Tip Type: Inspiration & Recipes

Impress Your Valentine With a 5-Star Dinner at Home

Valentines Dinner SteakValentine’s Day is coming up, and dinner out is a common way for couples to celebrate. But we think the sweetest way to your valentine’s heart is with a homemade dinner neither of you will forget. Especially if it can be compared to a 5-star restaurant meal.

Let your sweetheart indulge in one of the most romantic dinners we can think of: decadent, rich, flavorful steak.

A filet cut of beef guarantees the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. That’s what you’ll get with this recipe for filet mignon with mushroom red wine sauce (adjust accordingly for the thickness of your steaks).

Another steak worthy of a special occasion is rib eye. The marinade in this Southeast Asian recipe adds a sweet and savory flavor.

Porterhouse is generous enough for two. It’s a t-bone that includes a larger portion of the tenderloin, so the porterhouse is perfect for sharing with the one you love.

If something other than beef sounds intriguing, consider putting lamb lollipops on your Valentine’s Day dinner menu.

Serve any of these meats with simple sides, including mashed or roasted potatoes and other vegetables. While you’re at Butcher Boy, pick up a bottle of wine and a decadently delicious dessert.

But it’s not all about the cooking or the flavors.  Don’t forget about presentation.

Here are some ideas for plating your romantic meal.

  • If you have them, use white plates. Food looks great on a white backdrop because the colors stand out.
  • Picture a clock as you plate. From the diner’s point of view, the meat should be between 3 and 9, your starch or carbohydrate from 9 and 12, and your vegetable from 12 and 3.
  • Less is more. Put the star of your meal – your protein – on the plate by itself and put the sides in small bowls. If you choose to serve everything together, just don’t overcrowd the plate.
  • Serve food in odd numbers. Five potatoes instead of six is visually more appealing.
  • Design with sauces. Don’t just pour them on the food, drizzle the sauce carefully or use a spoon to create accent dots on the plate.

Not sure you can pull it all off? Even if you’re not the next home cook featured on Master Chef, we can help you gain confidence in the kitchen. Reference our roasting and grilling guides for whatever you choose to prepare for your valentine.

 

Game-Day Feasts to Feed a Crowd

football game foodOur home team is no longer in contention for this year’s Big Game, but the postseason is in full swing, and game day remains a good excuse to get friends and family together for an afternoon or evening of food and drink.

Great football-watching food doesn’t take away from the game. The hosts should have as much fun as the guests, and you don’t want anyone feeling like they need to pull themselves away from the TV in order to satisfy their appetites. That’s why low-prep, easy-to-eat meals are best. Finger foods, dips, and small bites can be set out buffet-style for guests to serve themselves at their leisure during commercials and half-time. We found some great recipes to offer variety for a crowd.

Ribs are a hearty, simple finger food that requires little to no prep – simply set them out on a platter to be picked up and enjoyed. Butcher Boy carries a scrumptious selection of marinated or plain ribs, so you can flavor them anyway you choose.

For Texas hold-ums chipotle beef burgers, dinner rolls will work just fine for the buns. The garlic ketchup adds just the right flavor to balance the spice.

For a simple snack with a kick, try our buffalo chicken dip. It’s rich, a bit spicy, hearty, and the only setup needed is a bowl of tortilla chips.

What’s a football game without chili? Don’t forget to offer toppings on the side for guests to suit their tastes: sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced peppers, and diced tomatoes.

Cheeseburger bites are appetizer size and perfect for bringing together all the flavors of the conventional burger you know and love – with a twist.

Nachos loaded with pulled pork and all the fixings are sure to please. Or use whatever proteins you want instead of pork. Just don’t skimp on the layers and quantity so that everyone gets a heaping helping on their plates.

Of course, we have all the ingredients for these ideas and anything else on your game-day menu at Butcher Boy.

Winter Comfort Foods to Keep You Warm and Cozy

comfort foods

What better to beat the cold-weather blues than with a delicious hot meal? We have a few hearty favorites that will warm up your home during the winter months.

With tender chunks of beef coated in a creamy sauce and served over a bed of buttery noodles, it’s no wonder beef stroganoff is a big hit. Start with a beef tenderloin – our butchers can help you select just the right size and cut – and this made-from-scratch dinner is sure to impress your family who will think you spent all day in the kitchen.

Pot roast is a classic winter meal to satisfy and fill every appetite. When it’s slow-roasted in the oven all day, the aroma will bring the family running. Serve it with mashed potatoes.

For a meal that’s even better when you eat the leftovers, red wine-braised brisket or our signature braised brisket, are a must for your winter menu. We promise meat will be fork-tender and full of flavor that will only get enhance the next day.

We love bone-in pork chops, and any recipe that describes them as “smothered” is sure to be delicious. It’s also easy, which makes for a great weeknight supper when time is tight.

Roast chicken is another wonderful meal that provides warm comfort and can stretch into several meals. At Butcher Boy, you can pick up a cooked rotisserie chicken on your way home and leave the work to us. Serve it with your favorite veggies the first night, then use the leftover meat for a hearty soup during the week, or add it to salads, quesadillas, or sandwiches.

To warm up a crowd, chili is the way to go. We can provide you the freshest ground beef for whichever recipe you use.

Don’t forget dessert! There’s not much more comforting on a cold winter evening than a warm pie. But you don’t have to do the baking. Butcher Boy has them for you!

What’s your go-to comfort food? Share them with us on Facebook or tag us on Instagram!

Preparing Your Thanksgiving Meal

It’s time to start the countdown to Thanksgiving! If you are hosting the big meal for family and friends, there’s a lot to think about. Don’t stress about it, though. Let Butcher Boy help you every step of the way!

It starts with a fresh whole turkey. Depending on how many people you want to feed – or leftovers to have! – we can advise you on the size that’s just right for your crowd. Order it now and pick up your order starting the Monday before Thanksgiving. The same goes for side dishes and desserts. Use our order guide to see the options and quantities we have available.

Thanksgiving Meal

Roasting your turkey doesn’t have to be a difficult or intimidating task, either. Follow our step-by-step guide for a perfectly cooked turkey, whether you choose to stuff it or not.

Speaking of stuffing, many families have their go-to recipes and preferences for their favorite flavors. Some include sausage, some use cornbread, others call for fruit like dates and apples. If you’d like to try something new this year, bacon parmesan stuffing sure sounds delicious. Can’t decide which direction to go in? Try this basic stuffing recipe, then simply add whatever you’d like.

Do you have some other favorite Thanksgiving recipes you just can’t imagine the holiday dinner without? Consider those traditional flavors, with an update.  Skip the canned cream of mushroom soup and give the standard green bean casserole a slightly more homemade taste with fresh mushrooms and shallots. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper will give your casserole a kick, no matter which recipe you use. You can even pump up the creaminess of mashed potatoes with cream cheese. It also adds a layer of unexpected flavor without complicating a basic recipe.

Remember to save room for dessert. Apple and pumpkin are the traditional favorites. You can find these and many more pies and scrumptious desserts right at Butcher Boy.

When dinner is finished cooking, don’t be overwhelmed by carving your bird. Follow these simple techniques to get the most meat out of your turkey.

If you’re more interested in spending less time in the kitchen, take a break from cooking and order your entire Thanksgiving meal from Butcher Boy. We do all the prep work and cooking, including the turkey, and have it ready for you to pick up the day before Thanksgiving. All you have to do is heat and serve! We’ll give you instructions for that, too. Call us today!

 

Cheers to a happy holiday season!

Local Vendors at Butcher Boy

We recently featured some of our favorite local products you can purchase right from Butcher Boy. Ready for more? Here’s a taste of what’s available on our market shelves – delicious foods and snacks from sweet to savory.

 

Julie Ganong and Alan Mons of the Chococoa Baking Company in Newburyport have updated a favorite New England treat. The Whoopie is a smaller, richer, triple chocolate version of the classic dessert many of us remember from childhood. At just 130 calories for a chocolate Whoopie, with no trans fats, it’s practically guilt-free!

 

When you’re ready for something crunchy, look no further than Regenie’s. Regina Ragonese first created her homemade pita chips when she was running Ellie’s Lebanese restaurant in Lawrence. Based on customers’ rave reviews, Regina knew they were something special and made the chips her full-time business 20 years ago. Today, those famous pita chips come in seven flavors, and she’s expanded the snacks to include falafel chips and sweet pita brittle. All of them made with natural, simple ingredients. Regenie’s pita chips have a national reputation, and we’re proud Butcher Boy provides them in the Merrimack Valley.

 

Beach pizza is not just for summer anymore. You know what we’re talking about – square pieces of barely-there crust, sweet sauce, and a sprinkling of melted cheese. It sparks memories of childhood days spent on the seacoast. You can get that nostalgic taste right here at Butcher Boy, year-round! Family-owned and operated with three convenient locations in Salem, NH, Haverhill, and Methuen, Sylvia Bouraphael’s NH Beach Pizza now conveniently prepares and packages their pizza as a take-and-bake option, both fresh and frozen. Pick it up anytime and enjoy it from the comfort of your own home, beach sand not included.

 

What started out year ago as a tradition of baking zucchini bread from the family garden’s bounty, to sharing her baked goodness at local farmers’ markets, to her own bakery, Julie Gross has turned her z-licious breads into a successful venture. Julie’s Z Breads now includes all kinds of flavors of zucchini bread, not just the traditional. Choose from fruit breads, like lemon blueberry, chocolate varieties, and nut breads – there is also a great selection of popular gluten-free breads. Julie uses the freshest, local ingredients.

 

Next time you’re up for a night in while binging on Netflix or when you just need something to curb your cravings, think of Butcher Boy and choose a local snack. What’s your favorite?

Shop Local. It Matters.

We love Butcher Boy’s connection to our community. With deep roots in the Merrimack Valley, we take the opportunities when we can to support other local businesses because we know that benefits everyone who lives and works here. Building those relationships is important for creating local jobs, boosting the tax base, and helping our communities thrive. Meet a few of these businesses here and stay tuned to our blog and social media
communities as we continue to highlight local vendors in the future.

 

Rogers Spring Hill Farm

When you shop at Butcher Boy, you can choose pasture-raised, organic eggs direct from Rogers Spring Hill Farm. This Haverhill, MA, farm has been run for generations by the Rogers family, beginning in 1902 and slowly expanding its operations ever since. Today, Hillary Rogers and her team welcome you to pick your own berries and apples, purchase a variety of flowers and vegetables, and even hire their experienced landscapers to design your backyard oasis.

 

Popzup Popcorn Factory

Planning movie night at home? Munch on delicious non-GMO, gluten-free popcorn from Julie and Marty Lapham at the Popzup Popcorn Factory in Dover, New Hampshire. Choose from hand-popped bags in a variety of seasonings.

 

 

 

GoodieKrunch

If your snacking tastes run more sweet than savory, you can find GoodieKrunch at Butcher Boy. Inspired by HamdAllah Olona’s traditional family recipe from West Africa– but made in Haverhill!– it’s a rich, crunchy combination of coconut and other healthy ingredients that combine for a delicious vegan and gluten-free option to curb your hunger. If GoodieKrunch or its baker sound familiar, perhaps you heard about HamdAllah’s first place win in the Entrepreneurship for All business mentorship program. We love being part of promoting her success!

 

Kaha Coffee

Coffee lovers appreciate the beans Butcher Boy gets from KaHa Coffee of Amesbury, MA. Forget the bland flavors you’re used to. The blends of KaHa’s specialty roasts created by Tyler Workman are like no other. What’s your favorite local product? Visit our market to see what else we offer that supports local businesses.

Winning Ideas for a Game Day Tailgate

This is a favorite time of year for sports fans — beautiful, crisp fall days usually means football, friends, and food. Lots of it! Whether you are hosting a game day tailgate at home or at the stadium, Butcher Boy has everything you need to serve up delicious snacks, finger foods, and main courses.

Recently, Tony Massarotti, co-host of Boston’s 98.5 The Sports Hub, stopped by Butcher Boy to pick out some favorites for tailgating. If there’s someone you’re sure to find watching every game, and who KNOWS tailgating, it’s Tony Mazz. Check out his selections here.

When you’re ready to fire up the grill on a weekend afternoon to cheer on your favorite pro or college team, let us help you choose the best beef, chicken and pork for your group. Our handmade, 100% beef burgers are a great way to feed a crowd. Score extra points with chicken or steak tips in a variety of marinades to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Or you can give dry rubs a try — either from your own combination of spices or from our market.

We have the freshest produce for you to create your favorite salsa, guacamole, and dip recipes from scratch. Sandwiches are an easy way to feed your friends when kickoff is early in the day. Visit our deli to get all the fixings for a make-your-own sandwich platter or create subs you can cut into individual portions. If it’s chili you’re in the mood for on game day, we’ve got the ground beef you need. Shop our grocery aisles for all the other ingredients that pack the boldest flavor.

Weeknight games in Foxborough can be tough for cooking up a tailgate menu. Make it simple by shopping Butcher Boy for prepared foods. Some are ready to eat, others can be easily warmed up and served from a hot dish or crockpot.

Win or lose, you can give every football game a sweet ending with cookies, pastries, or whoopie pies from our bakery.

What’s your go-to tailgate food? Share your favorite recipes with us on Facebook or Instagram and be sure to shop Butcher Boy so we can show you how to capture the flavors you’re looking for!

Return to the Family Dinner Table

Today’s families are busy, but we think it’s time to make coming together around the dinner table a priority. We understand keeping up with schedules that include work, school, extra-curricular activities, athletics, and everything else that tends to get in the way is difficult. But what if you could revisit the days before life got so busy? Butcher Boy has all the ingredients for making meal planning easy so you’re making the most of time with your loved ones.

While a standard Sunday dinner together would be wonderful, perhaps there’s an alternative if that doesn’t work for you. Make it Friday evening instead, when everyone is ready to wind down from the week. Or perhaps Sunday brunch before it’s time to rev up for the week ahead. Saturday morning breakfast might be the best time for some families to reconnect before diving into a weekend of errands and soccer games schedules.

Include the kids in planning your time together. Let them help set the menu, set the table, even help with simple cooking and prepping tasks. That includes the clean-up, too. Clearing the table and doing the dishes should be a family affair.

Unplug during mealtime. Turn off the television, put away the smart phones, and focus on family conversation. Everyone is more likely to relax over a good meal, and it’s a great chance to listen to the kids talk about their days.

Traditions aren’t strictly for holidays. Establish some regular rituals and routines in weekly family time. Play a game, take a walk together, or watch a movie after dinner. Let everyone in the family take turns deciding what the dessert will be. The simplest tradition might be preparing the same entrée, if it’s something everyone looks forward to and counts on – Sunday steak night, perhaps.

If the goal is to maximize family time, make it easy on yourself by shopping at Butcher Boy. Let our staff help you choose just the right cut of beef and offer tips on how to prepare it. Choose from a variety of marinades perfect for pork and chicken. If breakfast is on the menu, we offer farm fresh eggs in our grocery and locally grown fruits. Visit Butcher Boy’s bakery for a selection of pastries, cakes and pies to satisfy your family’s sweet tooth. And don’t worry that having to cook will keep you tied up in the kitchen all day or evening. We have prepared entrees, sides, salads, soups, and much more, all ready to eat.

A staple in the Merrimack Valley since 1955, Butcher Boy knows the importance of family, and we want to be part of what brings your family together. Tell us what favorite foods bring you to the table, and share your traditions with us!

Grilling Favorites, No Matter the Style

Grilling Inspiration Got a new grill this year and looking for unique ways to impress your guests? While you can make a great burger on any type of grill, there are some foods best grilled using certain techniques. Here are a few inspiring recipes for the most popular types of grills.

Gas grilling is a quick cooking method that uses hot grates heated by a gas source. Major advantages of gas grills are convenience and control – they’re easy to ignite, and they heat up quickly. Setting up direct and indirect cooking zones also is pretty simple.

Charcoal grilling is a quick, direct-heat cooking method that uses a grate over piping hot charcoal flames. No doubt you’ve met chefs and home cooks who swear by charcoal grills and would never cook with anything else. For many of them, it’s about flavor, but charcoal also can produce more heat than standard gas grills.

A wood chip smoker box can be added to either a charcoal or gas grill. Different flavors can be infused into whatever meal you’re grilling, based on the kind of wood you choose. Apple, cherry, hickory, maple, and mesquite are some common types that produce a classic, smoky barbeque flavor your guests are sure to eat up. If you have a charcoal grill, another option is to get back to cooking basics — swap the briquets for wood chunks or logs.

Don’t forget to shop at Butcher Boy for all the meats, produce, and other ingredients you need for a successful cook out. Try our marinades and sauces to give your favorite meals that extra kick. Don’t waste time preparing side dishes – we have them all made and ready to go from fridge to table!

 

grills perfect match

Easter Brunch Ideas

Easter Brunch Roast LambEaster is the first holiday that brings families together out of winter hibernation. Whether you are hosting this year’s gathering or simply contributing to a delicious meal, we have menu suggestions ranging from making something from scratch or having it prepared for you. From savory to sweet, light to decadent, whatever you add to your brunch or traditional Easter dinner is sure to please.

First, decorations and table settings. The colors of Easter are perfect for a bright, cheerful display. You don’t have to go overboard with eggs, chicks and bunnies to set the Easter tone. Mix and match pastel colors for the tablecloth, napkins, and plates. Want to get creative? Make a napkin bunny for every guest.

For centerpieces, take advantage of the things you already have around the house and mix and match with standard Easter holiday décor items. Buy yellow tulips or daffodils to put in a pitcher or vase for a pretty pop of spring along with a small Easter basket with the eggs your family colored or these cute and colorful homemade string eggs.

Easter is an easy occasion to keep kids entertained. If you’re up for it and have the space inside or outside, you can set them up to dye eggs. Keep other options simple with coloring pages, a game like Pin the Tail on the Bunny, or any mess-free craft.

As for the meal, roast lamb is a traditional favorite. Butcher Boy has many options available in our Easter Order Guide for lamb: boneless or bone-in leg of lamb roast, lamb chops, lamb kabobs, rack of lamb, butterflied lamb, stuffed lamb roast, seasoned lamb. . .need we go on? Give this butterflied leg of lamb with cumin and garlic a try. Or fire up the grill for these rosemary lamb chops. Like turkey and cranberry sauce, lamb pairs beautifully with mint jelly. Make your own or buy it from us.

If you prefer ham, our Easter Order Guide includes several choices and we have a homemade honey ham glaze to go with the perfect spiral ham to feed a crowd. If you’d rather flavor your ham at home, try this Dijon maple-glazed spiral ham. Check out our Ham Roasting Guide to ensure your ham is heated perfectly while preserving the juices.

When you want to offer your guests some breakfast options, deviled eggs make a great snack as well as addition to Easter brunch. If you like bacon and eggs and a little extra spice, these bacon jalapeno deviled eggs will be a crowd pleaser. Shop our produce section for vegetables that are in season and make tasty dishes, including artichokes, carrots, asparagus, swiss chard, and potatoes.

What’s a Sunday breakfast without hash browns? These parsnip and sweet potato pancakes are a great alternative, which can be made ahead of time and frozen then reheated to serve.
Quiche is another tasty option, and this spinach and bacon quiche is both flavorful and filling. You can also order a variety of quiche from Butcher Boy’s catering menu.

Let us take the hassle out of holiday meal prep for you. We have everything for a successful brunch and dinner, from sweet Easter egg bread, which is a tradition for many families, to muffins, pastries, side dishes, and desserts.

View our Easter order guide here for details.