Nothing makes my heart beat faster than a piece from Le Creuset. The reliability, the durability, the pretty, pretty colors: I can always count on them to get the job done and look good doing it. In fact, my relationship with my favorite Le Creuset cast iron dutch oven has lasted longer than my relationship with the ex who gave it to me. So, if you're looking for a partnership this Valentine's Day that will stand the test of time, forget Cupid and get yourself something fantastic from Le Creuset.
Le Creuset just released a new collection of stoneware and cast iron heart-shaped dishes perfect for a Valentine's Day gift to yourself. From adorable baking dishes to a heart cocotte fondue for two set, there's something there to make anyone sigh with delight.
In fact, taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do this Valentine's Day, whether or not you have a significant other. And come on, do you really want to go out on Valentine's Day anyway?
Even if you are shmoopily in love, restaurants that are normally great experiences tend to be overcrowded and more expensive on February 14. Then there's parking or maybe a babysitter to pay, and doesn't worrying about all those details sound romantic?
So, take a step back from the Valentine's Day madness and spend some time celebrating yourself. I find that one of the best things I can do for myself is cook, whether it's cooking something special for a solo dinner or cooking with people I love.
Maybe your self-care Valentine's Day means baking yourself a gooey chocolatey brownie in a heart-shaped baking dish. Or making the perfect French Onion Soup in a petite heart cocotte. Or pretend you're cooking beef bourguignon in a tiny apartment in Paris, France with a heart-shaped dutch oven.
Or spend Valentine's Day with someone other than Cupid. That might mean inviting your BFF over for a Galentine's Day dinner and serving individual baked mac and cheese in twin pink and white heart ramekins, or making a special memory with your kids by baking cupcakes in a heart-shaped muffin pan.
You can find the heart-shaped collection at Williams-Sonoma or Sur La Table, and of course online. Le Creuset is offering free shipping for orders over $99 in February, which makes Valentine's Day the perfect reason to gift yourself something from the or finally buy one of those big cast iron cookware wish-list items you've been eyeing.
There's a lot of pressure to have the perfect Valentine's Day. This year, let go of that pressure - grab your wine glasses and some Le Creuset heart-shaped cookware and celebrate yourself with the ones you love.