Archives: Know-How

Fix It And Forget It, From Slow Cooker To Table

slow cooker lamb chopSometimes life gets so busy with home and work that we appreciate taking a break from cooking duties. But when you still want to put a rich, hearty meal on the table, it doesn’t have to be take-out. Enter the slow cooker, which does so much more than stews and pot roasts!

Some cuts of meat are ideal for preparing in your slow cooker because of the way the low, slow heat breaks them down to be fork-tender. Among them, beef chuck, pork shoulder, short ribs, chicken thighs, and brisket. Even though the slow cooker does most of the work, there are tried and true techniques to make the most flavorful, juicy, meat-that-falls-apart meals.

It’s a good idea to brown the beef first. A quick sear or caramelization will ensure a rich flavor. This extra step also will prevent excess grease in the finished meal.

A little seasoning can go a long way. Slow cooking doesn’t produce a lot of liquid, and flavors can become pretty strong as a result. Start with a little seasoning, then add more before serving if necessary.

Avoid overfilling the slow cooker. That’s because the steam will have trouble escaping, which will create more unwanted liquid, and the meal will end up being steamed.

It’s tempting to peek, but whatever you do, keep the lid on. Consistent temperature as the meat cooks is the key to success. You don’t want the heat to escape or the temp to fluctuate.

Are you a planner? Prepare your slow cooker meal the day before. The flavors will only be better the next evening.

If we’ve inspired you to give your slow cooker a regular place on the kitchen counter, give these recipes a try.

Food Network slow-cooker Cuban pork party sandwiches: Whichever kind of bread you choose – Brioche buns or Slider rolls – will work perfectly.

Beef Short Ribs with Ginger-Mango Barbecue Sauce: Classic and full of flavor, this is the easiest way to get fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

Slow cooker lamb chops: Impress your friends and family with a meal that takes little hands-on effort.

Hawaiian-Style Pork Ribs: After slow cooking, if you prefer, you can put the ribs under the broiler in the oven to get those charred, caramelized edges.

Savory Brisket: For best results, place the meat fat side-down in the slow cooker.

Butcher Boy’s Signature Brisket Recipe. The brisket recipe our customers ask for.

Lemon Chicken Thighs: The buttery sauce is perfect for spooning over rice and vegetables.

Freezing Temps? Stay in and Cook This Winter

winter meals_NY strip steakWe’ve shared some easy weeknight recipes that we think live up to the cozy vibe of winter. But when you’re home on the weekends, or are hunkered down while a snowstorm blows outside, or simply have a day off, you may find yourself with extra time to spend on the more complex recipes you’ve been wanting to try or the meals that take longer to prepare. Now’s the time to finally dig into those Pinterest boards you’ve been compiling or pull out the new cookware you scored over the holidays.

This recipe for the ultimate beef stew gets better the longer it simmers and will make your whole house smell great.

Do you love Greek lemon soup? Give this homemade version a try for something that’s truly authentic.

When pasta is on the menu, dress it up with a flavorful bolognese. This classic Italian sauce is slow-cooked and you can make enough to freeze what’s left over to save for future meals – perhaps lasagna next time.

A dinner of braised lamb shanks could become the new family favorite. Slow-cooking turns this inexpensive cut of meat into fall-off-the-bone tenderness.

If you’re willing to get started early in the morning, this layered brisket dinner will make it worth your while. It’s hearty for a cold winter day. If you don’t have all day, our signature braised brisket recipe can be prepared in an afternoon.

You know we love a good steak on the grill, but there are ways to get that seared flavor on the stovetop, too. Try this recipe for strip steaks with roasted veggies.

As always, we want to help you find all the best and freshest ingredients for whatever you want to cook at home. We can help with choosing the perfect cuts of meat, give some preparation advice, or offer substitutes to suit your preferences when the recipe doesn’t exactly match your tastes.

Winter Weeknight Meals To Warm You Up

bacon wrapped meatloafWith the holidays behind us, this is the season to hibernate… and that means more meals at home. It’s a great time to cook, try new recipes, find new family favorites, and sharpen our skills in the kitchen. Comfort foods are the best for chilly winter evenings, and some of them are easy to prepare even on weeknights after work.

Meatloaf is one of them. If your own basic recipe needs an upgrade, try this version, wrapped in bacon and covered in a tangy sweet sauce.

If soup is what you’re in the mood for, try something warm, filling, and quick-to-make like this Asian long noodle soup with pork tenderloin.

Sausage and peppers are a popular combo for the grill, but when the temperatures keep you inside, there’s no reason not to enjoy those familiar flavors. Potato and pepper sausage bake is the perfect winter substitute. Choose your spice level with any variety of sausage you prefer, or give your family options by including several of the types of sausage you can get from Butcher Boy.

You can elevate a simple chicken to a bistro-style dinner with lemon truffle butter (it’s easier than it sounds), starting with a spatchcock chicken that’s ready for use and can be on the table in under an hour. We carry a Bosari Citrus seasoning at Butcher Boy that works perfectly in place of the Garden citrus spice blend in the recipe.

You can find all your ingredients at Butcher Boy, including fresh, in-house ground beef, bone-in and boneless chicken, vegetables, and the perfect crusty bread to accompany any delicious winter meal. And don’t forget dessert!

What’s your favorite comfort food? Let us know!

Shopping Small And Local

All of our Butcher Boy Marketplace neighbors are open for business and helping holiday shoppers find their perfect gifts – or unwind after a hectic day. Find unique gifts, delicious foods for holiday parties, and personal care services in your local community at Art and Frame, Lobster Tail Seafoods and Fish Market, Orzo Trattoria, Tran Tran Nails, Ciao Bow Wow Ciao Meow, and Perfecto’s Caffe. See this article for ideas and inspiration.

Butcher Boy is committed to supporting local businesses and features a number of delicious products made right in our own area. To inspire you, check out some of the local businesses and their delicious products featured at Butcher Boy.

 

Fresh Pita Bread from Korbani’s Bakery – Forget mass-produced bread products. This family-owned bakery has been making fresh, local, and delicious traditional Middle Eastern pita bread for over 30 years. Pair it with hummus, olives, or your own antipasto or charcuterie board from right here at Butcher Boy.

 

Homemade Pierogis from Jaju – Made from a treasured Polish family recipe, these homemade pillows of deliciousness satisfy your craving for traditional and innovative flavors. Ready in minutes, their delicious filling combinations stand on their own or pair beautifully with your favorite Butcher Boy protein.

beach pizza

 

Beach Pizza from NH Beach Pizza – Now you can satisfy that beach pizza craving year round right at home with NH Beach Pizza’s take and bake slices.

 

chococoa baking companyWhoopie Pies from Chococoa Baking Company – Experience the delicious flavors of Chococoa’s famous artisanal creations – perfectly bite-sized and made with all-natural and local ingredients, they’re the perfect snack or end to a satisfying meal.

 

 

Sweet and savory snacks from Arcade Snacks. A nearly 40-year family business, Arcade snacks can be found at select hotels, restaurants, and stores. Whether you crave nuts, dried fruit, candy, or chocolate, you’ll find your answer in these tasty treats.

 

To learn more about these local businesses and others featured in our Butcher Boy Marketplace, read these previous articles:

Supporting Local Businesses.

Local Vendors at Butcher Boy.

Shop Local. It Matters.

And, for more inspiration on shopping local, visit the North Andover Merchants Association for information on local restaurants and stores. Then, grab a friend and make a day of it!

Spanish Pulled Beef – Kellmy Rosado-Vargas

Butcher Boy’s guest blog series is an opportunity for us to feature some of our customers and share their recipes, inspiration, and enjoyment of great food. Follow #RealPeopleRealFood on Instagram to see new posts in this series.

spanish pulled beef
Kellmy Rosado-Vargas and Family

Guest blogger Kellmy Rosado-Vargas is the owner of two Lawrence-based businesses, independent design consultancy Left Eye Creations and custom printing company LEC Print. But more personally, Kellmy is a foodie from birth, and he shares his story and recipe for Spanish Pulled Beef.

As a great Dominican descent foodie from Queens, NY, I am quite the cooking enthusiast. During the early days of quarantine, I went into my passion for cooking and trying new cuisines.

While I have been a New Englander my entire life, my foundation consisted of about 10 Dominican women cooking with relentless spices. Today my home is no different as I am married to a Venezuelan lady who happens to be of Cuban descent. Talk about a mix of flavors and cultures.

spanish pulled beef recipe
Spanish Pulled Beef

With that said, and although my heart is with Dominican and New England foods, I could not ignore my wife’s grandmother’s passion for food. She was an excellent cook, an exquisite host who lived for entertaining everyone. In one of her many gatherings, I was introduced to “ropa vieja,” which is nothing more than shredded skirt steak with a Spanish flair. I was hooked!

spanish pulled beef tacos
Spanish Pulled Beef Tacos

This stew-like steak is the perfect recipe for foodies and busy families alike since it could be made in big batches and frozen for up to 3 months. It pairs well with arepas, white rice, tacos, even pasta! It is so versatile and certainly a comfort food that hopefully will become part of your weekly rotation.

Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs of the skirt or flank steak
  • ⅓ cup of olive oil, mild blend
  • 2 large Spanish onions (one whole, one finely chopped)
  • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 1 green pepper finely chopped
  • 8 oz. organic can of tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • ½ cup of dry white cooking wine
Step 1:

Place meat and one whole onion in a pressure cooker/Instapot or a large pot (double the cooking time if choosing a regular cooking pot). Fill the pot with water until it is about 2 fingers over the meat. Cook meat on high pressure for 20–30 minutes.

Step 2:

On a separate large pan, sauté on medium heat the finely chopped onion, green pepper, and garlic with oil for about 5–7 minutes. Wait until the onions are translucent and the peppers have softened.

Step 3:

Take the meat out of the pot and shred it with two forks against the steak’s grain. Remove the whole onion from the broth and toss.

Step 4:

Merge shredded beef with the previously sauteed onions, peppers, and garlic onto the pan. Add all the remaining ingredients together with one cup of broth from the steak.

Step 5:

Let all the ingredients simmer for about 20 minutes at medium heat and add more broth as the sauce starts to evaporate. The beef should be in a runny sauce.

spanish pulled beef arepa
Spanish Pulled Beef Arepa

This recipe gets better the day after, so do not shy away from refrigerating it. Reheat it for leftovers, lunches, or dinner.

Enjoy / Buen Provecho,

Kellmy

Download and print the recipe here.

Chad Montrie, Variance – A Multi-Course Tasting Menu In Your Home

This month, Butcher Boy’s guest blog focuses on the opportunity to book your own private dining event with Variance. Variance is…A pop-up restaurant. A catered party. A private dinner. Our guest blog series highlights our customers’ recipes, inspiration, and enjoyment of great food. For our latest posts and updates from our guest contributors, follow #RealPeopleRealFood on Instagram.

chad montrie variance
Chef Chad Montrie

Variance is a lot of things, but what chef Chad Montrie aims to do consistently is serve exceptional food. Chad focuses on presenting fresh, seasonal, and fruit/vegetable-forward dishes. Variance’s cuisine is an inspired take on New American preparation with a Mid-South twist.

Although you wouldn’t want to cook and eat one (believe me, I’ve tried), a channeled whelk has at least a few things going for it. Among others, the sea snail’s shell puts pattern variation on full display. Years ago, when I was trying to come up with a name for my venture into the culinary universe, a friend picked up a whelk shell from the beach and brought it to the house. And there it was. The shell embodied how I like to cook, holding to tradition but making it current, changing dishes without straying too far. I want what I know about classical French cuisine and Mid-South foodways to be fully present in the dishes I prepare, but always with a twist. So, I called what I was doing “Variance,” and I took the channeled whelk for its symbol.

Chicken wingI grew up in Louisville, Kentucky (by way of Montreuil, France to Québec to Toledo, Ohio) and moved to New England in 2002. To make a living, I am a professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where I teach a range of courses, including one on Food in American History. But I’ve also worked at Boston-area restaurants, including Café du Pays, in Cambridge, and Asta, in the Back Bay. The chef and owner at Asta, Alex Crabb, has taught me much of what I know about cooking. Drawing on this experience, next summer (2022), I’ll resume plans that the pandemic interrupted and operate a seasonal pop-up restaurant in Onset, on Cape Cod. In the meantime, I’ll be doing private dinners around Boston and in the Merrimack Valley. I can cook and serve a multi-course tasting menu in your home for up to fifteen people—a safe and comfortable alternative to dining out.

Tomato Soup
Roasted tomato soup

Although the Variance tasting menu ranges from course to course, and the dishes necessarily vary according to your taste, the focus is on what’s local, seasonal, fresh, and delicious. Radish with smoked haddock pâté and fried dulse. Roasted tomato soup with basil and lemon verbena oil. Butterhead bibb with tahini citrus vinaigrette and grapefruit. Pickled golden beets with dill cream and fried chicken skin. Brown sugar Cornish hen with buttermilk grits and smoked mushrooms. Lamb chops with shredded brussels sprouts and toasted hazelnuts. Lime sorbet with lime curd and pecan crumble. Almond cake with orange sauce and sweet mascarpone cream. Rosemary pine nut brittle. The list goes on.

Golden Beets
Pickled golden beets

To book your own private dining event, contact me by email (variancepopup@gmail.com) or phone (617-870-3809). We can discuss the kind of dinner you’d like to have, the food you’d like to feature, as well as the where and when of it. I’d love to play with convention and invention for you.

Grill & Smoker Inspiration To Up Your Midsummer Dinner Game

It’s August! We’ve reached that part of the season when it feels like summer is slipping by and we need to catch every minute of sunshine, swimming, playing, and lounging outside that we can. That includes, of course, maximizing the opportunity to use our grills, smokers, and fire pits — and soaking in those moments by dining al fresco in the comfort of our patios, decks, and backyards.

If you’ve been cooking and eating outdoors for as long as the weather has cooperated over the past few months, you might have started to run out of ideas to keep summer menus interesting. We’ve put together a boost of inspiration to help get you out of the same-thing-every-week cycle.

Pork is one of our favorites, and while we love a good tenderloin on the grill, a shoulder (also known as a butt) is fantastic for feeding a crowd during a weekend day spent hanging out with friends. Smoke it low and slow for amazing flavor. All it takes is time and patience. Shred it for barbeque sandwiches or tacos. Use the leftovers for rice bowls, pizza, or nachos. Pick up a boneless pork butt at Butcher Boy…and choose from our wide variety of spices and dry rubs that will help you smoke it to perfection.

pork shoulder

A whole chicken is delicious when you roast it in the oven, but grilling it brings the flavor to a whole new level. The best way to do it?  Butterfly the bird by splitting it and removing the backbone so you can flatten it out. It’s called spatchcocking, and the benefits for grilling mean the breast and legs cook evenly in a shorter time. Does the process sound too complicated? Don’t worry, because we have the chickens split and ready to go for you to put right on the grill! It’s a great alternative to boneless chicken you might grill more often.

spatchcock chicken

But even when you’re in the mood for burgers, you don’t have to stick with convention. Check out this list of the best burger recipes from Food & Wine magazine. From pimiento cheese to pickled slaw and fried shallots, there’s something here for everyone’s taste to give a basic cook-out favorite a bit of zing. To make prep even easier for the grillmaster, buy our 100% ground beef patties, made in-house. A ten-pound box gives you 32 5-ounce burgers. They’re packaged in four stacks of eight to use as many or as few as you need for your family and guests. Bring a box along to the next cook-out you’re invited to.

burger patties

Is your garden ready to harvest? Toss a few of those sun-ripened veggies, like zucchini, summer squash, cherry tomatoes, or peppers on the grill, or mix up a simple salad of freshly-picked tomatoes and cucumbers with olive oil and herbs for the side. Even easier? Pick up your favorite prepared sides from Butcher Boy while you’re here.

What are your favorite summer meals on the grill and in the smoker?

4th of July Cookouts – A New Spin On Classics

As the fog of the past year continues to lift, this season’s biggest summer celebration deserves a little extra special attention. While we always love a good old-fashioned cookout with burgers, sausages, and corn on the grill, we think this year is a great time to kick it up a notch with some unexpected specialties. But hey, if you’d prefer to elevate your event by simply setting out some fancy ketchup and mustard options with those burgers, that’s great too.

grilled steak pineapple avacadoWe’re always on the lookout for new, unexpected, and delectable ways to prepare your favorite Butcher Boy steaks, ribs, and chicken. If you’re looking for a little fancier, out of the ordinary, and delicious recipes, here are a few ideas that caught our attention for this Independence Day:

3-Ingredient Grilled Steak, Pineapple, and Avocado Salad

Sweet and Spicy Ribs

3-Ingredient Pesto-Grilled Chicken with Peaches

If your idea of a 4th of July cookout is a classic delicious, juicy steak on the grill, then, of course, a great steak speaks for itself. If you’re less than confident on the grill, check out our steak-grilling guide here. Let our butchers know how many people you’re feeding and how you’d like to present it (sliced on a platter? individual steak tips, or small cuts for each guest?), and we’ll help you select the best size and cut. Need more inspiration? Check out some of our July 4th favorites.

Or to our earlier point, up your condiment game with these eye-opening toppings that put ketchup and mustard to shame. Then round out your menu with ease – pick up potato or pasta salad, baked beans, antipasto platters – fresh produce for grilled veggies, or a garden salad.

red white blue layered drinkNeed another fresh idea to “amp up” the day and make it memorable?

Add an Independence Day-themed cocktail to your menu. Try this Red, White, and Blue Margarita and include the kids by letting them mix up their own patriotic drink, the Red, White, and Blue non-alcoholic layered drink. You can pick up everything on your list at Butcher Boy. We carry beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages for simple, one-stop shopping. And don’t forget the dessert. We have a delightful variety of pastries, pies, and cakes to choose from.

This July 4th, Butcher Boy can help you discover some new favorites, as well as savor some classic summer foods, and again, enjoy each other’s company.

Father’s Day Cookout – Grilling and Gifts

Father’s Day falls perfectly in the middle of June, an ideal time for inspired outdoor entertaining made simple by Butcher Boy. What could be simpler and more satisfying for Dad than a gathering of family and friends for a summer cookout?

fathers day cookout

Here’s how we can help you make your cookout delicious and easy to prepare:

Greet your dad and guests with a selection of steak, marinated chicken and steak tips, sausages, and seafood that are great for the grill. If you prefer a more casual day, simply put small bites out on platters for guests to take as they please.

  • NY Sirloin or Sirloin Strip Club Steak – available from our butcher counter, season simply by brushing on olive oil and sprinkling with salt and pepper just before grilling. Then slice and lay out on a platter for a crowd-pleasing presentation. When sliced thinly, these also make great meat options for sliders that guests can build themselves. For more, check out our 6 Easy Tips For Grilling A Perfect Steak.
  • Marinated chicken and marinated steak tips, both in a variety of flavors, are available for pick-up at Butcher Boy – ready to toss onto the grill, no seasoning or prep time needed!
  • Sausages are always a hit – grill up a selection and put out on a platter with toppings, grilled veggies, and buns for a surefire hit.
  • See our selection of specialty meat cuts here for more ideas.
  • Surf and Turf your way – Lobster Tail Seafoods is located in the Butcher Boy Marketplace and offers a wonderful selection of fresh and cooked seafood. Any of the meats mentioned above would pair well with skewers of grilled shrimp, grilled scallops, lobster (cooked or fresh for you to prepare at home – your choice), or grilled tuna steaks.

Bring out the sides! Complete your outdoor spread with one-stop shopping. Choose from a variety of potato salad, pasta salad, mixed vegetables, and other delicious offerings. And don’t forget our bakery’s delicious cakes, pies, and pastries. We have everything on your list, including beer, wine, and spirits. You can even find a gift for the dad who loves to grill. Fill a gift basket or box with a few of his favorite dry rubs, hot sauces, and a meat thermometer, add his beverage of choice and a sweet treat, and you’ve got a personally curated presentation.

With the onset of long summer nights, it’s easy to celebrate Dad. Just make one stop at Butcher Boy Market for everything you need.

 

grills perfect match

Summer Celebrations & Milestones

The season of renewal is a great time to catch up on all the celebrations we likely missed over the last year. Creating an outdoor oasis or hosting a backyard bash doesn’t have to be labor intensive. You want to enjoy time with your guests outside in the sunshine and fresh air, not in the kitchen prepping, chopping, and cleaning up. We found a few ideas that can transform your backyard into a worthy escape from the everyday.

spring graduationIt’s graduation season! For a creative way to keep drinks for a crowd chilled, go inflatable. These trays are perfect for tabletops, or the grass, or anywhere you want to give easy access to cans and bottles that will stay cold for hours. Fill them with a variety of beverages from Butcher Boy’s selection of seltzers, soft drinks, beers, and wine while you’re shopping for your meal. The best part is, the trays simply drain, deflate, fold and store for future use without taking up too much space.

garden party finger foodCelebrating a baby shower, engagement, or wedding shower? Set up a garden party atmosphere and use a floral theme for everything from decorations to food and beverages. Container plants around the deck or patio provide greens and color to brighten things up. How about putting some blossoms on stir sticks? Even the ice bucket can get dressed up, with fruit, herbs and flowers.

It’s easy to turn even an ordinary weekend evening or any occasion into an al fresco party with string lights. Use as many or as few as necessary to get just the right vibe.

shish kabobWhen it comes to the menu, think simple finger foods, such as sliders and small sandwiches, grilled steak or chicken on skewers, or cut fruit. Now that New England’s weather is cooperating, it’s time to fire up the grill any day of the week and go all-in with steaks, marinated chicken, pork, and veggies. Don’t worry about needing extra groceries to make your own side dishes. You’ll find prepared sides of every variety at Butcher Boy. Choose from potato salad, pasta salad, mixed veggies, and so much more — all are available at Butcher Boy. To give your party the sweetest ending, pick up cakes, pies, and pastries from our bakery.

What are you celebrating this summer? Share your favorite party menu items and easy decoration tips with our community on Facebook or Instagram.