**Discover the Delectable World of Cretons: A Culinary Journey into French-Canadian Gastronomy**
In the heart of French-Canadian cuisine lies a savory and unique dish that has captured the taste buds of generations: cretons. These delectable pork pâtés are a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Quebec, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your palate. This article takes you on a culinary adventure, introducing you to the secrets of preparing cretons, with a collection of recipes ranging from classic to modern variations. From the traditional pork-based cretons to lighter options using turkey or chicken, these recipes cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary exploration, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to create authentic cretons that will become a staple in your kitchen.
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
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
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 Ground Pork
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 ingredients. This will make a big difference in the final flavor of your cretons. Look for fresh, lean pork and use a good-quality maple syrup.
- Grind the pork coarsely. This will help to create a more rustic texture.
- Cook the pork slowly and low. This will help to tenderize the meat and develop the flavor.
- Add the spices and seasonings gradually. This will help you to control the flavor of the cretons.
- Let the cretons cool completely before serving. This will help them to firm up and develop their full flavor.
- Store the cretons in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cretons for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Cretons are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are also a great way to use up leftover pork. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make your own cretons at home. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!
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