In the heart of French-Canadian cuisine, there exists a delectable spread known as cretons. This traditional dish, with its creamy texture and rich, savory flavor, has been a staple in Quebec households for generations. Typically made from ground pork, onions, spices, and a touch of maple syrup, cretons is a versatile culinary creation that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a hearty breakfast spread on warm toast, a flavorful addition to sandwiches, or a savory filling for savory pastries, cretons promises an unforgettable taste experience. This article presents a collection of cretons recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic dish. From the traditional creamy cretons to variations featuring duck fat, bacon, or even venison, these recipes cater to diverse palates and culinary preferences. Get ready to embark on a delightful journey into the world of cretons and discover new ways to relish this beloved French-Canadian delicacy.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CRETONS CREMEUX DE CHEZ NOUS (TRADITIONAL CREAMY CRETONS)
Cretons are a traditional French Canadian pork spread, similar to a pate, that's usually served on toast for breakfast. Here is a classic version that's creamy, not too greasy, and easy to spread.
Provided by loufoke
Categories Dips and Spreads
Time 2h15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Combine pork, onions, garlic, water, and pepper in a saucepan. Cook on low heat for 1 hour, stirring frequently.
- Stir quick-cooking oats, salt, allspice, and milk into pork mixture. Cook for 1 hour more, stirring frequently. Let cool slightly. Mix with an electric mixer at medium speed until mixture becomes creamy, about 1 minute.
- Refrigerate or freeze in small portions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 355.3 calories, Carbohydrate 7.3 g, Cholesterol 101.3 mg, Fat 22.7 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 28.9 g, SaturatedFat 8.6 g, Sodium 1259.9 mg, Sugar 3.5 g
CRETONS DE CHEZ-NOUS!
They call this a 'pate' in France. Good on fresh bread but even better on toast with butter.
Provided by Boog
Categories Dips and Spreads
Time 3h5m
Yield 36
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place pork fat cubes in a large heavy pan or Dutch oven over low heat and slowly pan-fry until the cubes render their lard and become browned and crisp, about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. Remove the pork cracklings with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Stir ground pork, onions, salt, allspice, and black pepper in the Dutch oven with rendered fat and slowly pour in 2 cups boiling water; bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer with the pan partially covered until water has evaporated, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Place browned crackling cubes into a food grinder and coarsely grind; thoroughly stir the ground cracklings into the pork mixture. Simmer the mixture for 30 more minutes uncovered. Remove from heat and allow to cool until mixture can be handled, about 20 minutes. Grind the cretons mixture with the food grinder.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of the mixture into small jars or lidded containers and cover with plastic wrap; push the wrap down onto the surface of the cretons to completely cover. Cover containers with lids and refrigerate or freeze until serving time. Let cretons come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 238.9 calories, Carbohydrate 1.9 g, Cholesterol 35.3 mg, Fat 22.2 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 7.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.1 g, Sodium 280.7 mg, Sugar 0.8 g
MOM'S FRENCH CANADIAN CRETONS
This is a traditional french canadian staple. You eat this on toast of choice, it's a high protein very nutritional breakfast favourite. I've been eating cretons since I was a child and everytime I visit my parents, my mother always makes this (one of my favourite dishes) for my husband! I try to make this dish as lean as possible using a combination of turkey and pork, if no turkey than chicken is good also. Portions on the meat is 2 to 1 and doesn't matter if you use more pork than turkey or visa versa, the outcome is always just a good as the last!
Provided by Chef Frenchflair
Categories Breakfast
Time 3h15m
Yield 3 1lb - 10 servings from each 1lb container, 30 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- On medium high heat brown pork and turkey in the oil and olive oil mix. Using this mix the meat cooks at a higher temperature without burning the oil. While browning add onions and minced garlic; once browned add garlic powder, cloves, cinnamon, and sage, cover the top of meat mixture with salt (I prefer seasalt or kosher) and same, twice around the pot with pepper (preferrably fresh ground). Mix the meat and seasonings and add in boiling water to meat mixture, enough to cover the top. Bring to boil, lower to simmer about 3hrs. or until water is reduced to almost nothing. approximately half way through cooking process adjust your mixture with alspice, no more than a teaspoon should be required. I go by taste. Now to properly adjust the mixture for spreading purposes add in enough bread crumbs to absorb the remaining liquid in the pot. Using a hand blender puree meat mixture. Divide into containers and let cool before freezing or putting in fridge. yeilds 3-4lbs. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 118.1, Fat 8, SaturatedFat 2.7, Cholesterol 40.4, Sodium 36.5, Carbohydrate 0.3, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 0.1, Protein 10.5
CRETONS
This is a pork spread that used to be very popular amongst French Canadian working in the woods. This is best appreciated spread on toasts or plain multigrain bread.
Provided by Nans
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Pork Ground Pork Recipes
Time 1h20m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place the ground pork, milk, onion and garlic into a large saucepan. Season with salt, pepper, cloves and allspice. Cook over medium heat for about 1 hour, then stir in the bread crumbs. Cook for 10 more minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste. Transfer to a small container and keep refrigerated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 100.7 calories, Carbohydrate 3.5 g, Cholesterol 26.2 mg, Fat 6 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 7.8 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 44.5 mg, Sugar 1.5 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality pork: For the best flavor and texture, choose pork shoulder or pork butt that is well-marbled.
- Grind the pork finely: This will help the crétons to have a smooth, creamy texture.
- Cook the pork slowly: This will allow the flavors to develop and the pork to become tender.
- Use a variety of spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Don't overcook the crétons: Overcooked crétons will be dry and tough.
- Serve the crétons warm: Crétons are best served warm, spread on bread or crackers.
Conclusion:
Crétons are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you are serving them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, crétons are sure to be a hit. So next time you are looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy pork, give crétons a try!
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