Know-How Archive - Page 13 of 16

In The Mood to Cook: Chicken Dinners

The weather may be cooling down, but your meal options are just heating up. Shorter days means more time in the home, and the chill in the air puts you in the mood to cook a warm meal.

Celebrate the coming of fall by making one of these delicious chicken dinners.

1) Parmesan Crusted Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken

Parmesan Crusted Garlic Roasted Chicken — via Little Kitchen Big World

With crispy golden skin, this heavenly roast from Little Kitchen Big World manages to be both juicy and crunchy at the same time. Rubbed with a generous amount of garlic butter and slowly marinated in its own juices, this roast is taken to the next level when finished in the broiler with a parmesan cheese crust. The two and half hour cooking time will simply fly by as your kitchen fills with the tantalizing aroma of roasting cheese and chicken.

2) Whole Roast Masala Chicken (Indian-style)

Your dinner table deserves to display something beautiful. Flavored with aromatic spices, Manila Spoon‘s Whole Roast Masala Chicken is tender, moist, and unique. Less adventurous palates will be won over by the combination of mild spices like cinnamon, cloves, coriander, and turmeric, which are rubbed onto the meat. The spice blend then marinates on the chicken for 1-3 hours. The meat is fully cooked once the juices run clear. Enjoy with green veggies and rice.

3) Chicken Provencal

This fantastic one-pan dinner is a specialty of the Provence region of France, and is traditionally made with bone-in chicken breast, fresh tomatoes, olives, and anchovies. Mon Petit Four‘s recipe can be made with or without the fish, depending on your preferences. Choose from fresh marjoram, thyme, or basil to flavor the dish. This recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, so it’s perfect for a last-minute meal.

4) Sticky Chicken

South Your Mouth recommends bone-in chicken legs to make her Sticky Chicken extra juicy. Hot sauce balances the sweetness of the honey, making a killer marinade that’s good for both basting and dipping. Keep your heat on medium so the chicken is seared on the skillet, but not cooked through. Once all sides are browned, move to the oven and bake uncovered for one hour.

5) Maple Buttermilk Grilled Chicken

Maple Buttermilk Chicken — via Canadian Living

Leave it to a Canadian food blog to make a masterful grilled chicken recipe with maple and buttermilk. Canadian Living‘s recipe combines the buttermilk with onions, garlic, pepper, cinnamon, and hot pepper flakes to make a rich coating for the bone-in chicken legs. Refrigerate up to 24 hours, then place the chicken over a medium-high heated grill for about 35 minutes. Add the maple syrup and grill for five more minutes.

6) Chicken Pot Pie Turnovers

Who doesn’t love a flaky, buttery crust? Chicken Pot Pie is the ultimate comfort food. Save time making Spicy Southern Kitchen‘s pot pie turnovers by picking up our pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Filled with veggies and cream, you’ll savor the taste while enjoying the fact that this meal takes so little effort to make. Sautée the veggies in melted butter, then add in chicken broth, half-and-half, and cream cheese to make the delicious filling. Mix in the chicken and spoon into the dough. The dough is folded over to make mini pies, which you can eat with your hands, if you so choose.

7) Veggie Loaded Rotisserie Chicken Casserole

Veggie Loaded Chicken Casserole — via Project Meal Plan

Project Meal Plan‘s veggie-filled casserole reheats beautifully, which makes it an ideal meal for weeknight dinner planning. It also has a surprise ingredient that you will fall in love with! Greek yogurt is used as a healthier alternative to heavy cream, cutting the fat content nearly in half. The yogurt is combined with shredded pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, steamed broccoli and cauliflower, and cheese. The dish then bakes to a delicious golden brown.

We also have prepared breasts available from the kitchen for easy, throw together meals.

Happy Cooking!

Want more dinner ideas?

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

Pack the Perfect Back-to-School Lunch

The school season is soon to begin. While pencils, notebooks, and other supplies are crucial purchases, the most important tool they’ll need for learning is nutrition.

A well-rounded lunch provides students the energy they need to get through a full-day of classes and activities. We carry fresh bread for sandwiches and cold cuts from Applegate, Boar’s Head, as well as Italian cold cuts at our deli department.

Pick up fruit and veggies, treats, and other ingredients from our store to pack this perfect lunch.

1) Maple Honey Turkey Wrap

Create lunchbox envy with this nutritious turkey wrap recipe from Boar’s Head. Sweetness is found in the maple honey glaze on the turkey, and honey mustard spread on the whole wheat wrap. Toasted walnuts, apples, and Swiss cheese are layered with turkey in the center of the wrap. Fold the flaps of the wrap, roll up, and cut in half to serve.

2) Three Ingredient Fruit Roll-Ups

An oven can make a delicious meal, but did you know it could also be used as a dehydrator? This simple recipe from Live Eat Learn for homemade fruit roll-ups is both delicious and fun. A combination of fruit, lemon juice, and sweetener are blended together, then spread out thin on a pan with plastic wrap. Dry for 4-6 hours on the lowest temperature that your oven allows. Slice into strips, and use a piece of colorful ribbon to hold the individual strips together.

3) Baked Sweet Potato Chips

A good lunch has a little crunch. A Spicy Perspective‘s healthy recipe for baked sweet potato chips takes a half hour to make, and will fill a week’s worth of lunch boxes. Slice the sweet potatoes into paper-thin rounds, coat with oil and salt. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until crisp. Let the chips cool for 5 minutes before serving or storing.

4) Oatmeal Energy Bites (Easy No-Bake Snack)

These bites from Hip 2 Save are the perfect afternoon snack. Packed full of energy, the bites are a quick to make, convenient to store, and great to eat. Combine almond butter, rolled oats, chocolate chips, honey, and flaxseed in a large bowl. Roll out teaspoon sized balls and set in the freezer for one hour.

5) Lunchbox Smoothies

East Coast Mommy has figured out the ultimate drink hack with this recipe for Lunchbox Smoothies. Frozen strawberries and bananas are blended together with orange juice, vanilla yogurt, and honey to create vitamin-filled treat. Start each week by making a large batch to store and pack for lunch throughout the week.

Happy start of school from Butcher Boy!

Want more back-to-school ideas?

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

Cook-Out for a Crowd

A warm breeze, the tantalizing smell of grilled meat, the sunshine on your face. Is there anything better than a summer cook-out? This is an occasion best experienced with friends and family, which means a lot of mouths to feed. Steak is always a crowd-pleaser, and you’re going to want to select a larger cut like a London Broil or flank steak to fill those stomachs. We carry pre-marinated Burgundy London Broil, ready for immediate grilling.

You’ll be tempted to invite the entire neighborhood to show off your grilling skills with these recipes:

Flank Steak Recipes

1) Grilled Korean Flank Steak with Spicy Cucumber Salad

Delish‘s Korean marinade recipe is anything but typical. Sweetness found through honey and sugar, and spice from Sriracha are masterfully combined for the marinade, cucumber salad dressing, and sauce for drizzling on the cooked steak. Plate the steak after letting it rest and garnish with scallions.

2) Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri

A good homemade chimichurri adds a freshness and zing to grilled meats, and Skinny Taste promises plenty of zing with the self-proclaimed “best” homemade chimichurri recipe out there. First, the flank steak is prepared with a dry rub made with garlic powder, cumin, and oregano, with salt and pepper to taste. After grilling, let the steak rest and transfer to a cutting board. Slice the meat across grain, top with the chimichurri, and prepare to be satisfied.

3) Bourbon Marinated Flank Steak

This Bourbon-Marinated recipe is adapted from Garlic & Zest‘s old family recipe, and is one of their favorite meals. Bourbon and packed brown sugar mix beautifully with soy sauce, olive oil and herbs to add a sweet and mellow flavor to the steak. The longer you marinade, the more the taste will penetrate the beef. Let the marinade juices really soak in by letting the steak rest before slicing and serving.

London Broil Recipes

1) Grilled Marinated London Broil – Madness Style

Grilled London Broil Madness Style — via Chili Pepper Madness

You’ll go mad for this “Madness Style” London Broil recipe from Chili Pepper Madness. The boom-factor comes straight from the homemade chili paste. This is a steak marinade for heat lovers, the level of which depends entirely on the selected chili pepper. Combine the chili paste with the rest of the ingredients to make the marinade, rub into the steak, and refrigerate six hours to overnight before grilling.

2) Grilled Marinated London Broil

In this recipe, The Creative Life in Between shows how fresh ingredients make for a flavorful marinade. Fresh garlic, basil, and lemons are whisked with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce to make a marinade that will enhance and tenderize the meat. Slip the beef into a resealable plastic bag with the sauce and turn over one to two times over an eight hour period before grilling.

3) Grilled London Broil with Corn Salsa

Summer is only here for another month, so it’s important to take the time to savor the flavor of it. Cilantro, corn, and tomato are brought together in Nutmeg Nanny‘s recipe to complement a herb dry-rubbed London Broil. The dry-rub is extremely simple, with only three ingredients. The grilled beef serves as the perfect base for the colorful topping. The salsa is extremely tasty, so you may want to make extra for all your guests.

Happy Grilling!

Want more cook-out ideas?

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

Sensational Sausage Recipes

There’s no better time to enjoy sausage than summer. Cooking with sausage is as versatile as the many flavors it comes in. Whether the protein is pork, chicken, or turkey, the meal possibilities are seemingly endless. On days when the outdoors call and the grill begs for use, sausage will answer the call. Or, on a rainy day spent indoors, a sausage-filled bake makes a perfect hearty dinner.

Spicy, sweet, or cheese-filled, our homemade sausages will shine in these recipes.

1) Broccoli Rabe with Sweet Italian Sausage

Broccoli Rabe Sweet Italian Sausage — via Epicurious

Broccoli rabe is a wondrous superfood, packed with vitamins and nutrients. Perfect for a night in, Epicurious‘ recipe combines the bitter greens with sweet sausage in a dish as comforting as grandma would make. The rabe is boiled, then sautéed in garlic oil while the sausage broils. Your family will love this tasty way to eat all their greens.

2) Spiralizer Sweet Potato Pasta with Sausage & Spinach

Spiralizer Sweet Potato and Sausage — via Everyday Good Thinking

Spiralized veggies are a unique, delicious way to make a meal healthier. This dish from Everyday Good Thinking is a tantalizing marriage of sweet and spicy, with hot Italian sausage crumbled over spiralized sweet potato pasta. Bright baby spinach elevates the meal with a pop of green, while sprinkled parmesan melts on top.

3) Sun-Dried Tomato, Kale, and Chicken Sausage Quinoa Bake

Not only is this recipe from Fit Foodie Finds filling, it has an easy clean-up of only one dish! Chicken sausage is a plump and juicy way to serve everyone’s favorite white meat. The sausages, kale, and sun-dried tomatoes are evenly stacked and spread out on top of the quinoa and chicken stock base. Make this meal on a cool summer night.

4) 30-Minute Quinoa with Sausage and Brussels Sprouts

Quinoa With Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts — via The Weary Chef

Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving. Unlike the time it takes to cook a whole turkey, this fantastic quinoa recipe from The Weary Chef bakes in only 30 minutes. Whole grain brown rice soaks up juices from the tomatoes, sausage, and baked brussels sprouts, packing every bite full of flavor.

5) Penne with Sausage, Fennel, and Pecorino

Penne Sausage Fennel — via The Weary Chef

Fennel adds a sweet brightness to a dish, which is why we offer it in our homemade sausage selection. Fine Cooking‘s recipe gets a double-dose of fennel, with fresh bulbs featured in the dish as well. With warm-flavored sage and salty chicken stock, this recipe is anything but your typical pasta dish.

We recommend giving the above recipes a spin with these delicious, homemade Butcher Boy sausages: Tomato Sausage, Tomato & Cheese Sausage, and Garlic & Cheese Sausage.

Want more sausage recipe ideas?

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

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.

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.

Here at Butcher Boy Market we know what Dad really wants: steak. So we’re serving up several tasty and unique recipes to go with some of our favorites cuts. Not a steak cooking champ like Dad? Refer to these six easy tricks for grilling the perfect steak, and our guide on how to check your meat’s temperature without a thermometer.

1) Filet Mignon with Porcini Compound Butter

Oh the tender filet. This lean cut, when cooked correctly, has all the decadence of a upscale restaurant without the price tag. FoodieCrush advises that you pan-grill the steak first, and finish it off in the oven. The Porcini compound butter creates a succulent sauce when melded with the meat. Bacon-wrap your steak for an extra burst of flavor. Don’t be stingy with the kosher salt and black pepper. Serve with pats of the butter on top.

2) Seared New York Strip Steak with Red Wine Balsamic Reduction

Strip steaks are easy-to-cook and delicious with a tight texture and strong beefy flavor. The Cookie Rookie‘s recipe for skillet seared strip steak with balsamic reduction is perfect for your Father’s Day celebration or just a regular day. Massage the reduction into the steak and top with garlic, sea salt, and rosemary, let it marinade for thirty minutes before cooking. Slice the meat and drizzle on the remaining sauce.

3) Grilled Porterhouse Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

For a bigger and beefier meal, grill your dad the proclaimed King of T-Bones, the Porterhouse steak. With just a little heat from jalapeño, Fine Cooking‘s recipe pairs the steak with their spicy take on the classic Argentinean condiment: chimichurri. As with every steak, after you’ve finished cooking to your desired temperature, let it rest before serving. Trust us on this.

4) T-Bone Steak with Garlic and Rosemary Recipe

The t-shaped bone in the t-bone steak conducts heat within the meat, which helps it cook evenly. This cut doesn’t need a long cooking time to tenderize, and is a popular staple of steakhouses. To avoid the madness of a steakhouse on Father’s Day, use Kitchen Swagger‘s “steakhouse method” recipe at home instead. The steak is seared with butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh rosemary, then finished off in the oven to give it a slightly crusted outside and juicy tender inside.

5) Cowboy Steak and Whiskey Butter

The Cowboy steak, also known as a bone-in ribeye, is a tender cut with a delicious marbling of fat. If Dad is a fan of Jack Daniel, then this recipe from Better Homes and Gardens is sure to please. First, prepare the compound whisky butter and roll in a round log to refrigerate until hard and easy to cut. Next, prepare the dry rub and follow the grill instructions for medium-rare doneness. Let it rest before topping it with the butter.

Happy Father’s Day from Butcher Boy!

Want more Father’s Day ideas?

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

Recipes for a Picnic-Perfect Memorial Day

Memorial Day is almost here. It’s a time to of thanks and remembrance of those who gave their lives to serve our great country. One of the things we find beautiful about the holiday is that it’s so often celebrated with our communities, and the thing that always brings people together: good food.

As we enjoy the sunshine and long weekend, we share this food with our families and friends. That’s why we carry hotdogs, pre-made hamburgers, and sliders for your grill, as well as a variety of salads and sides ready for you in-store. Complete your picnic and spruce up your sliders with these memorable recipes:

1) The Best Ever Homemade Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing

You simply cannot have a barbecue without cool, creamy, tangy blue cheese dressing. Whether drizzled on a salad, or in a bowl for dipping pleasure, this chunky dressing from Domestic Superhero will have guests clamoring for more. Domestic Superhero recommends crumbling the blue cheese yourself, and letting the dressing sit in the fridge for four hours for optimal deliciousness.

2) Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Ranch

This unique salad from Peas and Crayons may look straight out of a gourmet bistro, but it is easily thrown together from ingredients already found in your fridge. Ripe avocado, blueberries, baby spinach, chopped broccoli, and crumbled feta make up the main part of the salad, with dried cranberries and sunflower seeds sprinkled through-out, creating little flavor pops. Make your own dressing with the included poppy seed ranch recipe.

3) Easy Potato Salad with Eggs

Melanie Cooks‘s potato salad has a special secret ingredient: sweet pickle relish. The depth of flavor the relish and tangy mustard brings to the creamy dressing will have everyone craving seconds. Use red or yellow potatoes, as the sturdy starch and thin skin makes the best salad possible. Sprinkle paprika on top for a dash of color and extra flavor.

4) Mediterranean Pasta Salad

There’s nothing better than a good pasta salad. Whip up Gimmie Some Oven‘s delightful, light Mediterranean Pasta Salad to pass around your picnic table. Grab your favorite type of pasta and mix with kalamata olives, cucumbers, feta cheese, tomatoes, and red onion. Toss in the zesty lemon-vinaigrette to complete this guaranteed crowd-pleaser of a dish.

Slider Topping Recipes:

1) Bourbon Burgers

As drool-worthy as ketchup and lettuce are, sometimes it’s good to mix it up with your toppings. Call Me PMC‘s cheddar, caramelized onions, bacon, and bourbon-spiked barbecue sauce burger will have your family licking their lips and fingers. If your party is alcohol-free, use the slow cooker recipe for the sauce instead.

2) Smoky Avocado Burgers with Pineapple Pepper Relish

Smoky Avocado Burger with Pineapple Pepper Relish — via Joyful Healthy Eats

Who knew avocado and pineapple would pair so well? Mouthwateringly juicy, this colorful burger recipe from Joyful Healthy Eats is creamy and spicy from the chipotle pepper mayo sauce. Blend the spices together to make a spicy rub for the patty, then grill to your liking. Mix up the pineapple pepper relish, and mash up the avocado with lime juice and garlic powder. This burger is a meal in itself, so don’t be surprised if your guests neglect the sides.

3) Smoky Avocado Burgers with Pineapple Pepper Relish

Blue Cheese and fried onion burgers — via
Jo Cooks

Jo Cooks considers her crispy fried onions burger a happy accident. S/he was aiming for caramelized onions, but when they were left in the pan a little too long, they became crispy, and a new burger was born. With spicy mustard, blue cheese slices, tomatoes, and baby arugula, you’ll be silently thanking Jo’s absentmindedness when eating this beautifully topped burger.

Happy Memorial Day from Butcher Boy, and thanks to all those who serve!

Want more Memorial Day ideas?

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

Perfect Meals for Mother’s Day

Next week is devoted to celebrating mom. We owe many things to mothers, and they deserve more than just one day to honor them. On this special holiday, you want to show your mother, grandmother, or mother-of-your-children how much you care. That’s why we offer a selection of beautiful flowers, cards, and chocolates to surprise her.

Another great way to show your love is through food. A delicious quiche or a refreshing artisan salad is sure to thrill the matriarch in your life. Pick up one of our fantastic prepared salads, or create your own quiche from the options listed on our catering menu. If you’re looking to impress by cooking at home, here are some terrific recipes that are sure to take her breath away.

Salad recipes:

1) Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken

Strawberry and Avocado Spinach Salad — via Foodie Crush

Who says a salad can’t be hearty? This palate-pleasing dish from Foodie Crush is just right for Mother’s Day lunch or dinner. A tantalizing combination of spinach, sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, tender chicken, and mellow white balsamic dressing will be the high point of her pampered day. Top the salad with smoothly sliced almonds and feta, and pair with her favorite wine. This wine guide will help you select the perfect varietal to complement her meal.

2) Cobb Salad

Mom has earned a great meal, and Self-Proclaimed Foodie promises to deliver just that with her “perfect” cobb salad. The recipe recommends cooking the chicken in a slow cooker for optimal moistness, then shredding the meat for the salad. Crumbled blue cheese, hard boiled egg, avocados, cherry tomatoes, bacon, and the chicken are added to a bed of romaine and red leaf lettuce. Then, buttermilk blue cheese dressing is drizzled on top as a grand finish. This recipe comes with bonus instructions on how to make the blue cheese dressing at home, if you’re feeling ambitious.

3) Arugula Skirt Steak Salad with Caramelized Pears, Pecans, and Gorgonzola

Dad isn’t the only one who loves steak. Spicy arugula serves as the base of Baker by Nature‘s bold and colorful skirt steak salad. First the steak sizzles in a large skillet for 5 minutes. The meat is left to rest while the pears (and later, the pecans) are caramelized in butter and brown sugar. The steak is then arranged on the arugula and covered with the pears, pecans, and gorgonzola. Lightly dress with vinaigrette and add some after-dinner chocolate on the side.

Quiche recipes:

1) Chicken, Cheddar, and Black Bean Quiche

Chicken Cheddar Black Bean Quiche — via Cooking Bride

This smoked cheddar and black bean quiche from Cooking Bride is a unique spin on the savory tart, and will stand out from the buttered toast breakfast-in-bed of yesteryear. The crust of the pie is filled with the beans and baked for 12-14 minutes. The beans are then removed, the crust is baked for 8-10 more minutes and set aside to cool. The cheddar, chicken, beans, and other ingredients are combined and poured into the cooked shells. Bake your quiche until the tops are slightly browned. Serve with a big smile and a heart full of love.

2) Meat Lovers’ Quiche

Mom’s got a long day of pampering ahead of her. Fuel her up at breakfast with this meat-and-cheese-filled flaky quiche from Barbara Bakes. Bacon, ham, and ground sausage are added to a par-baked pie crust filled with well-beaten eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Then sprinkle some serious amounts of cheese evenly throughout the pie. The quiche’s center will be set after baking for 20 minutes. Grab mom’s favorite coffee cup and set up the bed tray to give her the full-service experience she deserves.

3) Spinach and Bacon Hash Brown Quiche

Grandbaby Cakes gives the classic quiche recipe a delicious twist with the addition of a tender hash brown crust. Not only does this spinach and bacon pie bake up beautifully, its presentation on the plate will live in her Mother’s Day memories for years to come. The hash browns are cooked until golden brown, then formed into a crust in a pie plate while bacon crisps in a pan nearby. The smooth egg custard is mixed up and poured into the hash brown crust along with spinach, cheeses, and tomatoes. Garnish with cherry tomatoes on top and rose petals on the side for that extra special touch.

Happy Mother’s Day from Butcher Boy Market!

Want more Mother’s Day ideas?

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

Spring Antipasto Platters and Appetizers

Spring is in full swing and it is finally warm outside. Take advantage of the pleasant weather by hosting a garden party, back yard barbecue, or a tea party in the sunroom. Food is the centerpiece of family and friend gatherings, so it’s important to have something for everyone.

Appetizers like antipasto platters and satay skewers are fantastic finger foods that invite socializing and mingling. Our catering menu offers a variety of platters, so you can order online for pick-up and join the rest of your guests without the stress of wondering when (or if) the food will arrive.

If you prefer to impress your guests with your own carefully crafted creation, we encourage trying the following delicious recipes:

1) Greek Inspired Antipasto Platter

This antipasto platter from Half Baked Harvest has all the favorites of the traditional Italian version: deli meats, veggies, and mozzarella cheese, with an added Greek twist. Beautifully arranged sun-dried tomatoes, hummus, goat cheese, and pita chips fill out this cultural, culinary spread, including marinated feta and olives to enchant your guests’ palates. We’d be remiss not to mention the apricots, strawberries, fig jam, and honey that’ll appease those craving something sweeter.

2) Easy Antipasto Skewers

As the saying goes, “you eat with your eyes first.” Ingredients such as those in The Mediterranean Dish‘s Antipasto Skewers are selected for their color and texture, in order to set the stage for dinner. Rolled or folded proscuitto is stacked on a skewer, followed by artichoke hearts, mini mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and finished off with a Kalmata olive. Parsley or basil leaves are rotated on the skewer, and dried oregano is sprinkled on top for garnish, making this appetizer true beauty on a stick.

3) Honey Balsamic Steak Bites

Can an appetizer really deliver sweet, salty, and savory in one bite? Tip Hero‘s skewered steak bites have a deep infusion of flavor, thanks to the acidic nature of the balsamic vinegar in the marinade, which further tenderizes the meat. Sweetness is added through honey, saltiness with soy sauce, and finally, a savory finish with herbs and garlic. Marinade the steak for 1-4 hours, then pan cook to your liking. Use our handy Steak Guide to learn how to check the steak’s temperature without a thermometer.

4) Bacon Bourbon Meatballs

There’s nothing tastier-sounding than alliteration, especially when bacon is involved. House of Yumm‘s Bacon Bourbon Meatballs are hand-formed from ground beef and bacon, then simmered in a pan filled with tangy bourbon-BBQ sauce. We love the zing of spice from chili powder. Toothpicks make these delicious bites the perfect no-mess appetizer, and the BBQ sauce works great in a tiny ramekin for your guests’ dipping pleasure.

5) Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

Baked or grilled, these chicken skewer appetizers from Carl’s Bad Craving are sure to be a hit opening act. Soy sauce, brown sugar, tumeric, and coriander are just some of the mouthwatering ingredients featured in the savory sauce that will function as both marinade and base of the Peanut Sauce. The chicken requires a minimum 6 hrs of refrigeration in the marinade, but we promise it is worth the wait. Next, peanut butter is added to the remaining sauce after boiling. All that’s left to do is for you to dip the chicken and enjoy.

Want more springtime appetizer ideas?

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

In The Mood to Cook: Chicken Dinners

Pack the Perfect Back-to-School Lunch

Cook-Out for a Crowd

Sensational Sausage Recipes

Summer Shish Kabob Skewers

5 Marinades for your Fourth of July

Steaks for Father’s Day

Recipes for a Picnic-Perfect Memorial Day

Perfect Meals for Mother’s Day

Spring Antipasto Platters and Appetizers

1) Parmesan Crusted Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken

2) Whole Roast Masala Chicken (Indian-style)

3) Chicken Provencal

4) Sticky Chicken

5) Maple Buttermilk Grilled Chicken

6) Chicken Pot Pie Turnovers

7) Veggie Loaded Rotisserie Chicken Casserole

We also have prepared breasts available from the kitchen for easy, throw together meals.

Happy Cooking!

Want more dinner ideas?

1) Maple Honey Turkey Wrap

2) Three Ingredient Fruit Roll-Ups

3) Baked Sweet Potato Chips

4) Oatmeal Energy Bites (Easy No-Bake Snack)

5) Lunchbox Smoothies

Happy start of school from Butcher Boy!

Want more back-to-school ideas?

Flank Steak Recipes

1) Grilled Korean Flank Steak with Spicy Cucumber Salad

2) Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri

3) Bourbon Marinated Flank Steak

London Broil Recipes

1) Grilled Marinated London Broil – Madness Style

2) Grilled Marinated London Broil

3) Grilled London Broil with Corn Salsa

Happy Grilling!

Want more cook-out ideas?

1) Broccoli Rabe with Sweet Italian Sausage

2) Spiralizer Sweet Potato Pasta with Sausage & Spinach

3) Sun-Dried Tomato, Kale, and Chicken Sausage Quinoa Bake

4) 30-Minute Quinoa with Sausage and Brussels Sprouts

5) Penne with Sausage, Fennel, and Pecorino

We recommend giving the above recipes a spin with these delicious, homemade Butcher Boy sausages: Tomato Sausage, Tomato & Cheese Sausage, and Garlic & Cheese Sausage.

Want more sausage recipe ideas?

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) Filet Mignon with Porcini Compound Butter

2) Seared New York Strip Steak with Red Wine Balsamic Reduction

3) Grilled Porterhouse Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

4) T-Bone Steak with Garlic and Rosemary Recipe

5) Cowboy Steak and Whiskey Butter

Happy Father’s Day from Butcher Boy!

Want more Father’s Day ideas?

1) The Best Ever Homemade Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing

2) Blueberry Broccoli Spinach Salad with Poppyseed Ranch

3) Easy Potato Salad with Eggs

4) Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Slider Topping Recipes:

1) Bourbon Burgers

2) Smoky Avocado Burgers with Pineapple Pepper Relish

3) Smoky Avocado Burgers with Pineapple Pepper Relish

Happy Memorial Day from Butcher Boy, and thanks to all those who serve!

Want more Memorial Day ideas?

Salad recipes:

1) Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Chicken

2) Cobb Salad

3) Arugula Skirt Steak Salad with Caramelized Pears, Pecans, and Gorgonzola

Quiche recipes:

1) Chicken, Cheddar, and Black Bean Quiche