Veal Creton

Looking for a new appetizer idea for the holdiay season or really anytime? This delicious Veal Creton, which is a French Canadian meat spread had a wonderful make ahead and can be frozen to be enjoyed for another time. Look for Ontario Veal in your local grocery stores and help support local farming families. 

I decided to try it on a tart as well, spread some of the veal creton on a puff pastry sheet and top with grilled or roasted red pepper strips and small chunks of brie cheese. Bake in a 400F oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Such an easy and tasty treat. (Be sure to prick the puff pastry with a fork before spreading the creton. Happy Holidays! 

Veal Creton

This spread similar to French rillette is creamy and spiced lightly for a perfect topping to baguettes. Using Ontario Veal makes it delicate and easy to make.  Creton is traditionally part of a Quebec breakfast but also makes a wonderful addition to a holiday charcuterie board. 

Makes about 3 cups (750 mL). 

2 tbsp (30 mL) butter

1/2 cup (125 mL) finely diced red onion 

1 clove garlic, minced

1 lb (450 g) ground Ontario veal

4 oz (125 g) sliced smoked bacon, finely chopped

3/4 tsp (4 mL) salt

1/2 tsp (2 mL) pepper

1/2 tsp (2 mL) each ground cloves and ginger

1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cinnamon and nutmeg

1 cup (250 mL) 35% whipping cream

1/4 cup (60 mL) fine dry breadcrumbs 

In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook onion and garlic for about 2 minutes or until softened. Add veal and bacon. Cook, breaking up veal for about 5 minutes or until veal is browned. 

Stir in salt, pepper, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg and cook for 1 minute. Add cream and breadcrumbs; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook, stirring occasionally for 45 minutes or until most of the cream is absorbed. Uncover and cook for about 15 minutes or until thickened. Spoon into ramekins and let cool to room temperature. Taste and season if necessary. 

Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week or alternatively freeze for up to 1 month. 

Tip: This makes enough to cover you for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Also a perfect gift to leave for friends this holiday season with a baguette and a bottle of wine.