Traditional Grandmother's Cretons Recipe

Name: Traditional Grandmother's Cretons Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 290 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 900 g ground pork; 2 cups whole milk; 1 onion (finely chopped); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1 cup breadcrumbs

290 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Traditional Grandmother's Cretons Recipe

Experience the authentic taste of Québec with this traditional pork spread, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Prep

20 min

Cook

90 min

Total

290 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Cretons is a traditional Québecois dish, often served as a breakfast spread on toast or crackers. This savory delight is made from ground pork slowly simmered with milk, onion, and a hint of warm spices like cinnamon and clove, creating a rich and flavorful experience. Grandmother’s cretons carry the charm of homemade comfort, and every bite tells a story of tradition and care. The process of making cretons is straightforward yet requires patience, allowing flavours to meld beautifully as the pork simmers to tenderness. The final touch of breadcrumbs provides the perfect texture, completing this beloved classic.

Ingredients

Servings

Cretons Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the pot

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the ground pork, milk, and onion.

Pro tip: Using a heavy-bottomed pot helps prevent scorching.

Simmer the mixture

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low, ensuring it stays at a simmer, and cook for 60 minutes.

Pro tip: A low simmer allows flavours to meld without drying out the pork.

Season the cretons

Stir in the salt, cinnamon, and cloves. Continue to simmer on low heat for another 20 minutes.

Incorporate breadcrumbs

Mix in the breadcrumbs thoroughly, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.

Pro tip: Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and create the right texture.

Prepare for setting

Transfer the mixture into ramekins or a loaf pan. Smooth the top and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Chill the cretons

Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours until fully set. A fat cap may form on top; this is normal and helps preserve the cretons.

Pro tip: Chilling ensures the cretons are firm and spreadable.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching.</li><li>The fat cap on top is normal and helps preserve the cretons.</li><li>Chill thoroughly to set properly before serving.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

Serve your cretons with fresh baguette slices or rye bread for an authentic Québecois breakfast. Pair it with tangy pickles or sharp mustard to complement the rich and savoury notes. Store cretons in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring they are well covered to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze them in airtight containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.