i've always wanted one of these...

Since I've been married I've come across so many recipes that recommend using a dutch oven. I've always wondered what the big deal was with the Le Crueset, and was always intrigued with the outlet store near us. The hefty price tag kept me from ever adding one to my kitchen. I really like the enamel cast iron. Then, Martha Stewart came out with a line at Macy's a few years back and I always kinda wanted one. I love kitchen tools, appliances, etc. You'd think I was a gourmet cook or something. Far from it. I do like to cook, but I can't say I love it. Baking is more of my thing. Anyway, where am I going with all of this?
Soooo, for Christmas I asked for one. And my wonderful in-laws found one just for me:

So far I've made chili, a turkey vegetable soup, and a roast in it. I love using it! I love that I can start it on the stove and transfer it to the oven. I love that I now have a "dutch oven" in my kitchen so that whenever a recipe calls for one, I am all set. I love that I can start a recipe in it and add to it until I get the finished product. One pot cooking!

The finished prduct:

Yum! I am craving some chili or some soup this week. I might have to tweek my menu for the week and squeeze in a soup!