Tip Type: Inspiration & Recipes

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!

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

Cooking Is About Passion, And Pork Chops

Butcher Boy’s guest blog this month focuses on techniques for cooking double-cut bone-in pork chops. Several customers have contributed their recipes, inspiration, and their enjoyment of great food to our series. Follow #RealPeopleRealFood on Instagram for our latest posts and updates from blog contributors.

Toby Metcalf
Passionate Cook Toby Metcalf

May’s guest blogger is Toby Metcalf. Toby graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in Hotel Management. In his own words, he has “…done every job there is within the Food & Beverage side of things. My training gave me a love for cooking; it is my joy and therapy.”

Cooking is about your passion and willingness to learn.

A spacious, beautiful kitchen with endless counter space and top-notch appliances is something many yearn for. That spacious, beautiful kitchen will not make you enjoy cooking or even get you out of a cooking rut; your passion and willingness to learn will. I am writing to encourage you to harness your cooking passion.

Just like sports, the finest and most expensive equipment will not compensate for a lack of ability or passion. I know home cooks and chefs that can step into any environment and create a banquet; it’s not the kitchen, it’s their passion. They love to cook: it is their hobby, their therapy, and their love of giving to others. Embrace your food-joy and hone it.

Butcher Case
The Butcher Case

Getting started is the hardest part: dust off your cookbook collection, speak with your friends, stop by Butcher Boy’s wonderful meat counter and speak with one of their helpful butchers. I have always loved Butcher Boy’s steak tips, Club Sirloins, and roasts; let’s talk about another gem: double-cut bone-in pork chops.

Their thickness allows for a wonderful crust outside and a moist and tender middle. I had not seen chops like this in a grocery store before and was somewhat intimidated: should I sear on the grill or stovetop then finish in the oven, constantly turn and move around the grill? I wanted to get it right, so I asked. “How do you prepare these?” I asked. With a smile, the Butcher said: get your grill as hot as you can and lay the chops bone side down for 9 minutes; the heat will travel up the bone and cook the center, lay on side 1 for 4 min then flip for another 4. From my years on the hot line, I have always cooked by feel, and this method has always served me well. As you get comfortable with “cooking by feel,” use a thermometer and pull at 145 degrees Fahrenheit. After removing, I let them rest for 5 minutes before plating. Magnificent.

Double-Cut Pork Chop Bone
From Start to Finish. Magnificent.

Once I became comfortable with the procedure, I chose to put my take on this technique and replace my trusty grill with a treasured cast iron pan (a rainy night may have forced the issue). I utilized what I had learned and started the chops bone down, then on each side, turning and basting with butter, fresh rosemary, and smashed garlic. Again, cooking by feel and allowing time to rest. Wonderful. I recommend washing these down with your favorite Pinot Noir or Red Zinfandel.

After enjoying these wonderful chops, save the bones for stock or add them to a simmering tomato sauce: add flavor while maximizing your food dollar. Confidence comes from cooking and your wiliness to learn and trying new things. The next time you’re browsing that wonderful meat case, try something new and ask a friendly butcher for advice — enjoy your food.

Cheers,

Toby

Easy Weeknight Grilling

Sometimes it takes a while for our New England weather to catch up to the season, but now that the days are getting warmer and longer, it’s finally time to uncover the grill and take a break from standard kitchen cooking duty. Why wait for weekends? Make the most out of the sunshine with easy grilling recipes, even on your busiest evenings during the workweek.

weeknight grilling hamburgersBurgers are usually a quick family favorite. Butcher Boy has the freshest ground beef for the best-tasting hamburgers. Shop with us for the buns as well as your favorite toppings and sides, like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, coleslaw, or potato salad. Our selection of prepared sides can take the stress out of cooking a full meal on nights when you’re short on time.

Grilled sausages are another easy option, especially in foil packets with peppers and onions to make clean-up a breeze. Sub rolls make for an easy grab-and-go meal or grill up any leftover veggies you have on hand and toss them together with the sausages on a bed of rice for a well-rounded dinner. How about ready-to-cook chicken in a variety of flavorful marinades to choose from? We’ve got a well-stocked case of customer favorites ready for you to pick up. Pair that with a salad and some grilled potatoes for a simple meal any night of the week.

weeknight grilling steak skewersUp your weeknight game with steak tip skewers. Simply pop some plain or marinated steak tips onto wooden skewers, with veggies in between. When you stop in at Butcher Boy, we’ll help you choose the best cut for your kebabs. Enjoy time on the deck or patio and out of the kitchen while your skewers grill by picking up a salad from our deli.

No matter what you choose for your protein main entree, fresh mixed vegetables on the grill always go well together. Toss zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, mushrooms, broccoli florets, cauliflower — or anything, really — in some olive oil and garlic and cook them up in a grill basket.

Don’t save dessert for weekends, either. After a long, cold winter, it’s time to make these ordinary days a little sweeter. Take advantage of later sunsets and comfortable temperatures when you have a chance to pull yourself away from work and school devices. A springtime meal outside can be just the thing to brighten up your week. We have a bakery stocked with all your favorites, from small cakes and pies for sharing to individual pastries, cupcakes, and other treats.

What are your easy grilled favorites? Share what you love…and don’t forget to visit us for all of your ingredients!

 

grills perfect match

Festive Easter & Passover Holidays At Home

Spiral Hams, Butcher Boy Market

The arrival of Easter and Passover is the annual cue that winter is over, and we can look forward to longer days and warmer temperatures as spring moves in. Celebrate the season of fresh beginnings with a holiday meal!

Lamb Lollipops, Butcher Boy Market

The spring holiday season is upon us, and we have plenty of options to make family meals special. If you are thinking of ham or lamb for Easter, we can help you choose the perfect one, depending on how you want to prepare it — whether it’s a classic spiral ham or lamb roast. For smaller appetites or something perfect for individual servings, give lamb ‘lollipops’ a try. Some families prefer to celebrate with brunch rather than a big meal later in the day.

Lamb Roasts, Butcher Boy Market

Passover — April 12  through April 20 this year — begins its week of customs with a ceremonial Seder. The meal’s menu might vary among families, but brisket, roast chicken, or lamb often are the main entrée to accompany traditional items. Our expert butchers can help you select the ideal size and cut of meat for your meal.

We have everything available to make your meal complete — including side dishes and desserts ready to serve. We have the selection you need and the people who know meat best. What are your favorite menu items for spring celebrations? We’d love to hear from you!

Special Occasion Dinners for Any Home Chef

Special Occasion Dinner at HomeFor many of us over the past year, an evening to celebrate a special occasion with dinner out on the town has been put on hold. In the meantime, we still need to celebrate, perhaps now more than ever. No matter your culinary talents — or lack thereof — any home cook can upgrade an ordinary night in, to give a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day (hint hint), or any big announcement or milestone the recognition it deserves.

Create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. It is easier than you think, but the results are just as impressive as if it were prepared by a professional. One of our most popular cuts of beef for a special dinner is the filet mignon. Keep it simple with a classic pan-seared cooking method that can’t be beat for tenderness. The same goes for the porterhouse, often a steak that is a real treat for hearty appetites. Serve with your favorite steakhouse sides, and it’ll taste truly authentic. Another special occasion meal that might be far from your usual at-home menu: grilled lollipop lambchops. The “rack of lamb,” has incredibly tender meat. It’s a perfect meal for two, either for Valentine’s Day or any weekend night and easier to prepare than you’d think.

lollipop rack of lamb
Lamb Lollipop (chops) at Butcher Boy

Focus on the cooking and let us help with the dessert. Butcher Boy has a sweet selection of cakes and pastries to pair with your savory entree. Looking for something decadent? Try a chocolate lava cake, Mousse Tower, or the Konditor Meister ganache cake for two. Need a great bottle of wine or the makings for a fancy cocktail? We have that, too!

Even though you’re at home, there are some easy ways to make it feel like a special night out. Change out of your usual attire and dress the part, break out the good dishes and glasses, light a few candles, and set the mood with music. If you have a fireplace, create some fireside dining romance. If the weather cooperates, how about an outdoor winter wonderland? String up some lights around the deck or patio. Sit around a crackling fire pit under blankets take the time to reconnect under the stars.

What are your time-tested romantic meals and at-home date ideas? Share with us on Facebook or Instagram.

Winter’s Best Comfort Foods

Winter has settled over us, and with more time spent at home, there’s more time for cooking and finding comfort in our favorite foods. These are the kinds of meals that bring us emotional comfort — reminding us of fond memories, occasions, people or places in our lives. What are your go-to meals for chilly evenings and weekends when the only thing on your schedule is to stay cozy at home?

There are classics, such as pot roast, meatloaf, stews, pastas, and casseroles from family recipes. Others have a modern twist, some are simple enough to prepare on a weeknight, and still others are even better as leftovers. Here are a few ideas that will fill your home with delicious aromas and meet all your comfort food needs.

Sometimes there’s nothing better for Sunday dinner than a traditional roast, accompanied by a variety of vegetables. The same goes for beef stew. These are the meals that simmer for hours and make your mouth water while you wait… and it’s worth it. Meatloaf is another meal often associated with reminiscing about childhood or making us feel better when we need a boost. No matter which beef entree is on your menu, Butcher Boy can provide the freshest cuts of meat, including ground beef prepared right in our store so you always know you’re getting the best quality.

bone in center cut pork roast

If pork is more to your liking, how about a bone-in roast? It looks more elaborate than it is to prepare, so you can impress the family with an amazing meal. For something different, how about Butcher Boy pork pinwheels stuffed with spinach, mozzarella and breadcrumbs? It’s a fancy-looking meal that is prepped for you – but no need to tell the family that little secret!

stuffed pork pinwheels

No matter the time of year, sometimes there’s nothing like lasagna or baked ziti to bring a family together. Many of the conventional recipes we love can be tweaked for something more sophisticated, like this recipe for baked rigatoni with lamb ragu. The most basic spaghetti and meatballs can hit the spot, too. For the side, we think you’ll love a fresh focaccia bread from local favorite Iggy’s Breads – available at Butcher Boy Market. Just slice and serve.

After a cold winter’s day in the snow and ice, either sledding, skiing or skating, what’s better than a hot homemade chicken noodle soup or chili to warm you up? Talk about comfort! Make a big batch to feed your family for days or freeze some for later. Don’t forget to shop for all your ingredients at our market — from fresh veggies to poultry and your meats of choice.

When time is tight after working all day or you just don’t have the energy to prepare a large meal, simple is best during the week. For a change of pace, try sizzling beef steak fajitas. But on the nights when cooking is more of a chore, Butcher Boy has you covered, with prepared foods like rotisserie chickens and side dishes to go with anything on your dinner table.

It’ll be weeks before we can think about grilling without winter coats and wind chill, so we hope you can find some seasonal inspiration in some of these ideas. For more ideas and inspiration, check out the recipes and guides on our website!