Archives: Know-How

5 Easy Sides to Take Your Thanksgiving to the Next Level

When it comes to Thanksgiving, the turkey is the star, but side dishes are what complete the meal. Sides don’t have to be fancy or complicated. In fact, some of the most delicious originate from the simplest of recipes. We’ve listed some of our favorites below:

1) Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

brussels-sprouts
via Just a Taste

Who said vegetables have to be boring? This delectable side comes from Kelly at Just a Taste and combines crispy pancetta, Brussels sprouts and a homemade balsamic vinegar reduction. The savoriness of the pancetta is balanced out by the sweetness of the reduction, creating a winning combination.

2) Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing

cornbread-stuffing
via Savory Simple

This recipe, courtesy of Savory Simple, calls for two ingredients that that make every dish better: sweet Italian sausage and cornbread. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, feel free to use hot Italian sausage instead. This stuffing can even be whipped up in advance and reheated just before serving. And if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, it tastes just as good the next day.

3) Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Caramelized Onions

mashed-potatoes
via Cookin’ Canuck

Mashed potatoes on their own can be pretty flavorless. But, not Cookin’ Canuck’s version. The caramelized onions are cooked in fat rendered from the bacon and added to the spuds at the end, along with earthy, fried sage. The result is velvety mashed potatoes that are anything but ordinary.

4) Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

cranberry-sauce
via Gimme Some Oven

Gimme Some Oven’s cranberry sauce is easy to make and mouth-watering, so you can stay away from the canned stuff. It’s prepared in a slow cooker so you can set it and forget it. With a few ingredients like fresh cranberries, orange juice and sugar, you’ll have a delicious accompaniment to your turkey that will taste like you spent hours over the stove.

5) Turkey Gravy

gravy
via Life Tastes Good

Gravy is a Thanksgiving necessity, but getting the taste and consistency just right can be tricky. Life Tastes Good’s recipe is simple and is made while the turkey is resting. It uses the turkey giblets and pan drippings, both of which provide loads of flavor.

Want more side dish ideas?

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

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5 Tasty Recipes That Bring the Tailgate to Your Kitchen

The fall season brings so many opportunities to try amazing foods, and one of the places we love digging into dishes most are at tailgate get-togethers. Tailgating is known for its finger-licking, belly-warming, picnic-style foods that leave everyone smiling and asking for more. And, since it’s hard to get to a tailgate party every night, we’ve found five recipes that bring those irresistible foods from the game to your kitchen.

1) BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

pulled-pork-barbeque-sliders
via Bites of Bri

The hardest part about this recipe isn’t making the pulled pork. It’s waiting for it to finish cooking so you can dig in. This slow cooker pulled pork recipe lets you set, forget, and go about your day. By the time dinner comes around, you’ll have tender pulled pork with explosive flavor that’s ready to be served up however you like. This is a great one to turn on early in the morning for those late-afternoon games.

2) Easy Tailgate Party Buffalo Wings

anchor-bar-buffalo-wings
via Anchor Bar

One of the first foods that comes to mind when talking about tailgate favorites is chicken wings. It’s easy to see why, since they’re easy to make and can be paired with almost any kind of sauce. This recipe comes from Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY, home of the original buffalo wings, so we know this is the way they’re meant to be made. Of course, feel free to swap out the recipe’s sauce for one of your favorites so you can be sure they’re something you’ll love.

3) All-American Sausage and Peppers

sausage-and-pepper-sliders
via Taste of Home

All-American, all flavor, no hassle. Taste of Home has put together a simple recipe showing how to whip up some fantastic sausage and pepper sliders in less than an hour. With brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, these bold sliders will be gone in a flash. The good news is that they’re so easy to make, you won’t mind whipping up a new batch.

4) Turkey Chili

turkey-chili
via Country Living

Chili has always been a tailgate favorite with its bold mix of ingredients and warm, hearty goodness. There’s no better time of year than fall to try mixing up this classic dish with turkey instead of traditional beef. Country Living has created a recipe that’s as delicious as it is simple to make. With beans, spices, peppers, and our favorite Thanksgiving bird, this turkey chili will be a sensation no matter where you bring it.

5) Prize Winning Baby Back Ribs

Baby Back Ribs
via All Recipes

Barbecue baby back ribs are one of the ultimate finger-licking foods you can get at the tailgate, and this recipe lets you have all the flavor without all the hassle. Just prep the meat, place it on the grill, and find a way to distract yourself while the ribs cook to perfection. In about an hour, you’ll have some tender, juicy barbecue ribs that beg to be devoured. Just remember to keep the napkins within arm’s reach.

Want more know-how from our butchers?

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

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5 Delicious Dinner Ideas to Get You In the Autumn Spirit

Summer is over, and that means that the days will be getting shorter, the breezes will be getting cooler, and the holidays are almost upon us. While we’re sad to see summer go, we’re excited to slip into some warmer clothes and make dinners that are perfect for fall. Here are five savory recipes you can put together to help get you into the spirit of the season.

1) Pumpkin Seed Crusted Rack of Lamb

via Chef Franco Lania

One part of the pumpkin that’s frequently overlooked are its seeds, but not everyone has forgotten them. Chef Franco Lania has created a stunning recipe that uses the crunchy texture and hint of spice from pumpkin seeds as a delectable, memorable crust on a rack of lamb. Together, this flavor combination is one that is sure to become a favorite for fall and beyond.

2) Autumn Sausage Casserole

via Taste of Home

This full-flavored dish from Taste of Home combines apples, raisins, sausage and spices for a warm, rich, fall-inspired dinner that everyone is sure to love. From prep time to cook, it’s done in less than an hour, meaning you can quickly get back to carving pumpkins or raking leaves after dinner.

3) Cider-Braised Chicken, Brussels Sprouts, and Apples

via Midwest Living

It’s hard to imagine fall without apples. From ciders to pies, apples can be used in a variety of ways that help to create a meal perfect for fall. This recipe from Midwest Living takes that apple flavor and brings it center stage in a mouthwatering chicken and brussels sprout dish. Just don’t forget the mashed potatoes on the side.

4) Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

via The Glowing Fridge

There’s no question the pumpkin reigns supreme this time of year, so this list wouldn’t be complete without a pumpkin recipe – but would you have guessed it would be for pumpkin chili? This recipe from Shannon at The Glowing Fridge mixes that pumpkin flavor we love with the feel-good warmth of a hearty chili that’s perfect on a cool fall day.

5) Turkey, Brie, and Apple Panini

via She Wears Many Hats

Of course, what fall recipe list would be complete without mentioning turkey? Try this easy panini recipe from She Wears Many Hats that makes apples, turkey, and brie collide in an explosion of flavor. It’s also a nice way to satisfy your turkey cravings without having to wait for the Thanksgiving leftovers.

Want more know-how from our butchers?

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

Dive Into Dry Rubs

Dry rubs are a simple, delicious way to take any meal to the next level. From sweet and savory to spicy and bold, there are endless ways to mix up a meal and give it a tasty twist without breaking a sweat.

Here are two simple recipes for dry rubs that you can easily put together in time for dinner and will go great on any meat. Just mix the ingredients together in a bag or bowl and rub onto the meat before cooking.

All Purpose Dry Rub Recipe

(Via AllRecipes.com)

  • 4 tablespoons white sugar
  • 4 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch dried oregano
  • 1 pinch dried thyme

Martha Stewart’s All Purpose Spice Rub

(Via MarthaStewart.com)

  • 1/3 cup coarse salt
  • 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup paprika
  • 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (optional)
chicken-steak

Of course, part of what makes cooking fun and exciting is making things your own – including creating your own signature dry rub. If you’ve got a spice rack, you already have all the ingredients you need to get started. Here are 6 tips to help make sure you’re balancing your favorite spices just right.

1) More salt, less sweet

You want your salt-to-sweet ratio to be heavily balanced towards salt. Salt has a magical ability to bring out the complex flavors of whatever it seasons. Sugars are much less versatile. However, there are a few dishes that taste fantastic with a sweet rub, particularly when you’re cooking with poultry and pork.

2) Pick your pepper

Pepper adds a critical element of heat to your dry rub, but that doesn’t mean you have to reach for the standard black pepper sitting on the dinner table. There are plenty of varieties from which to choose, including white, red, and cayenne. Choose one, or try out a combination of a few.

3) Be creative

This is your chance to add your own flair to a dish. Give your spice rack a spin, and start pulling out flavors you love.

4) …But not that creative

Spices have a tendency to compete against each other. Put too many in the mix, and no one wins. After you’ve added in your salt, sugar, and heat, stick to three or four additional spices. Any more than that, and your dry rub will start to lose any subtlety of flavor.

5) Taste it first

Before you season your whole family’s sirloin with your new creation, taste a small pinch of it. Make sure it’s balanced to your liking. Better to correct any mistakes before you ruin five pounds of perfectly innocent steak.

6) Pay attention to dates

How often do you refresh your spice rack? Chances are, more than a few of the spices in your cupboard are old. While expired spices don’t typically present much risk to your health, they do start to lose potency after a few years. For an intense, flavorful dry rub, make sure you’re using fresh ingredients. Stop by Butcher Boy whenever you need to replenish.

Now, go and create something delicious – and uniquely yours.

Want more know-how from our butchers?

Visit us in North Andover.

How to Pair Wines to Your Favorite Meals

The perfect wine pairing can make your dinner complete, whether it’s a full-bodied red for your Porterhouse or a buttery white for your roasted pork tenderloin. Butcher Boy keeps more than 1,000 varieties of wine in stock, so you can find what you need.

When pairing wines to dinners, your most important consideration is flavor intensity. A rich entree is best matched to a dry, aromatic wine. Lighter foods, particularly chicken, need lighter wines, or they’ll quickly become overpowered. Think of it like finding a dance partner — you wouldn’t match a linebacker to a tiny ballerina.

Here’s a handy guide to wine pairing, created by the team at Wine Folly:

wine-and-food-pairing-chart

While charts like these are a great place to start, it’s important to remember that they don’t take into consideration the marinades, sauces, spices, and rubs you might use to flavor your meal. These elements can radically change the intensity of your dish. Use this guide as a starting point, but don’t be afraid to be your own sommelier. If it sounds like a satisfying combination to you, it’s worth giving a try.

Not a wine person? Beers and cocktails can also pair nicely with your favorite meats. Once you’ve paid a visit to our famous 60-foot butcher counter, take a stroll through our spirits section and see what excites you. We have something for even the most discerning palette.

5_wine_spirits

Whether you’re seeking a spicy Malbec or a crisp Pinot Gris, our store in North Andover has more than 1,000 varieties of wine to choose from.

4 Innovative Ways To Grill Chicken

Chicken is only as boring as you make it. Today we’re sharing 4 exciting ways to grill
chicken that will give you a newfound love for poultry.

1) Wrap it in foil

Chicken-Fajita-Foil-Packet_content-1
Via Real Housemoms

Toss your chicken with peppers and onions and a blend of spices to create a unique all-in-one dinner. The flavors meld together beautifully on the grill. Get inspired with this easy chicken fajita foil packet meal from Real Housemoms, and then start making your own creations.

2)Stick it on a skewer

Via My Organized Chaos

Kabobs are a quick, simple, and wholesome summertime dinner. Chunks of chicken breast, or vegetables, and a good glaze are all you need. We love My Organized Chaos’s recipe for honey sriracha grilled chicken skewers.

3) Wrap it in bacon

Bacon-Wrapped-Chicken
Via TableSpoon

When in doubt, wrap in bacon. TableSpoon has a delicious recipe for bacon-wrapped chicken kabobs. These kabobs include some yummy vegetables, and pineapple to compliment the meat-on-meat. Serve with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.

4) Grab some marinated Butcher Boy chicken

marinated Butcher Boy chicken
Via Butcher Boy Market

Butcher Boy’s marinated chicken is freshly prepared in­-house, with our quality cuts of meat placed in easy grab-and-go bags. We’ve got a wide variety of flavors to choose from, including Lemon Pepper, Teriyaki, Barbecue, and Buffalo. Bring your favorite home, cut the bag, and toss it on the grill. It’s the easiest delicious dinner you’ll ever make.

Want more dinner ideas from our butchers? Visit our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

For more dinner know-how, follow Butcher Boy on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

5 Surprising Foods That Are Amazing on the Grill

As butchers, we love a good burger, steak, or sausage. But once
you’ve nailed these grilling staples, we encourage you to get experimental.

Grills bring intense, smoky flavors to everything they cook. You’d be surprised by how many dishes you can make on them. It’s summer. Wouldn’t you rather cook outside?

1) Watermelon

Cilantro Lime Grilled Watermelon
Via The Stay At Home Chef

Grilling watermelon brings out surprising, versatile flavors that can be used in both savory side dishes and desserts. This recipe for cilantro-lime grilled watermelon by The Stay At Home Chef is simple, innovative, and pretty enough to post on your Facebook page.

2) Meatloaf

Grilled Meatloaf
Via The Meatwave

People think of meatloaf as a winter food, but this grilled recipe by The Meatwave begs to differ. You do need a wooden grilling plank to make it, but the rich, smoky flavors will be well worth the investment.

3) Avocado

Grilled-Avocados-with-Herbs
Via Chimera Obsura

When it comes to avocados, you know you’re always in to have a good time. This grilled avocado and lemon combo from Chimera Obsura puts an interesting twist on this superfood favorite. Top with herbs, nuts, and tomatoes and you are ready to feast.

4) Bacon

bonappetit_the-ba-summer-grilling-manual-grilled-bacon
Via Bon Appetit

Bacon is delicious in any context, and the grill is no exception. Just be sure to thread your slabs onto skewers so they don’t fall into the fire. Bon Appetit’s video on grilling bacon is a great tutorial for first timers. Give their ginger-scallion topping a try, too.

5) Caesar Salad

Grilled-Caesar-landscape
Via A Whole New Twist

Gently charred romaine develops complex, earthy flavors you won’t find in a raw salad. Check out A Whole New Twist’s grilled caesar salad. The recipe is great on its own — but for a little protein, throw some chicken or salmon on the grill, too. We’re butchers. We had to say it.

Want more inspiration?

For more dinner know-how, follow Butcher Boy on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

How to Check Your Steak’s Temperature Without a Thermometer

When it comes to cooking steak, there are no second chances. How do you make sure you’re not overcooking your meat? Taking the temperature with a thermometer can give you a quick, precise reading. But you’ll pierce your meat in the process, causing it to dry out and lose flavor.

Even worse, we see some people cut a big slice in the middle of their steak to check the center. That’s an easy way to make sure your steak is very well done — and not in the good way.

There’s a simple, surefire way to check your steak’s temperature without cutting into the meat, and all you need is your hand.

Rare
Raw

Feel the palm of your hand, just below your thumb. It’s a little soft and fleshy. This is what raw steak should feel like when you touch it.

Medium-Rare
Rare

Now bring your thumb to your pointer finger, and touch that same part of your palm again. Did you notice how it’s slightly firmer? A rare steak should feel like this when you touch it.

Medium
Medium-Rare

Touch your thumb to your middle finger. Notice how that section of your palm tenses up a little more? This is what a medium-­rare steak feels like.

Medium
Medium

Move your thumb to your ring finger. Now the palm may feel slightly flexed. This level of firmness means your steak is cooked medium.

Well-Done
Well-Done

Now touch your thumb to your pinky. That section of your palm will be fairly firm. This is what a well-­done steak feels like.

Kitchen pros rely on the hand test to cook their steaks to perfect temperature every time. You may be surprised by its accuracy. Give it a try, and tell us what you think.

For more steak know-­how, visit our store in North Andover.

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grills perfect match

5 Patriotic Dishes For Your 4th of July Barbecue

With the 4th of July just around the corner, we’ve compiled a few savory dishes that put a little red, white, and blue on your plate.

1) Patriotic Chicken Kabobs

via bigbearswife.com

This recipe by Angie from Big Bear’s Wife makes for a fast, delicious, and simple main course. Blue potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and chunks of tender chicken. Put them on a skewer and cook. Angie sticks them in the oven, but they’d be great on the grill, too. Just be sure to partially cook your potatoes before grilling.

2) Blueberry Caprese Salad

via Aloveandoliveoil.com

We love this merican twist on a summer dinner classic by Love & Olive Oil. Blueberries, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and adds great color to your table.

3) Red, White, and Bleu Sliders

via laurenslatest.com

There aren’t too many naturally­ occurring blue foods in the world, and even fewer that you’d want to put on a burger. If your guests are willing to get a little creative with the definition, these bleu cheese sliders by Lauren’s Latest are fantastic.

4) Bacon Flag Pizza

via tablespoon.com

Here’s a pizza by Tablespoon that would make Betsy Ross jealous. The recipe instructs you to bake it in the oven, but for a slightly smokier flavor, try throwing it on the grill.

5) Star­-Spangled Potato Salad

via bonappetit.com

A mix of red­-skinned, white, and blue potatoes gives this barbecue staple a patriotic update. Bon Appetit’s recipe is quick and easy. Make it a few hours ahead of your party. The flavors need a few hours to sit, and it’s one less dish to worry about while you’re grilling.

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

1) Do-It-Yourself Steak Kit

Pick up Dad’s favorite steak from our meat counter, with or without one of our famous marinades. You can cook it for him, or let him do the honors, depending on how protective he is of the grill.

2) Maverick BBQ Organizer

2Good grilling requires uninterrupted focus. If Dad is constantly running back and forth between the backyard and the kitchen, this BBQ Accessory Organizer should come in handy.

3) Make Your Own Dry Rub

3Dry rubs are an easy and inexpensive way to season meat, and there’s plenty of room to get creative. At Butcher Boy, we carry the spices you’ll need to make endless combinations of dry rubs. If your Dad likes a little heat, we love this recipe for Buffalo Spice Rub. And this Sweet Rub would be perfect on one of our pork tenderloins.

4) The Great Scrape All-Natural Grill Cleaner

4Wire brushes can leave metal bristles on your grill. You don’t want those in your steak. The Great Scrape’s all-natural wood develops custom grooves to clean your grill perfectly, and lasts for years.

5) The Perfect Beer Pairing

5What’s the perfect beer pairing for Dad’s favorite dinner? Butcher Boy keeps plenty of delicious classic and craft beers in stock, and we love helping you match them to your meals.

6) Grilling Gift Basket

6There are plenty of little tools and gadgets worth having if you want to be an expert griller. Why not bundle them into a personalized gift basket? This basket covers all the bases, and is perfect for a father just starting to build his grillware collection. We carry a few of these essentials at our own store.

7) Butcher Boy Gift Card

7Send Dad to Butcher Boy’s famous 60-foot full-service meat counter and let him pick out whatever he wants. Our butchers love sharing their know-how. They will help him find the perfect cut, and give him the advice he needs to cook it just right.