I just got this!  And then I made this!

I’ve got to tell you the story about the day my life changed.

I have wished for and coveted a Le Creuset enameled cast iron french oven for years now, but would never spend the cash on a pot.  A pot.  Who has that kind of money to spend on a single pot?  Well, I know people do, but I’m a frugal gal ( I can’t believe I just called myself a gal, oh sheesh… can’t believe I just said sheesh… geez) and spending $200+ on something like this just doesn’t happen for me.

So.

I was perusing the local Williams-Sonoma outlet, you know, the day I was at the outlet mall looking for a desk, which I know they do not sell at WS, when I SAW it.  It read: 30% OFF.  That’s right.  The entire collection of Le Creuset was on sale for 30% off.  I quickly snatched up a green, round 5.5 qt pot, then hesitated, wondering if I’d rather have the oval.  In blue.

Long story, but the very helpful salespeople assured me that if I ever wanted to roast a whole chicken, I needed the oval one because you’d have to dismember the legs off your chicky to fit it into a round pot.  Okaaaay.  I’ve never roasted a whole chicken and prior to that conversation, I’d never contemplated it because, like, the grocery store has those whole roasted chickens and why should I bother.

Yeah.  I got the oval one, so I could roast a friggin’ chicken.

Anyway.  Back to the pan.  Pot.  Whatever it is.  It works wonderfully.  Really great.  I made Beef Stew (if you use this recipe, reduce the wine to about 2 cups for the recipe and drink the rest.) and it was truly amazing.  Life-altering.  The reason that cooks everywhere are all gaga over enameled cast iron is because the pot works for everything.  Seriously.  Stew, chili, soups… any of those dishes that are slow-cooked.  Plus, just found a recipe for a cobbler in that big ass pot… gonna have to try it!

If you can stomach the price of this pot, go for it.  You will not be disappointed.  Available in many colors, sizes and shapes at several different price points.  Although the pot is heavy, if you move it with the lid OFF, it is very manageable.  I wouldn’t get anything smaller than 5 quarts, or you will be really mad at yourself when you try to make a large batch of soup.  Trust me.

Le Creuset Enameled Cast-Iron 5-Quart French Oven, Dijon – $225