Cocotte (5-qt.): Cherry by Staub

The 5-qt. round dutch oven is the ideal choice for slow-cooked beef stew or roasted chicken, with ample room for veggies, too. From the Alsace region in France, where one pot meals were a staple, it's designed for stovetop or oven, with a well-fitted lid to seal in juices and flavor. Unique to Staub cookware is the top-notch, durable cast-iron melded perfectly with attractive enameled ceramic, plus a self-basting lid so there's no need to monitor contents. The heavy metal knob is oven safe to 600 degrees. Side handles make it easy to transport to the table, where it makes an attractive serving piece.

From the Alsace region of France comes this incredibly striking yet resilient cookware by Staub. Made of cast iron and finished in rich shades of enameled ceramic, it originated with the round and oval Dutch oven, and has evolved into a complete line of cookware used by top chefs around the globe. Unique to Staub pots are the self-basting spikes, small peaks jutting from the lid underside that continuously redistribute juices as they collect during the cooking process. In addition, each piece is created in a unique sand mold and made of the finest raw materials available, fired repeatedly to last over generations of cooks. It won't discolor, warp or produce hotspots and never requires seasoning. The even heat distribution and lasting heat retention are what make it so desirable, and what produces the most intense flavor and tenderness in every meal.