House-Made Rillettes

Rillettes are a preparation of meat similar to pâté. Originally made with pork, the meat was cubed, salted and cured, cooked slowly over low heat until very tender, then raked into small shreds and blended with the warm cooking fat to form a rustic paste. Like cassoulet or fondue, this French dish has its many regional definitions. In general the finished delicacy is normally served at room temperature and used as spread on bread or toast, much like a pâté. At Elephants, we make two types: Pork Rillettes seasoned with all-spice, and a Gascony-style Duck Rillette with Apple Brandy & Juniper. And you get to keep the crock!