A long time ago, my mother worked for a posh cooking school which allowed her to stock up on high-end cookware at cost. That would be her and me, since I joyfully received the fruits of this arrangement at every gift giving opportunity. The result is that I now have a respectable supply of sturdy Le Creuset that I plan on keeping to the day I die.
The problem? Le Creuset keeps coming out with lovely new colors and between the (now full retail) cost and the fact that I really have everything I could possibly use, or so I keep telling myself, I can only sigh and move on. The solution? Read on.
While visiting the stunningly beautiful CIA in Napa last weekend, I spied this wee cocotte in their cookware store. I’ve been lusting after 
congratulation on your Le Creuset problem! may your life presents you with nothing more to worry! why not to have one of each possible color? you can serve miniature Coq au Vin to your guests?
view Astrid Vladi's profile
I too would love to have your Le Creuset problem! I've found that Amazon is the best resource for good prices. I bought the 4.25 quart soup pot (in Caribbean!!) last month for $99 on a one-day Amazon sale. But I'm afraid I only have two Le Creusets -- the soup pot and a 3.5 quart Dutch oven in red (not my favorite color, but again on sale). I would love to get a braiser with a lid, but those are very pricey.
view Susmita's profile
Although they are cute, most "mini" Le Creusets are stoneware not enameled cast iron. I ended up buying the individual caserole at Crate and Barrel because it is cast iron and perfect for making a pate.
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=491&f=25261
view caw261's profile
i looooove le creuset but can never fork over the cash. taking a tip from my mother, i scour bargain stores like ross and tj maxx--and i have found a 9x9 baking dish for only $12.99. but i may just have to fork over some dough for this cocotte. it is way too cute. there's also a le creuset outlet store nearby--great deals to be found there.
view ambsATX's profile
I would buy a poster of that pic with the eggs inside! Not only do I love the Carribean color but the eggs look great too! Very nice!
view bobcatsteph3's profile
I too love the Caribbean color, but I really love the photo.
view sar3j's profile
the only le creuset piece i have is a red stoneware baking dish (all of our kitchen accessories and small appliances are red), but i love it and try to use it as much as possible. i've found that the stoneware pieces are not as expensive as the cast iron stuff but are still excellent quality.
view makyo's profile
i have quite a bit of le creuset and i have purchased all of it from sidewalk sales, flea markets and thrift stores. if you keep an eye out for it, you can find a lot of good deals!
view ratita's profile