Comments: There is an undeniable elegance to this dish. Even covered with the baked-on remains of a leftover potato dauphinoise (delicious, by the way), it is a lovely dish.

Le Creuset's stoneware can go in the freezer, refrigerator, oven, and microwave oven. (The company does not want you to take it straight from the freezer to a hot oven, but says to put it in a cold oven and let it heat up while the oven heats. It cannot be used on the stovetop, within about 2-1/2" of the broiler flame, or above 500°F (260°C)). It is certainly beautiful enough to be used as a serving dish on the table.

The dish is wide and shallow, which increases the surface area, and provides a larger crispy portion for each serving. We think it works fine for creamed spinach or anything else that doesn't provide a crispy portion, too. The dish will not absorb odors or flavors, and Le Creuset says it is strong and durable to resist staining, chipping, and cracking. We see every reason to believe them. We have not babied this dish in our testing, and inflicted no harm. We have not dropped it on the floor, either, and do not recommend doing so….

This 1-quart size is ideal for a modest main course or more servings of a side dish. Of course, you can get Le Creuset casseroles and bakers and au gratin dishes in every shape and size, and a dozen-and-a-half colors, so if a 1-quart capacity is inadequate (or way too big), the company still has something (or many somethings) to meet your needs.