Cretons are a traditional French Canadian pork spread typically eaten on toast for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. It is a flavorful and versatile dish that combines ground pork, onions, spices, and seasonings. Cretons have a smooth, creamy texture and a distinctive smoky flavor. Making cretons at home is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to creating the perfect cretons, including detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and tips for achieving the best flavor and texture. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide will help you create delicious and authentic cretons that will be enjoyed by family and friends.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
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
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
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.
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
Tips:
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh, flavorful ingredients to ensure the best-tasting cretons. Look for high-quality pork shoulder or butt, and make sure the spices and herbs you use are fresh and aromatic.
- Grind the pork coarsely: This will give the cretons a more rustic, chunky texture. If you grind the pork too finely, it will become too smooth and lose its characteristic texture.
- Cook the pork slowly and gently: This will help to render the fat and create a rich, flavorful spread. Avoid cooking the pork over high heat, as this can cause it to become dry and tough.
- Season the cretons generously: Use a variety of spices and herbs to flavor the cretons. Some popular choices include garlic, onion, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. You can also add a touch of heat with cayenne pepper or chili powder.
- Allow the cretons to cool completely before serving: This will help the flavors to develop and meld together. You can store the cretons in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
Cretons are a delicious and versatile spread that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you spread it on toast, use it as a sandwich filling, or serve it as an appetizer, cretons are sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy pork, give cretons a try!
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