Le Creuset mini-cocottes are a real hit: they're pretty, easy to store and really versatile. Although we often hear people say "Everyone says they're good for everything... but what are they really good for?" That's why Laura, author of the gastroblog Because , is talking to us about them today, and giving us lots of ideas so you can get the most out of them!
I have to be honest and admit that it was a long time before I decided to buy the Le Creuset mini-cocottes . The truth is that, although they have never been an expensive product, quite the contrary, I thought they were a mere whim rather than a kitchen utensil.
But when the oval minis arrived at Claudia&Julia (and they are so hard to find... and they are exclusively available in Spain!), I couldn't resist the design and finally bought them. The big surprise is that, besides being beautiful, they are one of the kitchen utensils I use the most.
They are a perfect serving size and that is why I use them almost as much as plates... well, or more, because unlike plates, mini-cocottes can withstand high oven temperatures, so at home they are often both utensil and cookware in the same recipe.
Characteristics
We have round mini-cocottes, oval ones (now available in two sizes, 13cm and 17cm!) and also mini-heart ones (these last ones are undoubtedly ideal to surprise your partner, or to have a very original detail!)
They all have a colour and quality that you will fall in love with: you already know that they are from Le Creuset, so the quality of the ceramic and the interior glaze are the best you can find. You should even know that each knob is painted by hand! The care and dedication of the company is something else.
Both the oval and round 13cm ones are the same price, although the oval ones have a bit more capacity (which for me was a point in their favour). As for the new size of the oval ones, the 17cm one, I found it really interesting: while the 13cm ones were already good enough for serving appetizers and a starter, the 17cm one is definitely good enough for serving a full course, but with a lot of style.
As for features, I should also clarify that all mini-cocottes, unlike "standard" cocottes, are ceramic. They are not made of iron and do not have a diffusing iron base, so they cannot be used on the stove: they are designed for cooking in the oven, microwave, or for serving appetizers and cold dishes.
The fact that it has a lid is an advantage for storing in the fridge, as it keeps your preparation free from foreign odours. And its maintenance? It couldn't be easier, because being made of ceramic, it is dishwasher safe.
The only downside to this product is that it's hard to decide between the variety of colors and sizes... but I'll let you in on a secret: whichever one you choose, you'll love them and use them a lot, that's for sure!
Recipes and inspiration for serving in mini-cocottes
Now that the good weather is here, they are ideal for presenting cold dishes such as ceviches, marinades, cream cheeses or homemade pâtés on the table. Not to mention other dishes that can be baked and served directly, such as lasagnas, eggs in a cocotte, baked potatoes... Any dish that you can bake in a ceramic dish can be cooked in these beautiful mini cocottes and presented on the table in an original way that will not leave your guests indifferent, whether they are guests or your family.
Also, although I mainly serve savoury dishes in them now (even salads), the first use I gave them was for desserts. Desserts served in them are spectacular. Try making brownie-type cakes or chocolate coulant, in fact, they are so good that it is a great idea if you are going as a guest to bring one of these desserts inside the mini cocottes. Easy to transport, beautiful to give as a gift. Other desserts such as crême brulé, custard, or even tiramisu also find their ideal container in these little casseroles.
In the photo, chocolate coulant in an oval mini-cocotte
Here are some recipes you can make in Le Creuset mini-cocottes:
- Chocolate coulant in mini-cocotte
- Cherry tomato and cheese clafoutis
- Chocolate cake with raspberry sauce
- Individual chicken and bacon pie
- Truffled eggs with mushrooms
And if you're craving more, there's also a Le Creuset mini-cocotte recipe book available, with 40 recipes for both sweet and savoury dishes. If you look at the reviews, I can see that all the opinions are really good, and I think you'll find plenty of inspiration there to get the most out of these cute minis.
Comments
Son sencillamente preciosas. En Zaragoza no tienen las ovaladas y creo que el tamaño, sería perfecto para un primer plato individual. El libro de sus recetas, ¿donde lo compro? said:
Claramente mi nombre no es el que he puesto. Soy Pilar Arcarazo Garcia