Preparing meals during the week is a hurried affair. It's easy enough to set the table with linens, light some candles, open a bottle of wine. But the meal preparation is rushed in an effort to get dinner on the lovely table.Today is Friday. Friday begins the weekend, and the weekends are different: a slower pace and more time to shop and prepare meals. In season, there is time to visit the farmer's market. In the colder months, the weekend allows time for a slow cooking cassoulet or a fragrant roast. The weekend is the time to try new recipes or perfect favorites. And, preparing meals on the weekends is a chance for me to use my favorite oven cookware by Emile Henry.
I've always appreciated these simple, unadorned gratin dishes; what I didn't appreciate was the price. Then during a visit to France, I was in one of the hypermarkets; browsing the wares I discovered an aisle where the shelves were lined with Emile Henry ovenware (hypermarkets are similar to Target or Wal-Mart, except the wares are French). The prices were reasonable: 15 €, as opposed to $49 USD. I couldn't resist buying one, and so began my collection of Emile Henry. My very first piece, a small oval gratin dish, is pictured above.
Can't get to France? Non, non, don't be discouraged! You see, I chose to post about this because Emile Henry is currently on sale at amazon.com. While it is not deeply discounted, many pieces can be had at a savings. You can also buy it online at the Emile Henry Factory Outlet. Again, not a huge savings, but you can find some bargains. Finally, if all you're after is the look, check T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods stores; I've never been there when I didn't see a beautiful gratin dish.
I really like Emile Henry bakeware. I have a pie dish and an oval casserole dish both in the same green you show. I use them all the time. I didn't know they were so much less in France.
ReplyDeleteSo much less in France. In fact, I only purchased because the pieces were affordable. During the week, I use the stovetop more than the oven, so I don't use my gratin dishes. But I use them a lot on the weekend!
ReplyDeleteSorry, mistake in the first post, had to write it again. I have a lot of Le Creuset but I am tempted to start collecting the Emile Henry as well. Maybe I will buy a couple of pieces when I go the Paris this fall. Lovely post, I like to make a nice meal on the weekends too.
ReplyDeleteLe Creuset! I have one piece and love it. It's also less expensive in France, and the hypermarts are a great place to look. Since you're going to Paris, check out Monoprix--they might carry Emile Henry.
ReplyDeleteI should write a post about my experience in a Paris five franc store . . .
I think I found my Emile Henry at a local discount store too for less than ten dollars (for a smaller model.) Now I see some at the small supermarket near my village -- your post makes me want to buy more.
ReplyDeleteNice idea for a blog and good writing too! Welcome to the French circles of the blogosphere. I don't keep up with everybody, but there are some great bloggers and commenters our there. Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Betty. I appreciate your comment about my writing; I enjoy it and blogging provides a creative outlet.
ReplyDeleteUntil I started poking around, I never realized how much interest there was in all things French. But you're right-there are "French circles of the blogosphere." And yes, it is hard to keep up with all of them, but I hope you visit again.
what do you mean by "so much less"?
ReplyDelete