Name: French Canadian Pork Spread: A Delicious Guide to Tartinade de Porc
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 135 min
Yield: 1. 5 cups
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 cup water

French Canadian Pork Spread, also known as "Cretons," is a culinary treasure that has warmed hearts and filled bellies for generations. Imagine a velvety smooth, savory spread, subtly spiced and utterly irresistible on a slice of crusty bread. That's the magic of Cretons, and I'm thrilled to share my family's cherished recipe with you!

This delightful pork spread hails from Quebec, Canada, where it's a staple at breakfast tables and holiday gatherings. Its origins are humble, born from the need to utilize every part of the pig. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved delicacy, a testament to the resourcefulness and culinary creativity of French Canadian culture. It's more than just food; it's a taste of history, a connection to family traditions, and a symbol of comfort.

What makes French Canadian Pork Spread so universally adored? Its appeal lies in its unique texture – a melt-in-your-mouth smoothness that contrasts beautifully with the slight chewiness of the pork. The subtle blend of spices, often including cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, adds a warm, inviting aroma and a depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it's incredibly versatile! Enjoy it on toast, crackers, or even as a flavorful addition to sandwiches. Whether you're looking for a comforting breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a unique appetizer, Cretons is sure to impress. So, let's dive in and create this delectable dish together!

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
1 large onion, roughly chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 bay leaf
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but recommended)
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup rendered pork fat (for richer flavor)
Optional: Crusty bread or crackers, for serving

Preparing the Pork:

Okay, let's get started! The key to a really flavorful French Canadian Pork Spread, or Cretons as it's often called, is to slowly cook the pork until it's incredibly tender. This allows all those wonderful spices to meld together and create a truly unforgettable taste. First, we need to prep our pork.

Cut the Pork: Take your 2 lbs of boneless pork shoulder and cut it into roughly 2-inch cubes. Don't worry about being too precise here; we just want to ensure even cooking.
Season the Pork (Optional): While not strictly necessary, I like to lightly season the pork cubes with salt and pepper before cooking. This helps to develop a nice crust and flavor during the initial browning stage. Just a pinch of each will do!

The Cooking Process:

Now comes the magic! We're going to slowly braise the pork, which means cooking it in liquid at a low temperature for a long period. This is what breaks down the tough connective tissues and results in that melt-in-your-mouth texture we're after.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil (or, even better, the optional rendered pork fat if you're using it) over medium heat. Add the roughly chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Add the Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice. Cook for another minute or two, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma at this stage is just incredible!
Brown the Pork (Optional but Recommended): If you want to develop even more flavor, push the onions and garlic to the side of the pot and add the pork cubes in batches. Brown them on all sides, which will add a lovely depth of flavor to the final product. Don't overcrowd the pot, or the pork will steam instead of brown. Remove the browned pork and set it aside.
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and dry white wine (if using) into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, called fond, are packed with flavor and will add richness to the sauce.
Return the Pork to the Pot: Add the browned pork (if you browned it) back to the pot. Also, add the bay leaf.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until the pork is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become. Check the pot occasionally and add more chicken broth if needed to keep the pork submerged.
Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Then, using two forks, shred the pork into small pieces. Don't worry about being too meticulous; some larger pieces are fine.
Reduce the Sauce: While the pork is cooling, return the pot with the cooking liquid to the stovetop. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat and cook until it has reduced by about half and thickened slightly. This will concentrate the flavors and create a delicious sauce for the pork. Be sure to remove the bay leaf before reducing the sauce.

Blending and Finishing:

Now we're in the home stretch! This is where we transform the shredded pork and reduced sauce into a smooth, spreadable delight.

Combine Pork and Sauce: Add the shredded pork back to the pot with the reduced sauce. Stir well to combine.
Add Mustard and Vinegar: Stir in the yellow mustard and apple cider vinegar. These ingredients add a tangy brightness that balances the richness of the pork and spices.
Blend (Optional): For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender or food processor and blend in batches. Be careful when blending hot liquids! If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can skip this step altogether. I personally like a slightly chunky texture, so I usually only blend it briefly.
Season to Taste: Taste the pork spread and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
Cool and Refrigerate: Transfer the pork spread to a container, let it cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together even further and the spread to firm up.

Serving Suggestions:

Finally, the best part – enjoying your homemade French Canadian Pork Spread! Here are a few serving suggestions:

On Crusty Bread or Crackers: This is the classic way to serve Cretons. Spread it generously on slices of crusty bread or crackers for a simple yet satisfying snack or appetizer.
With Pickles or Relish: The tangy flavor of pickles or relish complements the richness of the pork spread perfectly.
As a Sandwich Filling: Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It pairs well with lettuce, tomato, and other sandwich toppings.
As Part of a Charcuterie Board: Include it on a charcuterie board alongside other meats, cheeses, and accompaniments.

Enjoy! This French Canadian Pork Spread is a delicious and versatile dish that's perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! I truly believe this French Canadian Pork Spread is about to become a staple in your kitchen. It's not just a recipe; it's a taste of tradition, a burst of flavor, and a ridiculously easy way to impress your friends and family. The rich, savory notes of the pork, perfectly balanced with the subtle sweetness and spice, create a symphony on your palate that you simply won't forget. Why is this a must-try? Because it's incredibly versatile! Forget boring appetizers; this spread elevates any gathering. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover pork roast, transforming it into something truly special. Plus, the recipe is so forgiving. Don't have exactly the right spices? No problem! Experiment and make it your own. That's the beauty of home cooking, right? But the real magic lies in the taste. It's that perfect combination of comfort food and sophisticated flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Trust me, you'll be the star of the potluck! Now, let's talk serving suggestions. The possibilities are endless! My personal favorite is spreading it generously on toasted baguette slices, topped with a dollop of Dijon mustard and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. But don't stop there!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* On Crackers: Simple and classic. Choose your favorite crackers – water crackers, rye crackers, or even some gourmet cheese crackers. * In Sandwiches: Elevate your lunch game by using this spread in sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, and a smear of cranberry sauce. * As a Dip: Serve it warm as a dip with crusty bread, vegetable sticks, or even tortilla chips. * Stuffed in Mushrooms: Hollow out some large mushroom caps, fill them with the pork spread, and bake until tender. A delicious and elegant appetizer! * Variations: Want to kick it up a notch? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Or, stir in some chopped cornichons for a tangy twist. You could even incorporate some caramelized onions for added sweetness and depth of flavor. For a creamier texture, blend in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese. The sky's the limit! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe. I know you'll love it as much as I do. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it's so simple to make that you'll be whipping it up in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and start cooking! And please, please, please, once you've made it, come back and share your experience. I'd love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how you served it. Did your family love it? Did your friends rave about it? Let me know! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me make these recipes even better. I can't wait to hear all about your French Canadian Pork Spread adventures! Happy cooking!