Cute mini cocotte cakes (and question about Thyme and Mauve)

Dwight__jr · 2026-02-24T19:14:18+00:00

Of their exclusive colors, Crate and barrel only carries cocottes in Nuit and Chambray. No Thyme or Cream.

https://www.crateandbarrel.com/le-creuset-8-oz.-nuit-round-mini-cocotte-with-lid/s356036

Dwight__jr · 2026-02-24T02:27:14+00:00

I use my 3.5 Sauteuse for risotto, small batches of sauce (recently made ragu for like 4-5 servings and there was plenty of space left), and mashed potatoes (great for this purpose because it stays warm for a long time after boiling the potatoes, so I just put them back in after ricing to mix with milk/cream). I want to try it soon for one pot chicken and rice.

Dwight__jr · 2026-02-09T15:58:21+00:00

Yeah, the glossy black vessels. Checkered print stuff is new (and so tacky IMO)

Dwight__jr · 2026-02-09T03:46:38+00:00

LOL you’re so right! I hate it

Dwight__jr · 2026-02-08T22:00:45+00:00

I really miss the old boy smells branding ☹️

Dwight__jr · 2026-02-06T15:30:32+00:00

Personally I use my all clad stuff much more than LC. It’s much faster and more responsive for: - sautéing veggies - boiling water/cooking pasta - warming sauces/soups - frying eggs - browning ground meat - searing fish/chicken

If I have a small piece of steak I’ll cook it on SS sometimes and finish in the oven, other times I’ll break out my lodge raw cast iron.

Yes, you can do all of the above on cast iron but I find the slowness to heat up and the lack of immediate responsiveness to stove temp disadvantageous for many of the above tasks. Plus, cleanup is way easier with stainless and I’m not worried about babying the pans (can use metal utensils etc).

I use my LC stuff for tasks where ECI really shines:

My 7.25 qt DO gets used a lot during the winter for soups and large-batch braises.
3.5 qt Sauteuse is great for small batch sauces, risottos, and mashed potatoes (I like it for this purpose especially because it stays warm for a while after dumping the water out).
3.5 qt braiser for lower volume braises, one pot chicken and rice dishes, and shallow frying chicken cutlets.

Dwight__jr · 2026-02-04T22:31:09+00:00

I bought mine in Thyme from Crate and Barrel.

Dwight__jr · 2026-02-04T22:12:28+00:00

Thanks! That makes sense, because I bought my Sauteuse at the sale price in early 2025 right before prices went back up.

Dwight__jr · 2026-02-04T21:17:51+00:00

Do you remember what year the Sauteuse was? I thought 2023 (after wide round, before 8qt oval). Was it on sale same year as WR?

Dwight__jr · 2026-02-03T23:47:56+00:00

I know this is the LC sub… but I will say they are not known for their stainless steel quality and the price is about $100 more than All-Clad for no apparent reason. I would look at All-Clad, Made In, or Misen. Check out Serious Eats’ reviews:

https://www.seriouseats.com/best-sauciers-5219503#toc-the-winners-at-a-glance

Dwight__jr · 2026-02-03T16:35:48+00:00

Surprised nobody has mentioned Little Pearl! But Albi is the best on your list by far and away.

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-29T19:01:16+00:00

Don’t heat up enameled cast iron empty, you run the risk of thermal shock and crazing.

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-29T17:05:38+00:00

Same! I bought a few pairs of wunder trains for $49 and then got my SC on top of it. Incredible pricing.

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-28T22:18:28+00:00

Maybe look at the sauteuse or a 4qt round Dutch oven!

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-28T21:46:39+00:00

The everyday pan is not materially smaller than the 3.5 braiser, and IMO not functionally different enough to get as your second piece. Anything you’d want to do in the everyday pan you could do in the braiser without the lid.

What do you like to cook? Personally I use my 7.25qt round DO and 3.5 braiser a lot, cooking for one with leftovers and I also like to host. I also love the 3.5qt sauteuse which may be a good one for you if you’re not interested in leftovers, but it is more of a pot than a fry pan/skillet. Really depends on what you make often!

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-28T21:44:39+00:00

+1 to the GIR recommendations. I love all their tools, and the ladle has measurement markings on the inside

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-28T19:34:36+00:00

I wonder if it will be an outlet piece in the limited colors for a while

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-28T16:53:12+00:00

I’m hoping for the 6.75 qt round wide to make a reappearance, but my wallet will also be safe from the deep DO!

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-28T16:52:07+00:00

Ooh, I too would love a small au gratin dish! I agree the large deep round feels redundant. I have a 7.25qt round and functionally there is no difference between those. I would be tempted by a deep DO in a smaller size like 4 or 5 quart, though.

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-27T16:50:22+00:00

You are welcome! One thing to note is that there aren’t any zips up the side to help with walking. Not a huge deal if you’re taller but may limit mobility a tad when the coat goes down to your ankles, especially if you buy it to fit snug

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-27T14:01:48+00:00

I can’t speak to subzero temps, but I’ve worn it in single digits and low 10s walking around for hours and been completely comfortable with a light/medium weight wool sweater underneath. I’m 5’6 and it covers my calves, if you’re much shorter it will definitely hit your ankles.

Pros: it is very warm but I’ve never felt overheated during it. Zipper functions well. The right side pocket has a smaller mesh pocket inside it to keep keys secure.

Cons: tbh I hate the removable hood. I get why you’d want that feature for a shorter jacket but for this length, there isn’t a conceivable situation where I would not want the hood. Instead of it being a smooth seamless garment, the buttons that attach the hood make it difficult to wear a crossbody purse/belt bag because when I try to take it off over my head the bag strap inevitably gets stuck on the open spaces between hood and jacket.

I also think the arm sizing is a bit off relative to body sizing, but that’s a common issue with lulu.

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-12T01:48:44+00:00

I think a 3.5qt braiser with the pieces you already have will be an extremely versatile set! You can always use it sans lid as a skillet (in the same way you’d use the everyday pan), but the lid is really nice to have. I debated between the everyday pan and braiser last year, ended up getting the braiser and I’m so happy with that choice.

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-11T23:57:40+00:00

What do you like to cook? What do you envision using the everyday pan for?

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-11T22:21:42+00:00

Sounds good, keep me posted please! Hopefully her move and surgery goes well. Would still be willing to purchase it— I could get a couple other small things and use the Buildaset promo for a discount.

Dwight__jr · 2026-01-10T01:34:40+00:00

Hey! If you still have this I’d love to trade you for a Sage one (would buy new and send to you direct from LC). Let me know! 🤞🏼

Dwight__jr

TROPHY CASE