Cooking Archives - Page 5 of 6

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.

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!

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

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

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 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

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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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Set It and Forget It Slow Cooker Favorites

A New Year, A New You

Simple and Elegant Appetizers for Your Holiday Party

Cooking the Perfect Turkey: 6 Tips to Try This Holiday

5 Easy Sides to Take Your Thanksgiving to the Next Level

5 Tasty Recipes That Bring the Tailgate to Your Kitchen

5 Delicious Dinner Ideas to Get You In the Autumn Spirit

4 Innovative Ways To Grill Chicken

5 Surprising Foods That Are Amazing on the Grill

How to Check Your Steak’s Temperature Without a Thermometer

1) Super Tender Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs

2) Slow Cooker Braised Short Ribs

3) Slow Cooker “Melt in Your Mouth” Pot Roast

Want more slow cooker ideas?

1) One Pan Roasted Pork with Sweet Potato, Pear, Apple and Garlic

2) Lamb Tagine with Dates and Apricots

3) Easy Asian Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing

4) Winter Cobb Salad

Want more healthy ideas?

1) Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Whipped Goat Cheese and Pesto

2) Holiday Cocktail Meatballs

3) Lamb Lollipops with Rosemary and Garlic

4) Figs Prosciutto

Want more appetizer ideas?

1) Plan Ahead

2) More Flavor, Less Effort

3) Keep Things Juicy

4) Patience is a Virtue

5. Know When It’s Done

6. Just a Little Longer…

1) Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

2) Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing

3) Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Caramelized Onions

4) Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce

5) Turkey Gravy

Want more side dish ideas?

1) BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

2) Easy Tailgate Party Buffalo Wings

3) All-American Sausage and Peppers

4) Turkey Chili

5) Prize Winning Baby Back Ribs

Want more know-how from our butchers?

1) Pumpkin Seed Crusted Rack of Lamb

2) Autumn Sausage Casserole

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

4) Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili

5) Turkey, Brie, and Apple Panini

Want more know-how from our butchers?

1) Wrap it in foil

2)Stick it on a skewer

3) Wrap it in bacon

4) Grab some marinated Butcher Boy chicken

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

1) Watermelon

2) Meatloaf

3) Avocado

4) Bacon

5) Caesar Salad

Want more inspiration?

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

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