You and your Valentine make an outstanding couple. Likewise, the ingredients in the following recipes can certainly stand alone, but when brought together make for one stellar dish.  STEAK + FOIS GRAS This is a marriage made in heaven between the richness of the fois gras and the savoriness of a perfectly cooked steak. You will not be disappointed. Try Hangar for a variation on the usual filet. Tournedos Rossini from NYT Cooking SCALLOPS + BACONSometimes the obvious choice is right under your nose. This pairing has been around forever, but is so simple we usually dismiss it. The sweetness of the scallops and the smokiness of the bacon were made for each other. Bacon Wrapped Scallops from Primal Palate CHICKEN + WINEWe know what you are thinking, "chicken for a special occasion?!" But you need to trust the French. The French know love. Slow braising a succulent, free-range chicken in a good red wine and brandy transforms this dish into something seriously seductive. Coq au Vin from the Barefoot Contessa FILET + LOBSTERThis pairing is a classic, like red lipstick and a crisp white dress shirt. This is by far our most popular order every Valentine's Day. Any why not? It's straightforward and luxurious, plus a breeze to prepare. Both the filet and lobster tail can be tossed on the grill and done in a jiffy. This is low-maintenance perfection. To take this pairing to the next level, top both with a rich herbed butter.Herbed Butter Recipe from the Kitchn The Organic Butcher has everything you need to create the perfect Valentine dinner. We are happy to suggest wine pairings and have a wide selection of cheeses and chocolates.

A butterflied (or spatchcocked) chicken is simply one that has had it's backbone removed and has been split open. Butterflying a chicken cuts down on cooking time, allows the meat to cook more evenly and exposes more skin, which crisps up nicely at higher temperatures. We are happy to butterfly our free-range and organic chickens upon request. We recommend seasoning the chicken with one of our Dizzy Pig rubs or our newest product, Amola Bacon Salt.  Once seasoned, place on grill breast side down over flames at 350 degrees for ten minutes, flip and cook an additional 30-40 minutes over indirect heat.  If cooking on the Big Green Egg we recommend smoking chicken over indirect heat at 250 degrees for about an hour and a half.  Try Dizzy Pig rubs on all sorts of meats. They are particularly amazing on chicken and are gluten- and MSG-free.  We are very excited to offer Amola Bacon Salt. Amola produces globally inspired infused salts. Their Bacon Salt is made with real heritage breed pork for a pure and intense flavor. Try it on chicken, popcorn, eggs, sautéed green vegetables or anything else you want to add that smoky bacon goodness too. It is especially good with dark chocolate. Let us know what you think!

We get a lot of diehard Paleo customers in the shop as well many who are curious about the tenants of the diet. The following is a general overview of the plan. Not only is it very meat-friendly but it’s more of a guideline for eating than a traditionally restrictive “diet.” Paleo is based on the notion that for optimal health, modern humans should return to a pre-industrial era by eating real, whole, unprocessed foods that promote healthy metabolic, digestive, and immune systems. This means avoiding grains, gluten, legumes, dairy, corn, soy and sugar. And instead, filling up on grass-fed meat like cattle, bison, goats, lamb or wild game. The Paleo Diet also includes pasture-raised chicken, eggs and pork, and wild-caught seafood. In addition, one should eat a variety of vitamin- and mineral-packed, organically grown, non-GMO fruits and vegetables.    The Paleo Diet embraces healthy fats. The right types of fat are essential in maintaining healthy arteries, brain function, healthy skin, as well as decreasing systemic inflammation. Healthy saturated fat comes from grass-fed meat, poultry, seafood, ghee, butter and coconuts. Also encouraged is monounsaturated fat from olive oil, nuts and seeds, as well as a healthy amount of Omega-3.   The Paleo plan welcomes fermented foods that work to support your digestive system with naturally occurring probiotics that boost immunity. Kombucha, sauerkraut and kimchi are all great options. This seems like a lot to remember but it's really not. Below is an excellent and handy cheat sheet from the book Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilipino. As you can see, following this "diet" is hardly restrictive! Because Paleo is viewed as a template to healthy living, there is room to personalize. Many people find that chocolate, some dairy, and some alcohol fit nicely into their personal regime. However, it’s recommended one stick to the Paleo template at its most basic before adding or subtracting. You may discover food intolerances, reactions, or or allergies you didn’t know you had. Scientists are beginning to see the benefits of this way of eating. Test subjects who adopted the Paleo Diet reported significant improvements in their general heath, body composition and energy levels. Doctors are finding that it reduces the risks of many diseases, including heart disease and Alzheimer’s. Some reported benefits are: Increased and more stable energy levels Improved sleep Clearer skin and healthier looking hair Mental clarity Improved mood and attitude Improvements in those suffering depression or anxieties Less or no bloating, decreased gas Sustained weight loss Muscle growth; increased fitness Lowered risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer Higher immune function and a general feeling of well being Improved glucose tolerance; decreased insulin secretion and increased insulin sensitivity Improved lipid profiles Healthier gut flora Better absorption of nutrients from food Reduced allergies Paleo diet is anti-inflammatory, most people experience reduction of pain associated with inflammation Improvements in those with respiratory problems such as asthma The Organic Butcher offers wild, grass-fed game meats, free-range chicken and wild-caught seafood, plus some prepared Paleo foods for your convenience.  Try our Bison Meatballs or Green Sausage (chicken or pork) and build your meal from there!