Know-How Archive - Page 14 of 16

Easter Dinner Recipes

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

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

Below are some of our favorite Easter recipes.

1) Glazed Easter Ham

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

2) Greek Lamb

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

3) Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce (Brown Butter)

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

4. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Au Gratin Potatoes — via Yellow Bliss Road

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

Happy Easter from all of us at Butcher Boy Market.

Want more holiday dinner ideas?

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

Veggie Noodles and Riced Veggies Recipes

Spiralized veggie noodles and riced vegetables are a delicious twist on how to get your recommend four-to-five servings of vegetables a day. Not only adding a colorful pop to your recipes, the substitution is a healthy way to enjoy some of your favorite meals. At Butcher Boy we carry spiralized and riced veggies pre-packaged and waiting to be made into your dinner. For noodles, we carry butternut squash, summer squash, and zucchini. For riced, we have both broccoli and cauliflower.

Pick-up your pre-packed veggies today and save several steps in these feel-good recipes that also taste good.

Noodle Recipes:

1) Sausage and Kale over Butternut Squash Noodles

Sausage and Kale over Butternut Noodles — via A Whole New Twist

With crumbled sausage, sweet onions, and peppery baby kale, you’ll hear your stomach rumble with hunger at the sight of this vibrant edible masterpiece. Nutmeg and sage assist in elevating the flavor of the butternut squash noodles, or bunoodles, as A Whole New Twist lovingly calls them.

2) Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto

How often can you say creamy and healthy in the same sentence? Eat Yourself Skinny invites you to enjoy a big bowl of avocado pesto pasta made with sautéed zucchini noodles. Lemon juice, sea salt, and basil leaves add a next-level taste complexity to this dish that makes you feel full and satisfied.

3) Summer Squash Pasta with Garlic and Tomatoes

Summer Squash Cappellini — via Veganosity

Ready for a dish that looks as happy as you’ll be eating it? With bright yellows from soft summer squash noodles, and vibrant red from plump tomatoes, this five-ingredient recipe from Veganosity is as simple as it is pretty. Olive oil and diced garlic make a healthy, yet flavorful accompaniment to this lively meal.

Riced Veggies Recipes:

1. Cauliflower Fried Rice

When it comes to tricking your tastebuds, this side dish from Iowa Girl Eats takes the figurative cake. Fry up the cauliflower rice with mixed vegetables and chopped green onions in hot sesame oil and egg. Add minced garlic, then season with salt and pepper. Bet you thought you’d never eat such a healthy fried food.

2. Creamy Garlic Riced Broccoli

creamy brocolli and garlic — via Barefoot Provisions

This nutritional side from Barefoot Provisions is a perfect for the dinner plate, or a healthy but indulgent snack. Skillfully combining the flavors of two delectable vegetables, riced broccoli is mixed with butternut squash, nutritional yeast, and coconut milk cheese-like sauce.

3. Broccoli and Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole

broccoli cauliflower chicken casserole — via Isabel Eats

Riced vegetables make great sides, but they can also help make a fantastic and filling dinner. This chicken casserole from Isabel Eats brilliantly mixes riced cauliflower and broccoli into a baked dish the whole family will enjoy. Prepare to be extra pleased when devouring the tasty leftovers the next day. If there are any.

Want more dinner ideas?

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

St. Patrick’s Day Feast

Dia dhuit (Hello). It is now March, which means that everyone’s favorite holiday to deck themselves out in green is quickly approaching. Saint Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick (Lá Fhéile Pádraig), honors the life of Saint Patrick, while also celebrating Irish culture in North America as a whole. We love shamrocks, the wearing of the green, and attending the parades, but we must confess our favorite part of the holiday is the delicious meal served. That’s why for over 50 years we’ve been making in-house the traditional New England grey corned beef, and have the full corned beef and cabbage dinner ready for pick up in the kitchen.

We also carry red corned beef, corned ribs, along with cut-and-peeled carrots and potatoes, ready to be cooked at home. Here are some great recipes to try:

1) Corned Beef and Cabbage

Corned Beef in Crockpot — via Food Fanatic

Slow-cooking your corned beef leaves it tender and juicy. This recipe from Food Fanatic lets you deck out your table in green while the vegetables, meat, and pickling spices cook up in the pot. Save the cabbage until the very end, cooking it on high for one hour. Your vegetables will be fork-tender, meat delicious, and guests tempted to throw a parade in your honor.

2) Horseradish-Mustard Sauce

A zesty horseradish sauce is the perfect companion to your St. Patrick’s Day meal. Taste of Home makes it simple to prepare this three-ingredient creamy topping. Careful to not drown your meal, as the Irish say, “better be sparing at first than at last.”

3) Irish Soda Bread

A delicious treat with a pop of raisins, traditional Irish soda bread is a must for your meal. Gimme Some Oven‘s recipe is easy-to-follow and bakes up beautifully. Serve warm topped with butter to see those Irish eye’s smiling.

4) Homemade Corned Beef Hash

If you’re enough lucky to have leftovers, then you’re lucky enough. Cook up your leftover corned beef in this scrumptious breakfast dish from Happy Money Saver. Toss boiled russet potatoes, onions, and Worcestershire sauce together in a skillet and in twenty minutes you’ll have a meal that makes your family say “Sláinte!”

Erin go Bragh!

Want more St. Patrick’s Day ideas?

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

Romantic Valentine’s Day Menu

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

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

1) Prosciutto Crostini with Burrata and Lemon Honey Drizzle

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

2) Pan Seared Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter

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

3) Rack of Lamb with Spicy Fennel Rub

rack-of-lamb-recipe — via Fearless Fresh

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

4) Parmesan-Herb Roasted Potatoes

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

5) Killer Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

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

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

6) Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Glaze

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

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

Want more romantic menu ideas?

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

Super Bowl Recipe Favorites

On February 5, the Patriots will face off against the Falcons in the Super Bowl. This is going to be a big game in Patriots’ country and your guests are going to have a large appetite to match. Make sure your spread is as memorable as this game is sure to be.

Try these five championship-worthy favorite recipes to serve during the big game:

1) Chili

Is there anything better than the deliciously combined flavors of a hearty chili? With nutty, smoky cumin, and sugary sweetness balancing the tarty tomatoes, Pip and Ebby‘s self-proclaimed “best chili on earth” recipe is comfort in a bowl. Just what you need when watching the Patriots make history.

2) Baby Back Ribs

There’s nothing quite as finger-licking good as homemade BBQ sauce dripping off slow-smoked ribs. First mix together the spice rub to imbue the meat with plenty of flavor. These fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs from Bay Area Bites are perfect for your guests to anxiously gnaw away on as they watch football history in the making, or at least enjoy the halftime show.

3) Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

The-Best-Slow-Cooker-Pulled-Pork — via Slow Cooker Gourmet

Prepare this perfectly spiced pulled pork the night before to give yourself extra time to prep for your guests. With just the right amount of apple cider vinegar to give the tender pork a zip of extra flavor, this game day staple from Slow Cooker Gourmet can be served as sandwiches, tacos, or on its own. We recommend sandwiches, to avoid mixing pointy objects and high emotions.

4) Honey BBQ Wings

Crispy-Baked-Honey-BBQ-Wings — via A Night Owl

It simply would not be the Super Bowl party without a plate filled with crispy wings. A Night Owl‘s recipe for baked honey bbq wings is easy, leaving frying completely out of the delicious equation. The sweetness of honey and the tangy spicy of hot sauce will satisfy even the most devoted fan, turning their attention from the screen even if just for a moment.

5) Garlic Parmesan Wings

Crispy-Baked-Garlic-Parmesan-Chicken-Wings — via Joyful Healthy Eats

There’s no rule against serving two different types of wings during the big game. Pleasantly surprise your guests with Joyful Healthy Eats cheesy twist on this football fan favorite. Smoked paprika and red pepper flakes delight the palate while the sprinkled-on parmesan will have your guests licking their lips for more.

Want more Super Bowl snack ideas?

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

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!

Simple and Elegant Appetizers for Your Holiday Party

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

1) Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese and Pesto

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

2) Holiday Cocktail Meatballs

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

3) Lamb Lollipops with Rosemary and Garlic

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

4) Figs Prosciutto

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

Want more appetizer ideas?

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

Cooking the Perfect Turkey: 6 Tips to Try This Holiday

Thanksgiving is a big holiday with an even bigger focus on food. To help you get ready for the day with confidence, we put together a list of the important things to remember as you roll up your sleeves and start cooking for the big day.

1) Plan Ahead

How to gauge how large a turkey you need? Plan on about 1 to 1½ pounds of turkey per person. Of course, if you love leftovers as much as we do, no one will complain if you choose a bird that’s a little bigger.

2) More Flavor, Less Effort

For those who would rather skip the stuffing, try loosely filling your bird with aromatics such as herbs, celery, garlic, and carrots. These can add great flavor to your dinner while simplifying your time in the kitchen.

3) Keep Things Juicy

A tasty way to keep your turkey moist is to rub butter under its skin before it goes in the oven. The melting butter will help ensure each bite is juicy and flavorful, guaranteeing full bellies and satisfied smiles from everyone at the table.

4) Patience is a Virtue

It’s a challenge, but try to resist opening the oven door to peek at your turkey while it cooks. Opening the oven lets heat escape and allows temperature fluctuations that can result in a poorly cooked turkey. Try to relax and let the oven do its thing.

5. Know When It’s Done

If you don’t have one already, it’s worth investing in an instant-read thermometer to check your turkey. You want it to reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°. An instant-read thermometer is the best way to get an accurate reading. Just make sure the thermometer isn’t touching the bone, which can give a false reading.

6. Just a Little Longer…

The table is set, the turkey is out of the oven, but don’t start carving just yet. Let your turkey sit and rest after coming out of the oven. This allows the juices to spread through the meat and unlock the best flavor in every bite. It’s hard to wait, but your guests will agree it was worth the wait.

For more details on how to perfectly cook a delicious turkey this Thanksgiving, have a look at our Turkey Roasting Guide. Now, are you ready to get cooking? Check out our Thanksgiving Order Guide to see what we’re offering this holiday, including meat options, sides, desserts, and store hours. And a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving from all of us at Butcher Boy!