Pork Archives - Page 3 of 3

Set It and Forget It Slow Cooker Favorites

After a long day of work, taking care of the kids, or both, the last thing most of us want to do is be in the kitchen for hours preparing dinner. We spend enough time during the day running around. Meals should be easy, delicious, and satisfying. That’s why the slow cooker is one of the best tools you can have in your kitchen.

Here are some of our favorite recipes that you can set and forget:

1) Super Tender Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs

Super-Amazing-Slow-Cooker-Italian-Meatballs — via Chef Savvy

Unlike a lot of recipes, these meatballs from Chef Savvy don’t require any frying or browning in a pan. Instead, they develop a nice color in your oven’s broiler before you put them in your slow cooker. That means no greasy mess to clean up. The sauce the meatballs cook in is just as easy to prepare. All you have to do is combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and a few dried herbs.

2) Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs

Short ribs are the ultimate indulgence. They’re rich in taste and cook wonderfully in a Crock Pot. This recipe from Big Bear’s Wife is no exception. While they take about seven to nine hours to cook, the end result is worth it. Every single ingredient, from the garlic to the honey, melds together for a hearty meal that pairs wonderfully with a side dish like mashed potatoes.

3) Slow Cooker “Melt in Your Mouth” Pot Roast

There’s nothing quite like a juicy pot roast whose tender meat falls apart with a fork. With a gravy-style broth full of delicious seasonings as the perfect complement, every bite of this recipe from Joyously Domestic will warm your belly on a cold winter night. This dish makes the perfect next-day afternoon meal, so make enough to save some, if you can.

Want more slow cooker 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.

The 5 Meats of Christmas

One key decision that can help make Christmas special is what meat to serve at dinner. With so many options to choose from, selecting a cut that is mouth-watering and elegant can seem overwhelming. We’re here to help.

Here are our recommendations for what will satisfy even the pickiest eaters:

1) Beef Tenderloin

If you love filet mignon, this is the holiday roast for you. Use our beef roasting guide as a resource to help perfectly cook this savory meat to your liking. To ensure moist deliciousness in every bite, always remember to let your meat rest after cooking and before slicing. Pair this delectable beef with horseradish or béarnaise as the perfect complimentary sauce.

2) Crown Roast of Pork

A crown roast is created by taking a bone-in pork loin and assembling it into a circle with the ribs pointed upward. It is a showstopper and perfect for special occasions like Christmas. These roasts come with 12 to 16 ribs, which you can slice into individual chops for serving. When it comes to cooking time and temperature tips, look no further than our crown roast cooking instructions. Decorate your meat with gold foil chop frills for an extra special touch, available for purchase at the Butcher Boy meat counter.

3) Prime Rib

Prime rib are sold either bone-in or boneless. When serving boneless prime rib, plan on 3/4 to 1 pound per person. If you opt for bone-in, one rib for every two people is a safe bet. Whether you serve bone-in or boneless, consult our guide to find the cooking temperature that works best for each cut. Pick up our delicious homemade au jus, ideal for dipping or drizzling on top.

4) Spiral Ham

For ease with your big crowd, serve a spiral pre-sliced ham. Our hams come pre-cooked, so follow these directions for heating the ham to keep it nice and juicy. Pour Butcher Boy’s ham glaze on top while heating for some added sweetness. We also carry a traditional raisin sauce that can be served on the side.

5. Holiday Short-Cut Rump Roast

Another delicious steak roast. While it’s called the holiday roast, we now carry this crowd-favorite all year round. A great value, this steak is packed with flavor. Many like to season this roast with Butcher Boy garlic-pepper steak-house seasoning, a delicious dry rub and one of our customers’ favorites.

Want more tips? Take a look at our Holiday Order Guide or roasting guides on our website or stop by our store in North Andover and let our butchers answer all your questions.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Butcher Boy!

5 Tasty Recipes That Bring the Tailgate to Your Kitchen

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.

1) BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

pulled-pork-barbeque-sliders — via Bites of Bri

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.

2) Easy Tailgate Party Buffalo Wings

anchor-bar-buffalo-wings — via Anchor Bar

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.

3) All-American Sausage and Peppers

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.

4) Turkey Chili

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.

5) Prize Winning Baby Back Ribs

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.

Want more know-how from our butchers?

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)

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.