The good news is: the kitchen remodeling is finished, and it looks great. The bad news is: some boxes of cookware have gone missing during the chaos. So the good news is: I had to buy a new bean pot. Buying new cookware is always a treat.


Appearance & Construction

This bean pot is beautiful, a piece of art that is lovely enough to serve as a table centerpiece. I’ve received several compliments on how lovely this pot looks on the table. However, I primarily use my bean pot for cooking, and this pot does cook well.

The curves are graceful, and the blue glaze shines. Designed as a 4-quart dish, the dimensions are 11" x 8 3/4" x 8". The wide mouth allows easy access to the pot’s contents. Curved side handles not only add to the bean pot’s appearance, but they are functional. Also, the lid has a raised knob that allows fingers to wrap around the knob and lift the lid without having the fingertips touch the top of the lid (in case the lid is hot).

Le Creuset Poterie has made this bean pot from a special stoneware that is fired at 1950-degrees F. The stoneware is stain, scratch and crack resistant. It will not retain odors or flavors. And the bean pot absorbs very little moisture, which makes it ideal for going from the refrigerator or freezer to the oven. The non-porous enamel finish is durable, too.


Versatile Cooking with this Pot

This pot isn’t just for beans. Use it to cook stews, soups, casseroles, chili -- and if you have two of these pots, cook the rice to go with the chili! I admit that I mostly use the bean pot to ... well ... to cook beans.

Since this pot is made from a special stoneware, it can go directly from the freezer to the oven without damaging the pot. It can be placed in an oven up to 500-degrees F., or in the microwave, or under the broiler (allow 2 1/2" space between the top of the pot and the broiler element). And the pot is pretty enough to place on the table to serve guests. If using the lid, the contents of the pot will stay warm throughout the meal.

If the pot has been in the freezer, place the frozen dish in a cold oven -- do not place the pot in a pre-heated oven. After placing the cold pot in the cold oven, then turn on the oven. The manufacturer cautions not to place the pot on a stovetop burner or other direct heat source.

The pot’s handles will become heated during cooking, even when cooking in a microwave. So avoid burned fingers by using potholders. Can you tell that I’ve touched a few hot dish handles in my time without thinking?


Caring for the Le Creuset Bean Pot

Before first using the bean pot, wash it in hot, soapy water then rinse. Thoroughly dry the pot.

The wonderful thing about this particular bean pot is that it is dishwasher safe. Though I am the cautious type and have always hand-washed my Le Creuset pot. If you’ve cooked something that stubbornly sticks to the pot, soak the dish in warm water. I also add Dawn dishwashing liquid to encourage food particles to float free. If needed, I use a nylon sponge to loosen the food remains. The manufacturer suggests using a plastic brush if stubborn food clings to the pot.

I’ve never had a problem hand-washing this bean pot. It is very easy to clean. It doesn’t have a stain on it, either. The pot still looks like new after six months of use.


My Grandmother’s Cinnamon Bean Recipe

This recipe is a favorite in our house. Not only does it smell delicious, but it tastes great. I serve the beans over rice for a complete meal.

INGREDIENTS:
1-pound package red kidney beans
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2-pound salt pork, washed
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Soak the red kidney beans overnight in water. You can soak the beans in the cooking pot you will boil them in. In the morning, boil the beans a few minutes with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Drain the beans. Place beans in bean pot. Cover beans with water. Add rest of ingredients (except salt pork) and mix well. Then take washed salt pork and slice it--but do not cut into pieces, just slice it part-way through. Place salt pork on top of beans. Bake slow in a 250-degree oven for 8 hours.


Summary

I primarily use the Le Creuset Bean Pot for cooking baked beans. Not only do the beans cook well in the pot, but I can take the pot directly out of the oven and use it as a serving dish on the table. Leftovers? Place the lid on the pot and put it in the refrigerator. The price might inhibit some from purchasing this bean pot. I purchased my Le Creuset Bean Pot from the Betty Crocker Catalog and paid $44.99 for it. This bean pot is also available at www.cooking.com for $74.99. Bon Appetit!

I hope you have found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com

Warranty

Le Creuset Poterie Stoneware is warranted by Le Creuset of America, Inc. to be free from manufacturing defects in material and workmanship only. This warranty does not cover damage from abuse, use in commercial establishments, neglect, abnormal wear and tear, overheating, or any use that is not in accordance with the written directions received with the product.

Le Creuset of America Inc.
PO Box 67 - 114 Bob Gifford Blvd.
Early Branch, SC 29916
Tel: 803.943.4308
Free Helpline: (877) CREUSET


Please read my other reviews:

Betty Crocker Catalog

T-Fal Perfection Saute Pan

Calphalon Professional Non-stick Sauce Pan

Pyrex 4-cup Glass Measuring Cup

Amco 4-cup Stainless Steel Measuring Cup

GE Top Freezer Refrigerator

Maytag Gemini Oven




Copyright 2003 Dawn L. Stewart


Recommended: Yes