HELP! recipe for virgin Le Creuset 3.5 qt french oven

[courtney.hami]

Hey Chowhounders,

My lover (who, mind you, I now love appreciably more) just surprised me with a 3.5 qt french oven by LC, in red. meow.

So now the big question is... where do I start off?

I'm a dutch oven virgin, but willing to try anything and everything. I'm hoping to set the standard by making my first LC meal one to remember. Got any suggestions?

I LOVE duck, chicken, shrimp, risottos and and most veggies. only limitations: I don't eat anything with four legs. They creep me out. (no pork, beef, lamb, etc)

Please, give me all you got. With any luck, standards will be set high and I'll be driven to try them all.

[valerie]

I have made this Alton Brown 40 Cloves and a Chicken recipe numerous times, always to rave reviews. Have used both whole chickens (cut up) and breasts only. Either works fine.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/40-cloves-and-a-chicken-recipe/index.html

I also make this Indonesian Ginger Chicken somewhat often...

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/in...

[onefineleo]

Go get yourself a copy of All About Braising by Molly Stevens. You and your french oven will be set for life. I promise.

[courtney.hami]

Indonesian ginger chicken? yum! definitely going to try that one.

[todao]

Your new tool is, essentially, a slow cooker - so you can make anything with it that would turn out nicely using a slow cook method. Chicken Catchatori comes to mind, but Duck A L'Orange, Shrimp Creole might be a good place to start.