I have a confession to make. I have a real weakness for cocottes. In fact, the smaller, the better. Of course, I have a few large Le Creuset cocottes, very useful for me to make all my stews and soups. Le Creuset offers a lifetime warranty, so this should be a good incentive to get a few. In France, most French cooks have inherited at least one from their mum or grandmother.

But my ultimate favorites at the moment are the mini cocottes.

I also like the Staub line — a company from Alsace, in France — which offers really great cheery colors, in many different sizes and finishes. My newest one is the two-quart in grenadine.

Then, if I really had the space, and the need for it, I would definitely get this gorgeous one from Lodge.

Not only do I love this kiwi color, but the well-designed handle on the lid is a must. A friend of mine has this model, and I had to refrain from not stealing it when we last visited for dinner. I think they would have noticed!

And then on my next trip to France, I will get a few of these, from a company called Sefama:

Aren’t they adorable?