This Le Creuset Cocotte Is Tempting Me to Break One of My Own Kitchen Rules

Because I live in an apartment with a small kitchen, I have one strict rule: No holiday-themed cookware. There are a lot of cute pieces out there, but I don’t have the space for things that don’t pull their weight year-round. That said, if there’s any brand that could tempt me to break that rule, it’s Le Creuset — and their Shallow Heart Cocotte is the pot that does it. 

The loophole here is that an item isn’t seasonal if you use it year-round. Yes, this pot makes Valentine’s Day brownies feel way more special, but — as reviewers point out — it adds a little joy to desserts, sides, or meals for one well past February 14. With its 5-star rating on QVC, and Le Creuset’s reputation of quality cookware that’s built to last, this is a piece that would earn its place among my kitchen workhorses — it would just do it with a little panache.

The Shallow Heart Cocotte is a heart-shaped, lidded pot made from Le Creuset’s famous enameled cast iron. As with the brand’s classic Dutch ovens, this material cooks food evenly and locks in flavor. It requires no pre-seasoning and is dishwasher-safe (although hand-washing is recommended).

The cocotte has large loop handles for easy carrying, and Le Creuset adds a special touch with a golden heart version of its iconic logo knob. QVC offers the Shallow Heart Cocotte in three colorways: Cerise, Peche, and White. With a 1.25-quart capacity, it’s ideal for desserts or sides, although some reviewers say it works perfectly as a dinner-for-one pot. The piece looks beautiful whether it’s on the table for serving or on the stovetop.

Average Rating: 5/5

I am extremely happy with this purchase. After picking out a new Dutch oven during one of Le Creuset’s sales, I decided to buy this because it was small, but still cast iron so I knew it would perform well. Side dishes like green bean casserole and a cheesy mashed potato casserole are perfect in this. I also made cinnamon rolls in this. —ABeans

It has a very small capacity, but for a single person it will work. I’m keeping it out on my stovetop. I never saw a demonstration but took a chance and I’m very pleased that I did. —Checksix

If you want the iconic quality of Le Creuset plus some attention-grabbing design, the Shallow Heart Cocotte delivers on both. At 1.25 quarts, it’s not the best choice for someone looking to make entrées in larger quantities, but it really shines for sides, desserts, and smaller portions.

Buy: Le Creuset Shallow Heart Cocotte, $175