Food Tag: Pork

Ham Roasting Guide

how to cook ham holidaysAll our hams are fully cooked. These directions are for heating the ham without drying it out.

½ Spiral Sliced Ham (Bone-in or Boneless)

  • Cover with foil. Bake at 325 degrees for 45-60 minutes.
  • Remove foil, add glaze. Brown for 5-10 minutes.

Whole Spiral Ham (Bone-in or Boneless)

  • Cover with foil. Bake at 325 degrees 1 ¼-1 ¾ hours.
  • Remove foil, add glaze. Brown for 5-10 minutes.

Unsliced Ham (Bone-in or Boneless)

  • Bake uncovered at 325 degrees for 10-12 minutes/lb.
  • Glaze ham for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

View our Easter order guide here for details.

Easter & Passover Feasts: Timeless Traditions for Your Holiday Table

The arrival of Easter and Passover often signals the welcome of spring. Although the holidays sometimes fall close together on the calendar, the foods traditionally served at each celebration—especially the centerpiece meats—reflect their own distinct traditions. Read on to learn more about what meat dishes work for each of these holidays, including some selections that can work if you’re celebrating both traditions in your home.

For Easter, many households feature a moist and tender ham, usually with a sweet glaze. Our precooked hams are ready to glaze with our own in-house recipe, or make your own, including this intriguing cola glaze from All Recipes. Want to know how long to put your ham in the oven or what temperature to use? Our Ham Roasting Guide takes the guesswork out of perfectly heating your Easter Ham.

For a delicious alternative to ham, consider a succulent pork roast. This impressive pancetta-wrapped pork roast recipe comes courtesy of Giada de Laurentiis and boasts a five-star rating.

Beyond pork and ham, many Easter tables also feature other celebratory roasts that feel just right for a spring gathering. Lamb is a longtime favorite, whether prepared as a classic leg of lamb with herbs or a tender rack roasted to perfection. Beef roasts and prime rib are also popular centerpieces for families looking for something rich and impressive. For some more Easter dish ideas, check out our past blog on Easter Dinner Recipes. And don’t forget the bakery favorites that make the holiday complete—think braided breads, specialty cakes, and festive pastries that add a sweet finish to the celebration.

Passover Brisket Flat Cut Butcher Boy MarketFor your Passover Seder, it’s all about the beef brisket. Cooked low and slow, it’s tender and full of flavor. A flat cut will be your best choice for slicing. If you want enough for some leftovers, allowing about one pound pre-cooked weight per person is a good rule of thumb. Here’s a classic braised beef brisket recipe courtesy of Beef. It’s what’s for Dinner.

If you’re looking for a meat selection that works well for both Easter and Passover, lamb might just be perfect for you. Not only is lamb suitable for both meals, it carries special symbolism in both the Christian and Judaic faiths. Roasted rack of lamb Easter Passover Butcher Boy MarketWhether a roast rack of lamb, lamb shanks, a juicy lamb roast, or one of our other delicious lamb offerings, you might be surprised at how simple it is to create a show-stopping dish sure to impress your guests. Here’s a classic rack of lamb recipe from Simply Recipes that promises to be fool-proof. To learn more about popular Easter and Passover meat cuts, check out this previous blog.

Round out your meal with bright seasonal sides like roasted asparagus, spring potatoes, or fresh greens, decorative and disposable place settings, decorations and spring flowers, all available at Butcher Boy.

Still not sure? Come see us and talk with our expert butchers. They’re sure to have some great recommendations perfect for your Easter or Passover table.

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.

The Evolution of Dinner

Since our doors opened in 1955, there has been a dramatic transformation in the ways families prepare and serve meals, especially the iconic American dinner. From the classic meat and potatoes meals of the 1950s to today’s globally-inspired dishes, rich with flavors and spices sourced from around the world, we’ve come a long way. In some ways, though, meal preparation is going back to its roots as we rediscover the art of cooking with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Opening Day 1955 Butcher Boy Market Evolution of Dinner

In the 1950s, homemakers shopped more frequently and often spent all day preparing the evening meal, typically served at the same time each day with families seated around the dining room table. Today, by contrast, it is estimated that as few as 25% of homes have a separate, dedicated dining room. With today’s more active lifestyles and activities, we are more likely to casually eat at the kitchen counter or in a smaller eating area.

70 years ago, “hanging beef” or full sides would be delivered to butcher stores on specialized rails. Households would often invest in very large cuts of meat and freeze them in large chest freezers to feed their families for months.

The smaller refrigerators of that day often limited the amount of meat that could be prepared and served at one time. Also, because of these smaller refrigerators, typically about half the size of today’s models, the larger families of that time needed to shop for groceries at least several times a week.

Today, advancements in meat processing technology allow for packaging and shipping meat in smaller quantities, giving us more options to choose the specific cuts of meat we want. And, given that a side of beef can weigh 300 pounds or more, we think you’ll agree those smaller selections are much more convenient. The 1950s homemaker would certainly be impressed with the selection of cuts we offer today.

Speaking of selection, a typical 1950s dinner likely featured what we now describe as “comfort” foods. Examples are meatloaf, casseroles, baked ham, pot roast and creamed vegetables. Dessert might have been a layered gelatin creation or a fruit-topped angel food cake. Pineapple was often introduced as the lone exotic element in ham entrees or the classic pineapple upside down cake.

Today, families are smaller, and with advancements in transportation and delivery coupled with the expansion of world travel and knowledge, our palates have broadened as well. We now have access to once unattainable ingredients and recipes. Today’s cook is just as likely to serve an Asian or Mediterranean dish as they might an all-American meat loaf. And, while meal preparation was once confined to the stove top and oven, today’s cooks can choose from a variety of preparation tools including slow cookers, pressure cookers, air fryers, and smokers.

Butcher Boy has evolved with today’s customers while staying true to our roots of providing the freshest and highest quality meats and foods. Today we meet busy families half way with freshly prepared products like stuffed chicken breasts, marinated meats, and delicious entrees including garlic pepper pork roast and stuffed pork chops. We’ve added delicious prepared appetizers, side dishes, desserts, bakery goods, and so much more.

We’ve come a long way from the time of all-day dinner preparation. Whether you want just the right ingredients to cook a special weekend meal or the convenience of picking up a quick prepared dinner to bring home on a busy weekday, we’ve got you covered.

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

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.

Our Most-Requested Celebration Meats

celebration meats roast beef tenderloinThe holiday season offers many opportunities for preparing and enjoying delicious meals with family and friends. A stop at our butcher counter will show you all the possibilities to make a dinner special this year. The most often requested cuts of meat are available in our Butcher Boy Holiday Order Guide. But how should you prepare them? Our holiday roasting guides are a great place to start for advice on oven temperatures and cooking times.

A rib roast doesn’t have to be complicated when our garlic pepper seasoning can be just the thing to bring out amazing flavor.

Try this beef tenderloin, which includes roasted vegetables so that at least one of your side dishes is ready at the same time.

For an elegant dinner, a strip roast fits the bill. We have trimmed it for you, leaving enough fat for the best flavor.

Slow cooking is the key to a classic braised beef brisket. And Butcher Boy’s signature brisket recipe adds a flavor step for a delicious braised brisket.

If your family would enjoy something other than beef, consider a rack of lamb, which is not as difficult to cook as it might seem for a special occasion.

When you want to impress guests with presentation, try a rack of roast pork. We’ll take the elegance up a notch by frenching the bones for you – that is, removing excess fat and muscle from the end of the rib so part of the clean bone is exposed. Tying racks of pork together in a circle creates a “crown” roast. We have those, too.

Do you have some favorite holiday side dishes your family craves every year? You can’t go wrong with a mix of vegetables roasted to perfection. Put a twist on basic mashed potatoes and make them twice baked. They go well with whatever you choose for your main entree.

We’re taking orders now for the winter holidays. Be sure to call us to place your order, and don’t forget to count on Butcher Boy for all your holiday meal ingredients, including desserts, sides, beer, wine, and spirits! We even carry a large assortment of Caspari Christmas napkins and dishes.