Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 4-1/2-Quart Round French Oven, Flame

My kitchen workhorse
I got my first Le Creuset cookware in 1978. It was my college graduation week, & I was relaxing on the lawn reading the Sunday Boston Globe. I saw an ad for a Le Creuet starter set (French oven + 2 covered saucepans + skillet) for $..., so I decided to go for it since I was about to be out of the dorm living on my own. That purchase turned out to be one of my best investments ever, as I still use all the pieces today. I now have 3 French ovens, 5 covered saucepans, 3 skillets, 1 oval au gratin, 1 multi 2-in-1 pan with nonstick omelette cover, & 1 cheese fondue set, all in flame. These cast iron utensils are virtually indestructible, except for a few minor dings in the outer enamel. They cook very evenly, given the cast iron, making me a possibly better than average cook (they're one of my unfair advantages). My only problem with the cookware is the heavy weight, but that comes with the territory with cast iron utensils. I guess I'll have to get someone else to lift the pots when I'm...

I use this one every day! It's awesome...
I admit it: I get a little carried away sometimes, but I truly love this pot! The 4 1/2 quart size is amazingly versatile. I use this size every day, so I actually own two of them. It's great for browning meat, making chili, stews, roasts, you name it. It's not quite big enough for a whole chicken, but then Le Creuset makes the large oval "French Ovens" for that. I always christen each new Le Creuset purchase with an authentic French recipe (hey, I told you I get carried away!)--this size is great for Boeuf Bourguignon. These pots cook foods perfectly every time, and are very energy-efficient in the process. Add in the 101-year Le Creuset warranty, and the seemingly high prices are fully justified. Clean-up is a snap as well, thanks to the super-hard and smooth porcelain enamel coating. It cleans almost as easily as Teflon, but is extremely durable (which Teflon isn't). And, on top of all that, the colors are breathtaking! I store all my Le Creuset on open...

A Dream
I have had a dream of owning this for years. I am constantly making stews/soups/roasting etc., I have another Le Creuset product (grill) which I bought from Amazon years ago. It has held up beautifully and without damage of any sort. They make nothing but quality products from a country you know doesn't use inferior products.

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