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

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.

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. Before proceeding, check that the internal temperature of the ground pork reaches 160°F / 71°C by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the mixture. The meat should no longer be pink.

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.

💡

Tips & Tricks

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the milk-to-pork ratio in cretons?

The milk-to-pork ratio is approximately 2 cups of milk for every 900 g of ground pork.

How long should I simmer the cretons?

Simmer the cretons for a total of 90 minutes for optimal flavour development.

What temperature should the simmer be for cretons?

Keep the simmer on low heat, ensuring it's gentle to prevent drying out the pork.

Why is there a fat cap on my cretons?

The fat cap is normal and helps preserve the cretons. It acts as a protective layer.

How do I store homemade cretons?

Store in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

Can I make cretons ahead of time?

Yes, cretons can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, allowing flavours to develop further.

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.

Nutrition per serving

280

Calories

18g

Protein

17g

Fat

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