Le Creuset Stoneware 8-Ounce Petite Round Covered Casserole, Caribbean

I love Le Creuset cookware and when I discovered these little 8 ounce pots, I knew they would fill many uses. These petite stoneware covered pots are oven-proof, so you can bake individual dishes in them such as custards, pies and tarts, rice and pasta dishes. I also serve soups in them - hot or cold. The lid helps retain the temperature of the contents. I also serve cheese spreads, hummus, and many other condiments or sauces in these little pots. You can create a tray of appetizers, snacks, and hors d'ouvres, using one or several different colored pots on a tray amid crackers and bread or whatever you choose. I have all the colors Le Creuset makes. On the Fourth of July I prepared a simple "red, white, and blue" presentation of dips and salsas. Whether you serve a group of food items or individual servings, the size is right. You will love these versatile little containers.

As an admitted Le Creuset devotee, this was a little splurge to store sea salt in while keeping it covered next to the stovetop. However, since receiving this charming little casserole, I can see the potential for all sorts of culinary uses for it as it is basically a very large ramekin with handles and a lid. I plan on ordering the 4-piece-set with cookbook as they are the perfect size to serve individual portions of oven-prepared dishes such as au gratin potatoes, apple/cherry crumble or french onion soup(at 8 ounce capacity, I would call this size a "cup" rather than a "bowl" of soup). It's also a great size for serving oatmeal in the morning for the kids! (Note that this is stoneware and not the cast iron version, so it is for oven use only and not for stovetop). Overall, a great little investment for a quality product with so many uses, especially if you like to serve smaller individual dishes at times. A nice addition to your Le Creuset collection!

My current favorite color. I use this to store sea salt on the kitchen counter. It keeps the salt covered and protected when not in use. I love it. I purchased it in white as well. You can keep two kinds of salt- sea salt in blue and kosher in white (easy to distinguish). I even used it as a gift, along with a box of Maldon Sea Salt. Great for the home chef.