I have a problem, a serious problem. I can’t stop buying Le Creuset cookware.
Alright, I suppose it’s not really that much of a problem. My wallet may argue otherwise, but at least I know all the beautiful enamel-covered cast iron cookware is going to last forever. I just sometimes wonder how many other single 27 year-old males get all tingly when they head to the Le Creuset outlet. Just me?
Here is the real problem: I live about 10 minutes from a Le Creuset outlet. I have totally been brainwashed by this place. How can I walk in there (just to look around, mind you), end up spending over 200 dollars, and still feel like I got the greatest bargain in the world? Well, for starters, I really did get the greatest bargain. That’s what I love about the outlet store. To start with, everything is discounted. Then, they always have a ton of stuff on sale. I’m not talking little 5-10% sales. I got a brand new tagine for 50% off! That’s half off, people. Half! I was also thrilled to discover that the large grill pan I had been lusting after for a few months was on sale too.
Then, like any great dealer of narcotics, those evil women behind the counter did the unthinkable. They gave me a coupon for 40% off my next purchase. That’s one hell of a coupon. Now, I’m doomed to head back within a month (before the coupon expires) and drop another big wad of cash.
At the end of the day, though, the Le Creuset is worth it. I have yet to find anyone who has anything bad to say about the cookware. It’s supremely versatile, has great heat distribution, and is practically non-stick due to the enamel coating. It’s also super easy to clean. Add to that the bright, lively colors and nothing can top a Le Creuset pot or pan.
I think my favorite piece is the braiser. It’s great for just about everything: I’ve used it to sear meat, sauté veggies, and you can even bake in it! I think my favorite thing to use it for, though, is to make a bolognese sauce. You can sear all the meat in it, deglaze the pan (which the enamel coating helps out with), and then pop it into the oven to braise. It may just be the perfect pan.
I think I need to give you a little perspective on just how serious my sickness is. I dream about Le Creuset. Seriously, when I got mail announcing that my color blue was being discontinued I was furious, and I had several dreams about going to the outlet store only to discover that it was all a horrible mistake. Well, it wasn’t a mistake, but the new blue that they are introducing is almost exactly the same. I really can’t tell a difference.
It’s only a matter of time now until I head back to the store to pick up that sexy little 7.5 quart dutch oven I’ve been eyeing. She will be mine. Oh, yes. She will be mine.
Clacked by Bob Degon
on Jul 23, 2009 @ 13:00 EST5EDT
You may actually have more pieces of Le Creuset than me!! I totally agree with all you said about this cookware. They will last forever and they should because of the high cost. They really are an investment and after reading how you feel about Le Creuset I wonder if anyone will run out to buy a piece or two!!!
I have the same problem you have. I actually put my Le Creuset purchases in the budget so I’m guaranteed to get them – no questions!!!! I love my cookware.
I recently bought an enameled cast iron wok, my first Le Creuset purchase, for 50% off. A restaurant supply store was having a sale the week I was moving apartments. I normally would have balked at the price – and at first I did walk away – but I wanted a wok and at that deep discount, with Le Creuset’s reputation, I couldn’t NOT buy it.
Now I wonder if I should have a braiser but I have other cookware.
Two weeks into the purchase and I have yet to use it, but have seasoned it.
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