Cretons – Pork spread on toast
Cretons, a quintessential Québécois spread, is a creamy and savory pork pâté seasoned with gently simmered spices like cloves, cinnamon, and allspice. The spread is made by cooking ground pork with onions, garlic, and bread crumbs soaked in milk until it achieves a smooth, spreadable consistency. It is often served chilled and is traditionally spread on warm toast, making for a rich and flavorful addition to breakfast or as a snack. Cretons is a staple in Quebec cuisine and can be found in many local households and eateries, embodying the warm and hearty flavors favored in this Canadian province. Description by ChatGPT.
Today, we're sharing a beloved recipe from the vibrant heart of French Canadian cuisine: Creton. This delicately seasoned pork pâté is a cultural staple, commonly served cold and enjoyed as a hearty spread on toast or crackers. Whether it's for a satisfying breakfast or a savory snack, this lighter version of the classic dish is sure to delight with its creamy texture and robust flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground pork
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup water (if necessary)
- 1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the ground pork and milk. Stir to mix.
2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, allspice, ground cloves, a good pinch of salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
4. As the pork cooks, assess the liquid level. If the mixture seems too dry—likely with leaner pork—add about 3/4 cup of water to achieve the right consistency for simmering.
5. Once the onions have softened and the meat has broken down into fine pieces, signaling the end of cooking time, fold in the dried breadcrumbs. This will help thicken the mixture and absorb excess moisture.
6. Pack the cooked creton into small airtight containers. Keep one in the refrigerator for immediate use and store the rest in the freezer.
7. Serve this creton cold as a spread on freshly toasted bread, complementing it with eggs if desired. The pâté will have a firm yet spreadable consistency when chilled.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5 hours
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Equipment: Large saucepan, stirring spoon, containers for storing
Cooking Tips: For a more traditional creton, use a fattier cut of pork for a richer spread. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, ensuring a perfect balance of spice.
Servings: Multiple servings, varies by portion size
This delightful recipe is attributed to yoyomax12 - the diet free zone, and you can explore more culinary creations on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@yoyomax12
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