My take on Le Creuset mini-cocottes
Le Creuset's mini-cocottes are a hit: they're pretty, they're easy to store, and they're really versatile. Although we often find that they tell us "Everyone says they are good for everything... but what really?". That's why Laura, author of the gastroblog Because , today tells us about them, and gives us many ideas so you can get a lot out of them!
I have to be honest when I admit that it took me a long time to decide to buy 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 so difficult to find... and they have them exclusively in Spain!), I couldn't resist the design and finally bought them. The big surprise is that, in addition to being beautiful, they are one of the most used kitchen utensils.
They are a perfect portion size and for this reason I use them almost as much as the plates... well, or more, because unlike these, the mini-cocottes withstand high oven temperatures, so they are often a household utensil. and kitchenware in the same recipe.
Characteristic
Of mini-cocottes we have the round ones, the oval ones (now available in two sizes, 13cm and 17cm!) and also the mini-heart ones (without a doubt, the latter are ideal to surprise the couple, or to have a detail of the most original!)
They all have a color and quality that make you fall in love: you already know that they are from Le Creuset, so the quality of the ceramic and the interior vitrification are the best you can find. You should even know that each knob is painted by hand! The love and dedication of the company is something superior.
Both the oval and the 13cm round ones have the same price, although the oval ones have a little more capacity (which for me was a point in their favor). As for the new size of the oval ones, the 17cm one, I have found it really interesting: although with the 13cm ones they were already used to serve appetizers and some first course, without a doubt the 17cm one is used to serve a complete plate, but with a lot of style.
Regarding characteristics, I must also clarify that all the mini-cocottes, unlike the "standard" cocottes, are ceramic. They are not made of iron nor do they have a diffusing iron base, so they cannot go over the fire: they are designed to be cooked in the oven, in the microwave, or to serve appetizers and cold dishes.
The fact that it has a lid is an advantage to keep in the fridge, as it keeps your preparation away from foreign odours. And its maintenance? It couldn't be easier, because being ceramic, it resists the dishwasher.
The only drawback with this product is that it is difficult to decide between the variety of colors and sizes... but I will tell you a secret: whichever you choose, you will be delighted with them and you will use them a lot, that's for sure!
Recipes and inspiration to present in the mini-cocottes
Now that the good weather arrives, they are ideal for presenting cold dishes such as ceviches, marinades, cream cheese or homemade pâtés on the table. Without forgetting other dishes that we can bake and serve directly, such as lasagna, eggs en cocotte, roast potatoes... Any dish that you can bake in a ceramic dish, you can cook it in these precious mini cocottes and present it on the table in a original that will not leave your guests indifferent, whether they are guests or those from home.
In addition, and although now I mainly present savory dishes in them (even the salad), the first use I gave them was for desserts. The desserts presented in them are spectacular. Try making brownie or chocolate coulant biscuits, in fact, they look so good that it is a great idea if you are a guest to have one of these desserts inside the mini cocottes. Easy to carry, beautiful to give as a gift. Also other desserts such as crême brulé, custard, or even a tiramisu find their ideal container in these 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 hungry for more, there's also a Le Creuset mini-cocotte recipe book available, with 40 recipes both sweet and savory. If you look at the reviews, the truth is that I see that all the opinions are really good, and I think you will find a lot of inspiration there to get the most out of these minis that are so beautiful.
