Make July 4th a Real Blast

4th of July Fireworks

The most American of holidays is upon us. You could celebrate our nation’s independence with a basic cookout or picnic of burgers and hot dogs…but why not kick it up a notch or two with some of these recipe suggestions that will impress everyone on your guest list?

Spicy Grilled Chicken with Lemon and Parsley

Skin on and bone-in, this grilled chicken is a true summertime favorite. Brown the chicken on direct heat first before cooking thoroughly on indirect heat without burning it. If you don’t have smoked Spanish paprika, no problem! Create the desired smoky flavor yourself by adding a dash of cumin or one of these other alternatives to regular paprika. View recipe here.

Bourbon-Glazed Baby Back Ribs

4th of July Cookout

Low and slow is the key to fall-off-the-bone ribs. This easy recipe starts off with the ribs in the oven, then browning them on the grill and basting with glaze. The chili paste adds heat to the sweet bourbon, but there are a few good spicy substitutes to consider if you don’t have it on hand. View recipe here.

Smoked Chicken Wings

When you want to add some finger food to the grill menu, this is one to go for. Switch up the barbeque sauce for a homemade marinade. Or, check out Butcher’s Boy’s selection of marinated chicken that you can just toss onto the grill. Satisfy multiple preferences by cooking up a variety of flavors! View recipe here.

Porterhouse Steak with Summer Vegetables

Season this cut of beef liberally and make sure you bring the steak up to room temperature before putting it on the grill. A porterhouse is thick, and that will ensure even cooking. When it’s just the way you like it, carve the steaks off the bone, then slice the strip and the tenderloin into 1/4-inch slices for the crowd to share. View recipe here.

Grilled Filet Mignon with Brandy Mustard Sauce

This recipe will give your 4th of July party a more upscale taste. The sauce ingredients are easy enough to throw together in a skillet. You can finish it off while the steaks are resting off the grill. View recipe here.

 

Son grilling with dad

Looking for some ideas more suited to honoring the red, white and blue of the occasion? Revisit our 5 Patriotic Dishes suggestions to celebrate America. If a side dish is what you need to round out the main courses, try Mexican grilled corn, a delicious alternative to basic steamed or boiled corn on the cob.

 

Have a safe, fun and happy 4th of July!

Keepin’ it Cool for Summer

Cooler Packing Tips Pic Resized

Planning day trips or weekends away this summer? Chances are, a cooler is one of the things on your list to bring to the beach, mountains, lake or campsite. How do you keep the items in it cold and dry? Throwing everything in a basic plastic cooler and covering it with ice only leads to spoiled and soggy food. That can be enough to ruin any appetite not to mention the hassle of clean up. Here are some clever cooler hacks that will help to preserve your food and keep a smile on your face.

Be sure your cooler is up to the task.

If you’ve got one you’ve used for a long time, it might be time to upgrade to a better cooler that is well insulated and seals in the cold. Among the top-of-the-line options is the Yeti. You’ve probably heard of — and maybe even own — the Yeti travel mug tumblers, known for keeping beverages ice cold or piping hot for hours. The company also offers a line of hard and soft coolers of all sizes. They’re durable enough to get you through the most active of adventures.

Pre-chill your cooler.

Common sense would tell you not to start out with a cooler that’s been sitting in the sun or a hot garage. At the very least, make sure your cooler is at room temperature before you fill it. You can also give your cooler a boost by filling it with cold water and ice hours ahead of time. Dump it out when it’s time to pack the cooler with food and drink.

Prep your food ahead of time to save time and space.

It’s also a good idea to make sure everything going into the cooler is already chilled. Even room temperature items will melt the ice more quickly than if they were cold. Portion out your food and condiments into smaller leak-proof containers. You may even want to freeze some of your food items prior to packing them to allow them to thaw throughout your trip. Frozen water bottles are great for keeping your cooler cold and keeping you hydrated once they thaw out.

Mix up your ice choices, and use plenty of it.

Blocks of ice and large cubes are preferable to shaved ice or chips.The recommended amount is one pound of ice for every quart your cooler holds. For a large cooler that you’re using to hold mostly drinks, cubes are the best way to pack everything in and keep it cold. If they won’t take up too much space, use ice packs in combination with traditional ice. They will help keep the ice from melting. You can make your own ice block by freezing water inside an airtight plastic food storage container. Pack food and other perishable items around it in the bottom of the cooler. Another idea is to fill water balloons and freeze them and then place them around your items. Then when they thaw, you can start an epic water balloon fight.

Pack your cooler strategically.

Place ice blocks or cubed ice at the bottom with any bulky containers. Find something to create a metal shelf — the cooling racks you use for freshly baked cookies will work just fine — to place on top to create a dry zone for loose food items or cartons you don’t want to become wet. Fill in any extra space with cubed ice. Make sure the cooler is the last thing you load into the car to keep it as cool as possible.

Keep it closed.

Always remember to keep the lid latched and store it in the shade. Try to open it as infrequently as possible to avoid letting cold air out. When you have a big group, expect that people will be reaching for drinks often. That’s why separate coolers for beverages and food is a good idea. Place some glow sticks inside the coolers so you can see what’s inside once the sun goes down and you won’t be wasting time — and cold air — looking for something.

Don’t drain the meltwater.

Believe it or not, water from melted ice will preserve the leftover ice, and it’s actually better to leave the water in there to keep things cold than to dump the water. Empty air in the cooler will only warm things up.

Do you have any of your own smart tips for packing a cooler? Share them with us! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Be sure to bring that ice-cold cooler with you to Butcher Boy Market so you can stock up on everything you need for the weekend away!

Fire Up the Grill for Father’s Day

The day to celebrate Fathers is coming, and while you might think about taking your Dad to his favorite steakhouse for a special meal, a homemade version can be even better and tastier. If Dad is the grillmaster of the household, you don’t have to feel intimidated by taking over. Use some of our tricks for grilling a perfect steak every time and you’ll be sure to impress him. We’ve also got some great ideas for Father’s Day steaks to satisfy any appetite.

Grilled Filet Mignon with Herb Butter

Grilled Filet Mignon with Herb Butter
via EatingWell

Indulge without the guilt. This recipe from Eating Well is one of the most flavorful we’ve seen with a total of only 303 calories and 14 grams of fat. The herb butter and seasoning rub are the star of this dish, giving the tender steak a powerful flavor.

Simple London Broil

Grilled London Broil
via Hey Grill Hey

Don’t let the name of this one fool you — simple doesn’t mean ordinary. This London broil recipe from Hey Grill Hey enhances the beef flavor with a basic marinade made up of garlic, red wine vinegar and Worcestershire. We like a good London broil to serve a large family. Serve it thinly sliced and enjoy!

Marinated Delmonico Steak

Grilled Delmonico Steak
via allrecipes

Named for a famous restaurant in New York, Delmonico steaks are often included on the menus of the fanciest steakhouses around. Generally, a Delmonico steak is a thick cut boneless ribeye of the highest quality. It’s also one of the most tender. Impress Dad with the flavor from a marinade that combines soy sauce, steak sauce, garlic, and other tasty ingredients.

Porterhouse Steak with Paprika-Parmesan Butter

Grilled Porter House Steak
via Genius Kitchen

If dad is a true steak-lover, this is the cut for him. Think of it as two delicious steaks in one — a New York strip and filet mignon together. Genius Kitchen’s recipe recommends serving it sliced, but the porterhouse can be served whole as well for very hearty appetites! Topping it with the paprika-parmesan butter gives it an extra richness.

 

With your main entree taken care of, how about a side dish? Choose one from this list of 5 surprising foods that are delicious on the grill to help complete your meal.

 

Need more tips? Here is another one of our favorite guides for cooking steak, just in time for Father’s Day. Check out our meat cut selections for inspiration or stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions and give you suggestions.

 

grills perfect match

Our Favorite Father’s Day Posts

As we approach Father’s Day, we wanted to share a few of our most popular articles from past years in case you missed them. With topics ranging from gifts for the grilling dad to steak recipes and cooking tips, you’re sure to find ideas that will please just about any dad or grandfather.

Father’s Day Gift Guide: 7 Ideas for the Grilling Dad

What do you get for the man who grills everything? Start with these ideas, including: a DIY steak kit, BBQ organizer, ‘make your own’ dry rubs, grill accessories, and more.
Read article.

Steaks for Father’s Day

Fire up those grills or stovetops and get ready to spoil dad. While he has a whole summer of outdoor cooking coming his way, he shouldn’t be responsible for his own Father’s Day dinner. Check out these 5 great recipes for a delicious and memorable Father’s Day meal.
Read article.

6 Easy Tricks for Grilling a Perfect Steak

With tips like ‘step 1: do nothing’, this is a guide that even a complete novice in the kitchen can easily follow to serve up an incredible meal.
Check out all of the tricks here.

Food that Entertains – Cheese and Antipasto Party Platter Recipes

With great entertaining comes great responsibility to serve unforgettable food. With the end of the school year quickly approaching, and spring and summer holidays right around the corner, the outdoor entertaining season is practically here. 

Busy hands make light conversation, so it’s best to avoid cooking elaborate meals for an occasion where guests may stop in at any time. That’s why we carry platters with our own roast beef and turkey finger sandwiches, and imported ham and chicken spiral wraps ready to order from our Catering Menu. We’re also a fan of creating mini chip-and-dip stations with our bean dip, cheddar blue cheese spread, or red pepper jelly spread, all available in-store. 

Remember, the best food for an event is food that travels! Thrill hungry socializing guests with these easily prepared, no-stress platter recipes: 

1) The Charcuterie and Cheese Board

The Charcuterie and Cheese Board
via AHU Eats

Assembling an impressive charcuterie and cheese platter doesn’t have to be a hassle. AHU Eats breaks down the ideal ingredients for the ultimate meat and cheese ensemble. The key to pulling this beautiful arrangement? Variety! For cheese, AHU Eats recommends using a soft, medium, firm, and smelly cheese. For meats, select a range from mild to spicy and from more to less fatty. Add some fresh food and an edible vehicle like a crusty baguette, then arrange on a large cutting board, platter, or your choice of serving tray. 

2) Antipasto Appetizer Cheese Board

Antipasto Appetizer Cheese Board
via Damn Delicious

It’s not always easy to please a crowd. Damn Delicious guarantees a sea of smiling faces when you serve their antipasto platter and cheese board. This recipe includes the traditional antipasto assortment of olives, cured meats, peppers, and Italian cheeses along with focaccia bread and marcona almonds. Make sure you pick up some mini skewers for the marinated olives and small mozzarella cheese bites, also known as bocconcini, all available at Butcher Boy.

Get more tasty and simple party food recipes from our post on Spring Antipasto Platters and Appetizers!

Happy spring!

Want more party food ideas?

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

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

Spring Salads for Meat Lovers

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that as butchers, we love adding meat to our salads. Like a cool drink on a hot day, cooked meat in cold salads is light and refreshing, an ideal spring and summer dinner. 

We firmly believe salads don’t have to be boring. So here are five recipes that will guarantee smiles on faces when you declare, “we’re having salad for dinner!”

1. Berry Avocado Grilled Chicken Salad

Berry Avocado Grilled Chicken Salad
via Real Housemoms

Easy and healthy, this fruit-filled salad from Real Housemoms is a cinch to whip up. Tart berries delight the palate while fresh avocado brings an incredibly creamy texture to the meal. Layer grilled chicken on top of a bed of romaine, and sprinkle feta throughout. Chopped walnuts surprise with a much-needed crunch, while the poppyseed dressing brings all of the ingredients together into a symphony of flavors. Beautifully plated, your family will beg for this salad to be added to your dinner rotation. 

2. Greek Avocado & Grilled Chicken Salad with Greek Dressing

Greek Avocado & Grilled Chicken Salad with Greek Dressing
via Gimme Delicious

A great dinner should be cause for a celebration. You’ll be declaring “Opa!” when enjoying this Greek-inspired protein-packed chicken salad from Gimme Delicious. With ingredients like Kalamata olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and avocado, your family will forget the simple Iceberg lettuce salads of yesteryear. Take your meal to the next level by freshly grilling the chicken on your stovetop or outdoor grill. Complete the meal experience by serving warm bread sticks on the side.  
 
 

3. Carne Asada Steak Salad

Carne Asada Steak Salad
via Skinnytaste

When is the last time you heard “juicy” and “salad” in the same sentence? Inspired by taco salad, Skinnytaste‘s combination of broiled strip steak, pico de gallo, and guacamole will make your whole family’s mouth water. After broiling, squeeze fresh lime onto the steak, then divide the lettuce, cheese, and mixings between the plates. Craving a little extra heat? Add jalapeño slices on top.

4. Arugula Skirt Steak Salad with Caramelized Pears, Pecans, and Gorgonzola

Arugula Skirt Steak Salad with Caramelized Pears, Pecans, and Gorgonzola
via Baker By Nature

Spicy arugula, chunks of stinky gorgonzola, and caramelized pears make Baker By Nature‘s skirt steak salad truly audacious in the best way possible. Peppery steak, sweetness from the candied pecans, and tangy mustard vinaigrette play a flavor game that everyone will win. Serve this bold salad immediately after letting the steak rest for 10 minute

5. Paleo Sausage and Peppers Salad

Paleo Sausage and Peppers Salad
via A Whole New Twist

Love sausage and peppers hoagies, but want to ditch the bread? Then this is the salad for you. A Whole New Twist‘s sweet Italian sausage salad recipe makes the traditional street fare paleo-friendly and healthy. Raw honey, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar create a light and slightly sweet vinaigrette, adding a new dimension to this old favorite. Keep the salad from becoming soggy by roasting the peppers, onions, and mushrooms on a baking sheet. Make this salad even healthier by substituting turkey sausage for the pork links.

Looking for more delicious ways to serve vegetable-themed dinners? Try spiralized veggie noodles

Want more spring dinner ideas?

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

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

Everything You Need For Easter

The celebration of Easter has many traditions, from reflective to delicious. Nothing brings a family together quite like a traditional meal, steeped in personal history and a shared celebration with your friends and community.

The meat is the centerpiece of the Easter meal. We carry roasts, a variety of cuts of lamb, and brisket for those celebrating Passover! We also have a variety of boneless and bone-in hams, fully-cooked and available for order on our Order Guide, ready to be heated using our Ham Cooking Guide. We have delicious homemade glazes and sides, but we understand the pleasure of cooking your meal from scratch at home.

Start your celebration with these delicious Easter recipes:

Lamb

1. Garlic-Crusted Roast Rack of Lamb

Garlic Crusted Roast Rack of Lamb
via Food & Wine

Brilliant and surprisingly simple to make, Food & Wine‘s recipe for this garlic rack of lamb has only five ingredients. Season the lamb with salt and pepper, then run finely chopped garlic, rosemary, and olive oil all over the meat. Roast in the upper third of the oven for a combined time of 25 minutes, turning over once. Let it rest! Those juices will continue to cook the meat once removed.

2. Slow-Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb With Garlic, Rosemary, and Lemon Recipe

Slow-Roasted Boneless Leg of Lamb With Garlic, Rosemary, and Lemon
via Serious Eats

Slow-roasting is a term that instantly brings to mind tender, juicy, well-cooked meat that falls apart with a fork. Serious Eats promises enhanced tenderness, with a crisp brown crust in their recipe for boneless leg of lamb. The anchovies, while a surprising ingredient, bring out the meatiness of the lamb without an overwhelming fishy flavor.

3. Easter Lamb

Easter Lamb
via Jamie Oliver

Lamb and mint are a perfect pairing. This classic combination has the added benefit of cleansing your palate. Jamie Oliver brings something new to the pairing, with a fresh mint leaf and olive oil mixture brushed delicately over the leg of lamb. This refreshing and light dish is a culinary work of art that is as beautiful as it is tasty. Place the meat atop the fresh fennel, carrots, and asparagus to serve.

Ham

1. Baked Ham With Maple and Brown Sugar Glaze

Baked Ham With Maple and Brown Sugar Glaze
via The Spruce

Brown sugar and maple boil together to form a sweet glaze that’s perfect for this delightful baked ham from The Spruce. First pick up your fully cook ham, then score the fat of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves (if desired). Consult our guide for heating the ham, while combining the glaze ingredients in a medium saucepan. Spoon half the glaze over the ham about 20 minutes before it’s done baking, and then again 10 minutes before removing. Wait to carve for at least 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

2. Baked Ham with Apple Cider Maple Glaze

Apple Cider Maple Ham
via Carl’s Bad Craving

A good glaze really sets a ham apart. Carl’s Bad Craving guarantees this apple cider maple glaze takes your bone-in juicy ham to a whole new flavor level. Sweet with a slight tang, the glaze features cider, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and mixed spices. Thicken with cornstarch and slather a third of it all over the ham, including in-between slices. Glaze once during baking and then again before letting it rest in loose foil.

3. Baked Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze

Baked Ham with Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze
via Roti N Rice

Beautifully caramelized, this truly impressive baked ham recipe from Roti N Rice takes only 10 minutes of prep time. Bring pineapple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, and cloves to a boil and then simmer to create a thick and syrupy glaze. Brush on the ham and into the folds of the cut slices. The oven does the heavy lifting, caramelizing the meat in just two hours.

Easter Breads

Italian Easter Bread
via a trEATs affair

Easter wouldn’t be the same without the complementary celebratory breads. Pane di Pasqua (Italian Easter breads) is braided with a dyed eye nested in the middle. Vibrant, slightly sweet, rich and soft, this recipe from a trEATs affair will brighten your table and delight your family and guests. The other heavenly tradition is Hot Cross Buns, a bread that serves as a visual and edible reminder of the religious story of Easter. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and studded with raisins, this simple to follow recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen will please your holiday sweet tooth.

Sides

1. Coriander-Maple Glazed Carrots

Coriander Carrots
via Country Living

Country Living adds gorgeous color to your plate with their sweet and nutty carrot side. First toss with oil and coriander, then season the carrots with salt and pepper. After baking, finish by tossing the golden brown veggie in maple syrup, lime zest, and juice.

2. Golden Gratin

Golden Gratin
via Rachael Ray

What’s the cheesy key to these golden dish from Rachael Ray? Goat cheese! While most gratin dishes only contain potatoes, this recipe combines leeks, golden beets, and Yukon gold potatoes in one unforgettable side.

3. Classic Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole
via kitch

The term “new classic” may seem at odds, but this side dish has become a staple of my family holidays since the recipe was first published in 1955. kitchn recommends using frozen beans in the side as they have their peak-season flavor preserved. And they require no additional cooking. Quick tip: you can make this dish three days ahead! Just remove from fridge, top with fried onions, and bake.

4. Nutty Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Nutty Mashed Sweet Potatoes
via Cooking Light

Do you like your sweet potatoes more savory? Then this is the dish for you! Cooking Light‘s nutty potatoes feature a small drizzle of honey that enhances the flavors, while tahini contributes to the creaminess of the dish. You can mash by hand, or use a food processor to achieve an incredibly smooth texture.

5. Crockpot Potatoes Au Gratin

Slow Cooker Potatoes Au Gratin
via Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Yes, this is another cheesy potato dish. However, this side from Chelsea’s Messy Apron has a few important differences. Not only do the potatoes crisp up, but you save oven space by using a crockpot. Sharp cheddar, milk, and sour cream form a creamy simple homemade cheese sauce. No cream of soup needed! Cook on high for 3 hours, then enjoy.

Don’t forget the sweets! We carry all your favorite Easter candy, perfect for baskets and after dinner dessert.

Read our blog from last year for even more Easter dinner recipes.

Happy Easter from Butcher Boy Market!

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

View our complete Easter order guide here.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

The Tasty History of Corned Beef and St. Patrick’s Day

Everyone is Irish on March 17th. The traditions of St. Patrick’s Day in America are well known. We wear green, attend parades, and eat corned beef and cabbage. What’s less known, however, is how corned beef became the centerpiece of the St. Paddy’s Day feast. 

The Rise of Corned Beef

Corned-Beef
via Smithsonian Magazine

In Ireland, beef was a meat reserved for the wealthy, and most of it was exported to England. The Great Famine resulting from potato blight caused the mass migration of the Irish to the shores of the new world. In this new American home, corned beef was readily available to the Irish immigrants. Long deprived of the beef that was salted by Irish hands, the migrants gladly purchased the food they finally could afford. Although the kosher cut was different from the beef their great grandparents enjoyed, the meal became a comfort for the newly-minted Americans. This article in Smithsonian Magazine covers the entire history of the meat that has become synonymous with the day.

The Feast of Saint Patrick

irish-soda-bread
via Gimme Some Oven

One could argue that the modern way of celebrating of St. Patrick’s Day is purely Irish-American. As covered in last year’s post, historically, the holiday was religious and reflective, celebrated by sharing cultural lore and honoring St. Patrick. However, there are many similarities between the historic celebrations of honoring the saint, and our traditions today. Observing the old ways in remembrance of their homeland helped unite the scattered Irish migrants. So, as they did in Ireland, Irish-Americans carried over the tradition of wearing shamrocks and enjoying Irish libations, such as Guinness and Irish whiskey. And today as in days of old, we enjoy soda bread and cabbage. Read our post from last year to get great recipes for both, as well as the full meal and leftovers.  

Cooking Corned Beef

Corned Beef Dinner
via The Spruce

Now that you know the reason we eat corned beef and celebrate the day, we get to the good part: cooking the meal! Butcher Boy Market makes grey corned beef and corned ribs, sells red corned beef, and serves grey corned beef dinners in our kitchen. Feel like making your meal at home? The key is to cook the beef slowly to create a tender, flavorful meal. Consult this guide from The Spruce on cooking corned beef three delicious ways: boiled, baked, or submerged in a slow cooker. Each way has its benefits. If you enjoy a crispy crust, then baking is for you! If you plan on spending the day out at a parade, slow cooker is the way to go. If you’re truly going traditional, then broiling will be the ticket to your perfect St. Paddy’s Day meal. 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Butcher Boy!

Want more St. Patrick’s Day ideas?

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

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Ditch the Dishes: Sheet Pan Recipes for Dinner

There are a lot of steps to making a great dinner. Why not save a few by reducing the number of dishes to wash? Sheet pan dinners emerge from the oven, and go straight to your plate. While they still require prep work, it’s worth it to see the satisfied looks on your family’s faces and having less scrubbing to do after the meal.

Cut down on cleanup with these all-in-one sheet pan dinners: 

Chicken

1) Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken

Sheet Pan Cashew Chicken
via i heart eating

Add a little crunch to dinner with this 30-minute start-to-finish recipe from i heart eating. Marinate baked veggies, boneless chicken breasts, and cashews in a sauce of red wine vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Cook and serve on top of white rice, brown rice, or quinoa with extra cashews.

2) Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken

Sheet Pan Bruschetta Chicken
via Damn Delicious

For a no fuss dinner, look no further than Damn Delicious‘ colorful bruschetta chicken with garlic parmesan roasted potatoes. This refreshing dish will quickly become a family favorite, and not just because you’ll only have one dish to clean. First, prepare the bruschetta and set aside. Cook chicken and the seasoned baby red potatoes side-by-side on the pan for 20-25 minutes. Add mozzarella to the chicken during the last 10 minutes of cooking, then top with bruschetta before serving.

3) Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
via No. 2 Pencil

Spice up your weeknight meal plan with No. 2 Pencil‘s chicken fajitas. This dish is a snap to make, and even easier to enjoy. Toss chicken tenders, sliced onions, and seeded bell peppers in olive oil and spices. Spread on an oiled sheet with limes and roast in the oven. Wrap tortillas in foil and add them to the oven in the last five minutes of cooking. To serve, squeeze the limes over the mixture and top with fresh cilantro before placing in the warm tortillas.

Beef

1) Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaves with Potatoes and Green Beans

Sheet Pan Mini Meatloaves with Potatoes and Green Beans
via Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Strawberry Blondie Kitchen‘s mini meatloaves are comfort on a pan. Stuffed with white cheddar, this recipe is a healthier alternative to most comfort foods. Substituting baby potatoes and green beans for mashed potatoes, this meal could become the one-pan-plan for your family, making them shout out, “winner winner, meatloaf dinner!”

2) Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
via Kirbie’s Cravings

Similar to the chicken fajitas recipe, this meal features one important difference: steak! Kirbie’s Cravings fulfills your own craving for red meat with this family fun dinner featuring flank steak. Thinly slice steak, onions, and bell peppers, and drench in olive oil. Then, sprinkle mixed seasonings over the mixture. The steak cooks quickly along with the vegetables, so monitor and adjust for preferred doneness.  

3) Sheet Pan Skirt Steak with Balsamic Vinaigrette, Broccolini, and White Beans

Sheet Pan Skirt Steak
via Epicurious

Featuring a zesty vinaigrette that doubles as a marinade and a sauce for serving, Epicurious‘ skirt steak dish will wow your family with its intricate tastes. The marinaded steak cooks over the broccolini and white beans, flavoring them with its tasty juices. After the steak is cooked to the desired doneness, thinly slice it against the grain and serve with the broccolini mixture and remaining vinaigrette on side.    

Pork

1) Sheet Pan Chili Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Chili Dijon Pork Tenderloin
via Carls Bad Cravings

Carls Bad Cravings‘ tenderloin recipe shows off just how versatile pork can be. Brine the tenderloin, dry-rub with a chili mixture, and then sear until brown. Brush the pork with the chili dijon glaze, then place on the green beans, allowing the juices to soak into the vegetables while cooking. After baking, transfer the veggies to a platter and pour remaining juices over the mixture. Cut the pork into thin slices and serve on top.   

2) Sheet Pan Raspberry Pineapple Pork Chops

Sheet Pan Raspberry Pineapple Pork
via Melanie Makes

Sweet tooth, meet dinner. These slathered raspberry pork chops from Melanie Makes are studded with fresh pineapple and raspberries, giving mealtime a savory twist. Drizzle the green beans and potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper and arrange on the pan. Lay the fruits in a single layer with the veggies, then lay the olive oil-brushed pork chops on top. Remove from oven, brush with the raspberry pineapple sauce, and serve. If you want to make the sauce at home, this recipe should do nicely.

3) Sheet-Pan Pork Chops with Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes 

Sheet Pan Pork Chops
via Tablespoon

Ah, the simplicity of standard fare like pork chops and potatoes. Perfect for a chilly night, Tablespoon‘s recipe takes a total time of 45 minutes for the hearty meal to make its way to your family’s plates. Flavor the potatoes with rosemary and thyme, and use garlic power, salt, and pepper to season the brussels sprouts. Finally, rub the spices onto the pork chops and arrange the meat between the starch and veggie on the pan.

Happy cooking!

Want more dinner ideas?

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

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

Skip the Reservation: The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Dinner  

You can create the perfect Valentine’s Day, without venturing out in the cold night or making a reservation.

Picture yourself and your partner at a candlelit dinner for two, homemade with love. Plan the perfect night in with our beautifully arranged flowers available at every price point, a Caspari greeting card that captures your love story, and the ingredients to make this romantic meal for two.

The Main Course

beef wellington
via Beef Wellington

Feel the sizzle in the air. We’re talking about the meat, of course! Impress that special someone with this savory Beef Wellington recipe from Jessica Gavin. Dijon mustard-brushed filet mignon is individually wrapped in prosciutto that’s covered with a mushroom filling, and then wrapped again in a blanket of golden brown crispy puff pastry. Finally, a mushroom red wine sauce made with the steak’s drippings is drizzled on top.

The Complements

Caesar Salad
via Bon Appétit

Why not start the meal with a nice salad? We prepare a variety of fresh-cut green salads, including Caesar and Mesclun with our house dijon vinaigrette. If you prefer to make at home, pick up the fixings to make this classic Caesar from Bon Appétit.

Hollandaise Sauce
via Julia Childs on Genius Kitchen

No dinner experience is complete without sides. That’s why we carry seasoned, oven-ready asparagus made in-house, an ideal side for Beef Wellington. Our asparagus is delicious as-is, but if you’re looking for a Hollandaise to top, this recipe from Julia Childs on Genius Kitchen should do the trick.

Butcher Boy Beer and Wine
via Butcher Boy Market

Set the mood by serving your favorite wine or classic spirit. We carry Veuve Clicquot, Moët, and Perrier-Jouët in full, half bottles, and splits. Or, choose from our great selection of whites and reds. Not sure which wine to choose? Consult this guide to find the perfect wine pairing for your meal.

The Desserts

Lake Champlain Chocolates
via Lake Champlain Chocolates

Finish the evening with sweets for your sweetheart. Why not cozy up together by sharing a box of chocolate? Here you can find goodies from Harbor Sweets, Lake Champlain Chocolates, and Vermont Nut Free Chocolates.

Konditor Meister mini chocolate ganache cakes
via Konditor Meister Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert with a beautiful presentation, try our own hand-dipped chocolate-covered strawberries. We also offer Konditor Meister mini chocolate ganache cakes and petite fours elaborately decorated for Valentine’s Day.

No host, waiter, or line needed, just you and your Valentine sharing an intimate meal for two. We can’t think of a better way to spend the holiday.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Want more Valentine’s Day recipes? Check out our post from last year, Romantic Valentine’s Day Menu.

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

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