Serving Archives - Butcher Boy

Countdown to Thanksgiving: A Checklist

Whether you are hosting a big crowd for your Thanksgiving meal or the holiday will be a more intimate dinner with a small group of family and friends, planning can be stressful. But it doesn’t have to be! Stick to our Thanksgiving checklist that will help you organize the shopping, prepping and cooking so that you’re not rushed or stuck in the kitchen.

Early November

1. Establish the guest list. Extend your Thanksgiving invitation to friends and family. The headcount will help determine your menu, from the size of the turkey to the number of side dishes, which you might select based on ease of preparation for the number of people you expect.

2. Order your turkey as well as any prepared sides or Order a full Thanksgiving meal prepared for you.

Two Weeks Before Thanksgiving

1. Confirm your guest list, and ask if there are food allergies or special dietary needs you should consider.

2. Set the menu. Traditional Thanksgiving fare can be delicious, but if you’re inspired to raise the bar on what to serve with the turkey, check out these suggestions for easy sides to take the holiday meal to the next level.

3. Create shopping list. Butcher Boy’s Thanksgiving Order Guide can lead the way, along with your recipes. Use it to make sure your pantry is stocked ahead of time.

4. Shop for non-perishables. A couple of weeks ahead of Thanksgiving is not too soon to buy the ingredients that won’t spoil.

5. Count your plates, platters, cookware, serving bowls and utensils to ensure you have everything you need. – rent, purchase, or borrow additional if necessary.

6. Count chairs and place settings – rent, purchase, or borrow additional if necessary. Don’t forget the kids table if you need one!

One Week Before Thanksgiving

1. Decorate the house. Make it easy by using what’s available in nature – or in our produce section! You can create centerpieces with gourds of various shapes, sizes and colors.

2. Set up the bar. Check out Butcher Boy’s selection of micro-brews and wine. Set out clean glasses, pitchers and ice buckets.

3. Clear out your fridge and freezer. You’ll need to make room for your shopping bounty as well as the leftovers that come later. Purchase a supply of to-go containers, wrap and bags so that you can send your guests home with food and store the rest.

4. Pick up your turkey and shop for the rest of the items on your shopping list.

Two Days Before Thanksgiving

1. There is a lot you can do to prep the meal ahead of time and save yourself a full day in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day.

a. Prep the stuffing (but don’t bake it) This may involve cubing the bread and setting it out to stale a step one or if you don’t want to go through the trouble, you can order our traditional bread stuffing with Bell’s seasoning or our bread stuffing with dried apples and dried cranberries.

b. Prep the glaze for the turkey and make the gravy base (we found a great recipe for bourbon gravy for a twist on the traditional) To save time, you can also order our homemade turkey gravy.

c. Prep the cranberry sauce and any additional sides.

d. Just refrigerate and everything will be ready to go when it’s time to pull your whole meal together on Thursday.

2. Got pie? Make them now if you didn’t already put in an order to our bakery for an Apple crumb pie, pumpkin pie, cheesecake, or fruit tart.

3. Pick up any last-minute items you may need. Don’t forget the dinner rolls!

Thanksgiving Eve

1. Chop the vegetables and refrigerate. If you don’t think you’ll have the time, you could also order vegetable dishes from our guide to include: mashed potatoes with real dairy, butternut squash, and green beans almandine.

2. Chill wine and beer.

Thanksgiving Day

1. Happy Thanksgiving! Consult our turkey roasting guide for notes on preparation and cooking times for your bird. Set your cooking schedule for the rest of the meal accordingly. Don’t forget the turkey should rest out of the oven for at least 20 minutes before serving, so you’ll still have time to finish preparing side dishes if necessary.

Day After Thanksgiving

1. Heat up leftovers, make turkey sandwiches, continue to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving

Traveling or out of time? Let us help! Order freshly prepared dishes that can be heated and served as a delicious complement to any holiday table or you can order your entire Thanksgiving dinner complete with sides and dessert. All the details are available in our order guide.

We are taking Thanksgiving orders now so be sure to reserve your turkey and anything else you may need today!

Keepin’ it Cool for Summer

Planning day trips or weekends away this summer? Chances are, a cooler is one of the things on your list to bring to the beach, mountains, lake or campsite. How do you keep the items in it cold and dry? Throwing everything in a basic plastic cooler and covering it with ice only leads to spoiled and soggy food. That can be enough to ruin any appetite not to mention the hassle of clean up. Here are some clever cooler hacks that will help to preserve your food and keep a smile on your face.

Be sure your cooler is up to the task.

If you’ve got one you’ve used for a long time, it might be time to upgrade to a better cooler that is well insulated and seals in the cold. Among the top-of-the-line options is the Yeti. You’ve probably heard of — and maybe even own — the Yeti travel mug tumblers, known for keeping beverages ice cold or piping hot for hours. The company also offers a line of hard and soft coolers of all sizes. They’re durable enough to get you through the most active of adventures.

Pre-chill your cooler.

Common sense would tell you not to start out with a cooler that’s been sitting in the sun or a hot garage. At the very least, make sure your cooler is at room temperature before you fill it. You can also give your cooler a boost by filling it with cold water and ice hours ahead of time. Dump it out when it’s time to pack the cooler with food and drink.

Prep your food ahead of time to save time and space.

It’s also a good idea to make sure everything going into the cooler is already chilled. Even room temperature items will melt the ice more quickly than if they were cold. Portion out your food and condiments into smaller leak-proof containers. You may even want to freeze some of your food items prior to packing them to allow them to thaw throughout your trip. Frozen water bottles are great for keeping your cooler cold and keeping you hydrated once they thaw out.

Mix up your ice choices, and use plenty of it.

Blocks of ice and large cubes are preferable to shaved ice or chips.The recommended amount is one pound of ice for every quart your cooler holds. For a large cooler that you’re using to hold mostly drinks, cubes are the best way to pack everything in and keep it cold. If they won’t take up too much space, use ice packs in combination with traditional ice. They will help keep the ice from melting. You can make your own ice block by freezing water inside an airtight plastic food storage container. Pack food and other perishable items around it in the bottom of the cooler. Another idea is to fill water balloons and freeze them and then place them around your items. Then when they thaw, you can start an epic water balloon fight.

Pack your cooler strategically.

Place ice blocks or cubed ice at the bottom with any bulky containers. Find something to create a metal shelf — the cooling racks you use for freshly baked cookies will work just fine — to place on top to create a dry zone for loose food items or cartons you don’t want to become wet. Fill in any extra space with cubed ice. Make sure the cooler is the last thing you load into the car to keep it as cool as possible.

Keep it closed.

Always remember to keep the lid latched and store it in the shade. Try to open it as infrequently as possible to avoid letting cold air out. When you have a big group, expect that people will be reaching for drinks often. That’s why separate coolers for beverages and food is a good idea. Place some glow sticks inside the coolers so you can see what’s inside once the sun goes down and you won’t be wasting time — and cold air — looking for something.

Don’t drain the meltwater.

Believe it or not, water from melted ice will preserve the leftover ice, and it’s actually better to leave the water in there to keep things cold than to dump the water. Empty air in the cooler will only warm things up.

Do you have any of your own smart tips for packing a cooler? Share them with us! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Be sure to bring that ice-cold cooler with you to Butcher Boy Market so you can stock up on everything you need for the weekend away!

Food that Entertains – Cheese and Antipasto Party Platter Recipes

With great entertaining comes great responsibility to serve unforgettable food. With the end of the school year quickly approaching, and spring and summer holidays right around the corner, the outdoor entertaining season is practically here.

Busy hands make light conversation, so it’s best to avoid cooking elaborate meals for an occasion where guests may stop in at any time. That’s why we carry platters with our own roast beef and turkey finger sandwiches, and imported ham and chicken spiral wraps ready to order from our Catering Menu. We’re also a fan of creating mini chip-and-dip stations with our bean dip, cheddar blue cheese spread, or red pepper jelly spread, all available in-store.

Remember, the best food for an event is food that travels! Thrill hungry socializing guests with these easily prepared, no-stress platter recipes:

1) The Charcuterie and Cheese Board

Assembling an impressive charcuterie and cheese platter doesn’t have to be a hassle. AHU Eats breaks down the ideal ingredients for the ultimate meat and cheese ensemble. The key to pulling this beautiful arrangement? Variety! For cheese, AHU Eats recommends using a soft, medium, firm, and smelly cheese. For meats, select a range from mild to spicy and from more to less fatty. Add some fresh food and an edible vehicle like a crusty baguette, then arrange on a large cutting board, platter, or your choice of serving tray.

2) Antipasto Appetizer Cheese Board

It’s not always easy to please a crowd. Damn Delicious guarantees a sea of smiling faces when you serve their antipasto platter and cheese board. This recipe includes the traditional antipasto assortment of olives, cured meats, peppers, and Italian cheeses along with focaccia bread and marcona almonds. Make sure you pick up some mini skewers for the marinated olives and small mozzarella cheese bites, also known as bocconcini, all available at Butcher Boy.

Get more tasty and simple party food recipes from our post on Spring Antipasto Platters and Appetizers!

Happy spring!

Want more party food ideas?

Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

Summer Shish Kabob Skewers

Shish Kabobs are a fun, tidy way to cook your favorite meats on the grill. Forget utensils, just prepare your ingredients, skewer, and cook!

You’ll have your hungry family or ravenous BBQ guests jumping for joy when you serve these marinated shish kabob favorites.

1) Marinated & Grilled Lamb Shish Kabobs

Marinated and Grilled Lamb Shish Kabobs — via Vodka & Biscuits

Colorful and delicious, this lamb shish kabob recipe from Vodka & Biscuits is extremely simple to make. Their killer combo marinade consists of paprika, coriander, cumin, and oregano mixed with lemon and garlic. Soak the cubed lamb and veggies for two hours, stack onto skewers, and place on the grill. Plate as is, or slide the food off the skewer atop a couscous base.

2) Grilled Asian Garlic Steak Skewers

Full of fantastic flavor, The Recipe Critic‘s soy sauce garlic marinade is guaranteed to seep into your steak and make the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender. Toss the cubed sirloin in the sauce and refrigerate for three hours (or as long as overnight). Thread the steak along with onions on wooden skewers, which have been pre-soaked in water. Top off with sliced green onions to complement the sesame seeds. Now your meal is picture perfect.

3) Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Make your dinner as sweet as summertime with Cooking Classy‘s Hawaiian Kebabs. Pineapple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, and soy sauce are gleefully combined to create a sweet, tropical-inspired taste. With bell pepper and red onion stacked between the chicken and pineapple, this savory sequence is sure to please both the stomach and eyes.

4) Butcher Boy Prepared Skewers

Butcher Boy Chicken and Beef Skewers — via Butcher Boy Market

While there is pleasure in making your own marinade, you can save time by picking up our prepared marinated skewers, available at our meat counter. Choose from chicken or beef, with yellow and green bell peppers, onions, and finish with cherry tomatoes. Our shish kabobs will be a hit at your next summer barbecue.

Happy Grilling!

Want more grilling ideas?

Stop by our store 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!

How to Pair Wines to Your Favorite Meals

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

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

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

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

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

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

Butcher Boy will be open this Memorial Day from 8:30am-6pm | Alcohol Sales Start at Noon.