Martha has one. So does Ina, Giada, Emeril and pretty much any chef that is worth his sea salt in the foodie community.
What I am talking about?
The Le Creuset Dutch Oven, of course!
You can spot the ubiquitous cast iron jack-of-all-trades pot in all the colors of the rainbow in magazines, cookbooks and cooking shows the world over.
Ever since I started watching the Food Network I got hooked on the versatility of this quality piece and have dreamed of one day having my very own multi-tasking French Dutch Oven.
Yeah, sure some of the popular celeb chefs like Rachel Ray, Mario Batali and even Queen Martha have created knock-offs of their own, for about half the price, but there was always one thing missing.
It was not a Le Creuset!
Sorry folks, but in this cooks opinion, nothing can compare to that classic French quality and reputation of Le Creuset.
Nope, not even Queen Martha or Molto Mario.
Le Creuset is a French brand that has been around since 1925 and is the world’s leading manufacturer of quality Enameled Cast Iron cookware. They are the mainstay of French chefs.
The crème de la crème of cookware. They have that je ne sais quoi.
This particular Dutch Oven is made from a cast iron mold. The inside is coated in the highest quality vitreous enamel, the lid has a perfectly tight fit which ensures the moisture and flavor are retained in the cooking. The knob is made from a heat resistant material which is oven-proof to 375*, so you won’t get third degree burns stirring your soup. Yep, we have all been there!
They are very versatile pieces as well. You can cook on the stove-top, bake in the oven or store leftovers in the fridge…all in the same pot!
Can you say easy-peazy clean up!
So, why I am I blathering on about all this you might ask?
Well, after 5 years of wishing and hoping, dreaming and drooling, today with a gift certificate in hand, I hauled ass over to Warren Cutlery this morning to be first in line for their 20% off sale. Needless to say, I am now the proud very proud owner of a new Le Creuset Dutch Oven in Cherry Red.
courtesy of Warren Cutlery
Isn’t she a beauty? I feel like a teenage boy with his first new shiny red Camero. Can’t wait for a test drive!
My only dilemma now? What recipe I should use to christen my new cookware?
My options are endless. Risotto, soup, stew, Italian tomato sauce? Or perhaps something I have never attempted before, like a Beef Bourguignon or Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic?
Oh, the possibilities…
Tell me, do you have a Dutch Oven? Do you love it?
What is your favorite recipe to make with it? What do you think my first dish should be?