**Discover the Delightful World of Cretons: A Journey Through French-Canadian Culinary Heritage**
In the heart of French-Canadian cuisine, there lies a delectable spread that has captured the taste buds of generations: cretons. These rustic porky goodness have been passed down through families for centuries, earning a cherished place in the culinary traditions of Quebec and beyond. Cretons are crafted from meticulously prepared pork, simmered to perfection in a symphony of spices and aromatics. The resulting spread boasts a rich, velvety texture that is both hearty and irresistibly flavorful. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey through the world of cretons, exploring its history, variations, and the tantalizing recipes that showcase its versatility. From the classic creton sandwich to innovative culinary creations, this article will guide you through the steps of preparing this French-Canadian delicacy in your own kitchen.
CRETONS " FRENCH CANADIAN SPREAD FOR TOASTS"
Make and share this Cretons " French Canadian Spread for Toasts" recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Sageca
Categories Spreads
Time 1h35m
Yield 16 ounces
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Mix all together.
- Bake covered 325* 1 1/2 hour.
- Remove bay leaf.
- Stir every 20 minutes or so.
- Store in small containers.
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
MY MOM'S FRENCH CANADIAN CRETONS
A meat spread to eat with toast or crackers..not especially healthy but very traditional french canadian fare....and also delicious. It's really good with mustard on toast in the morning, or lunch...yummmmy.
Provided by hippychick
Categories Spreads
Time 1h15m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Put the ground pork, minced onion and garlic,dry mustard, allspice, salt and pepper in a medium size pot and begin to cook on med. high heatuntil meat looses some of its pinkness -- add the can of soup and water and cook till the mixture begins to bubble. Lower heat and let simmer 1/2 hr, stirring often so it doesn't stick.
- When the mixture has cooked and cooled, put into food processor and pulse -- careful not to make it too fine -- you want it a wee bit chunky but spreadable.
- You can put it into small plastic containers.or as mom does -- freeze in ice cube trays -- then pop out just one at a time.
- It's a good idea to seal with bacon fat -- unhealthy but it does seem to give it good flavor and keep it moist.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 330.4, Fat 25.8, SaturatedFat 9.3, Cholesterol 81.7, Sodium 247.6, Carbohydrate 3.7, Fiber 0.3, Sugar 0.9, Protein 19.9
EMERIL LAGASSE'S CRETON
Creton is a french-canadian specialty; this type of "pork pate" is certainly not healthy, but really delicious! I like it spread on toast or crackers, along with hot mustard. Many in Quebec eat it at breakfast. Prep time includes chilling time.
Provided by Lennie
Categories Spreads
Time P1DT2h
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large saute pan, add the pork and cook until no longer pink, about 3 minutes.
- Add the onions and garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the salt, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the milk and bread crumbs and cook for 3 minutes over medium heat, stirring to break up the meat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is very tender and most of the liquid is evaporated, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Remove the lid and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thick and all the liquid is evaporated, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and adjust the seasoning, to taste.
- Transfer to a decorative bowl or several smaller ramekins, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled and firm, at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve with thinly sliced French bread or toasted French bread croutons.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 328.4, Fat 21, SaturatedFat 8, Cholesterol 92, Sodium 503.1, Carbohydrate 7.2, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 2.8, Protein 26.1
GORTON (FRENCH-CANADIAN PORK SPREAD)
French-Canadian pork spread for toast and crackers....This was my memere's recipe and so far I have never had any better. Very simple to make :) I guess from what I read, Croton and Gorton are almost the same, Gorton being the New Englander translation :) Enjoy
Provided by Lil1
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes Pate Recipes
Time 14h
Yield 40
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Stir the pork fat, ground pork, onions, water, cloves, and nutmeg together in a large pot. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the pork is tender, at least 1 1/2 hours. Use a potato masher to mash the pork mixture every 15 minutes as it cooks.
- The longer you simmer the gorton, the better the flavor will be. Add water as needed to keep the mixture from boiling dry. When you're ready to stop cooking, let the liquid reduce as much as possible without letting it burn. Refrigerate the gorton overnight. Remove and discard the fat layer, or stir it into the meat for a creamier spread.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 235.6 calories, Carbohydrate 1.1 g, Cholesterol 27.6 mg, Fat 23.4 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 4.8 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Sodium 15.2 mg, Sugar 0.5 g
Tips:
- Fresh pork is key: Use high-quality, fresh pork for the best flavor. Avoid using frozen or pre-packaged pork, as this can result in a less flavorful spread.
- Grind the pork yourself: If possible, grind the pork yourself using a meat grinder. This will give you more control over the texture of the spread.
- Cook the pork slowly: Cook the pork slowly over low heat to render the fat and develop the flavor.
- Use a variety of spices: Cretons are traditionally made with a variety of spices, such as cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and pepper. Feel free to experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
- Let the cretons cool completely: Before serving, let the cretons cool completely. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.
Conclusion:
Cretons are a delicious and versatile spread that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you spread it on toast, use it as a sandwich filling, or add it to your favorite recipes, cretons are sure to please. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy pork, give cretons a try. You won't be disappointed!
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