steak Marinade

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.

3) Citrus-Marinated London Broil

Citrus Marinated London Broil Top — via Hey Grill, Hey

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.

4) The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe

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

Cowboy Steak and Whiskey Butter — via Fine Cooking

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!

Want more Fourth of July ideas?

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

Easter Dinner Recipes

Easter is a time for reflection and celebration, and also for family and delicious food. Here at Butcher Boy, we firmly believe in upholding the traditional meals that bring families together.

We carry a variety of ham, legs and racks of lamb, and roasts for your Easter dinner, and mouth-watering brisket perfect for Passover. We have sides to complement the savory meats, and homemade glazes, sauces, and gravy to top it all off. Visit our Bakery for your holiday desserts and fresh Produce section for the ingredients you need to make an unforgettable meal at home.

Below are some of our favorite Easter recipes.

1) Glazed Easter Ham

While we carry a delicious homemade honey ham glaze in-store, we can’t help but be intrigued by The Pioneer Woman‘s brown sugar glaze. Spicy brown mustard, apple cider vinegar, and get this, Dr. Pepper (or Coke) combine with brown sugar to create a sweet glaze with a slight tang. Our hams are fully cooked, so use our Ham Roasting Guide for reference when heating up the meat for this recipe.

2) Greek Lamb

This tender, roasted leg of lamb from Compass & Fork is a perfect table centerpiece for Easter. In true Greek form, the lamb is stuffed with bits of garlic and small sprigs of rosemary, with deep incisions made into the meat. The lamb is then marinaded overnight in sea salt, pepper, olive oil, crushed garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. This meal is succulent and flavorful, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

3) Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce (Brown Butter)

With heavy meats, you may find yourself craving a lighter side. Low Carb Maven delivers just that with their brown butter hollandaise-covered asparagus. A tradition hollandaise is made by continuously whisking butter and egg yolks. This recipe goes more high-tech, slowly adding melted browned-in-a-pan butter to a slow-running blender with the egg yolks, lemon juice, and water.

4. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Au Gratin Potatoes — via Yellow Bliss Road

Planning ahead is all a part of the meal process. This recipe from Yellow Bliss Road has you boil the russet potatoes whole and unpeeled, cutting down on precious cooking time. Prepare the creamy bechamel sauce loaded with shredded cheddar cheese while the potatoes boil. The ground Hungarian paprika and fresh chives for garnish help make this dish as colorful as it is delicious.

Happy Easter from all of us at Butcher Boy Market.

Want more holiday dinner ideas?

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

Romantic Valentine’s Day Menu

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and we want yours to go smoothly. So here at Butcher Boy we have chocolate dipped strawberries for something sweet, flowers for something beautiful, and meats for you to make the perfect romantic meal for someone special.

A deliciously cooked dinner is a great way to show your love, so try out one of these recipes as part of your tender loving care.

1) Prosciutto Crostini with Burrata and Lemon Honey Drizzle

The Charming Detroiter’s prosciutto crostini has everything we look for in an appetizer. It’s loaded with flavor, easy to make, and elegant. Salty prosciutto is offset by the addition of honey, and the cheese provides a luscious creaminess that ties everything together.

2) Pan Seared Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter

Filet mignon is is the ideal cut of beef for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day. This main course, courtesy of Kitchen Swagger, is cooked in a hot cast iron skillet and just calls for a few additional ingredients: butter, rosemary, and tarragon. Best of all, it takes just 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish. Check out this wine pairing guide to find the perfect spirit to complement your steak.

3) Rack of Lamb with Spicy Fennel Rub

rack-of-lamb-recipe — via Fearless Fresh

Is your sweetheart not a steak-lover? Spice it up with this fiery fennel rub on rack of lamb from Fearless Fresh. Re-ignite your passions with just the right amount of heat from chili and black pepper. The prep time says 15 minutes, but we promise this recipe will taste like it took hours to make.

4) Parmesan-Herb Roasted Potatoes

No dinner would be complete without a starch, such as potatoes. Cooking Classy’s version uses Parmesan, rosemary, and parsley. These ingredients are tossed with the spuds and olive oil before roasting in the oven. You know they are ready to be taken out when the skin is crispy and a deep golden color sets in.

5) Killer Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

spinach-salad-I-howsweeteats — via How Sweet It Is

Bacon makes everything better, especially salads. This side was created by How Sweet It Is and is the embodiment of comfort food kicked up a notch. Prep everything the night before, such as cutting the onions and hard boiling the eggs, and dress the salad right before serving.

6) Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Glaze

At the end of a fabulous meal, there’s nothing more satisfying than topping it off with an incredible dessert. This flourless chocolate cake comes to us from Fine Cooking and is the epitome of indulgence. The key here is to use high-quality bittersweet chocolate. The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Butcher Boy!

Want more romantic menu ideas?

Visit us in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

A New Year, A New You

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.

2) Lamb Tagine with Dates and Apricots

lamb-tagine-with-dates-apricots-and-honey2 — via Kevin is Cooking

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.

3) Easy Asian Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

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.

4) Winter Cobb Salad

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?

Visit us in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

Simple and Elegant Appetizers for Your Holiday Party

Hosting a holiday party can be stressful, even if you’ve done it for years. We’re here to help. The appetizers listed below are delicious and simple, so you have one less thing to worry
about and can spend more time enjoying your family and friends.

1) Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese and Pesto

There’s something indulgent and sophisticated about beef tenderloin that makes it perfect
for a holiday party. Domesticate Me has created a crostini that will wow your guests with its presentation and taste. The thinly cut beef rests upon a pillow of whipped goat cheese and topped with pesto. The end result is a bite-sized morsel that is divine. And no one will believe you when you tell them it took you less than 45 minutes to make.

2) Holiday Cocktail Meatballs

Cocktail meatballs are a party favorite. But too often, people resort to the frozen kind that’s anything but mouth-watering. In this recipe created by Food52, the meatballs are slathered in a homemade tangy sauce, which is offset with the addition of brown sugar. To save time, make the sauce in advance and reheat right before serving.

3) Lamb Lollipops with Rosemary and Garlic

Nothing says elegance like rack of lamb. The ingredients in this appetizer, which comes from Kitchen Swagger, include fragrant rosemary and pungent garlic. Searing these lollipops in a hot cast iron skillet creates a nice sear on the outside while leaving the inside moist and succulent.

4) Figs Prosciutto

Soup Addict’s Figs Prosciutto is the perfect trifecta of sweet, savory, and smoky. Did we
mention this hors d’oeuvre couldn’t be easier to prepare? In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that will melt in your mouth. Trust us when we say the hardest part will be waiting for these figs to cool off after coming out of the oven.

Want more appetizer ideas?

Visit us in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

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

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

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.

4) Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

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

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.

Want more know-how from our butchers?

Visit us in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

Special Occasion Dinners for Any Home Chef

Easter Brunch Ideas

Summer Shish Kabob Skewers

5 Marinades for your Fourth of July

Easter Dinner Recipes

Romantic Valentine’s Day Menu

A New Year, A New You

Simple and Elegant Appetizers for Your Holiday Party

5 Delicious Dinner Ideas to Get You In the Autumn Spirit

1) Marinated & Grilled Lamb Shish Kabobs

2) Grilled Asian Garlic Steak Skewers

3) Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

4) Butcher Boy Prepared Skewers

Happy Grilling!

Want more grilling ideas?

1) Beer Teriyaki Marinated Steak Tips

2) Flank Steak Marinade

3) Citrus-Marinated London Broil

4) The Best Chicken Marinade Recipe

5) Grilled Butterflied Leg of Lamb With Garlic Curry Spices

Happy Fourth of July from Butcher Boy!

Want more Fourth of July ideas?

1) Glazed Easter Ham

2) Greek Lamb

3) Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce (Brown Butter)

4. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Happy Easter from all of us at Butcher Boy Market.

Want more holiday dinner ideas?

1) Prosciutto Crostini with Burrata and Lemon Honey Drizzle

2) Pan Seared Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter

3) Rack of Lamb with Spicy Fennel Rub

4) Parmesan-Herb Roasted Potatoes

5) Killer Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

6) Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Glaze

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Butcher Boy!

Want more romantic menu ideas?

1) One Pan Roasted Pork with Sweet Potato, Pear, Apple and Garlic

2) Lamb Tagine with Dates and Apricots

3) Easy Asian Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

4) Winter Cobb Salad

Want more healthy ideas?

1) Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese and Pesto

2) Holiday Cocktail Meatballs

3) Lamb Lollipops with Rosemary and Garlic

4) Figs Prosciutto

Want more appetizer ideas?

1) Pumpkin Seed Crusted Rack of Lamb

2) Autumn Sausage Casserole

3) Cider-Braised Chicken, Brussels Sprouts, and Apples

4) Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

5) Turkey, Brie, and Apple Panini

Want more know-how from our butchers?