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A small jar of French Canadian Cretons with a knife in the jar. There is a plate of fried eggs, sausages and toast with cretons in the background.
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5 from 2 votes

French Canadian Cretons

Savoury and rich, Cretons is a traditional meat spread from Quebec
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Condiment, Meat
Cuisine: Canadian, French Canadian

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp lard
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground pork
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp all-spice
  • ¾ cup 10% cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • ⅓ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Heat lard over medium heat in a heavy bottom pot.
  • Add onion and garlic, cook until translucent.
  • Add ground pork, and cook until browned, breaking up pork as it cooks, so it resembles crumbs
  • Stir in cloves, cinnamon and all-spice.
  • Reduce heat to low, add cream, milk, and breadcrumbs, stirring to combine.
  • Stir in salt and pepper.
  • Simmer over low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from heat once the mixture has thickened and is spreadable.
  • Allow to cool to room temperature.
  • Store in mason jars or covered containers in the fridge until completely cooled.
  • Serve cold.

Notes

Cretons will last in the fridge for up to three days in a covered container or mason jar.
Cretons can be frozen for later use for up to three months.