I think I may be joining a cult. In much the same way that, say, Moonies seduce vulnerable souls with tales of self-discovery and newfound strength, so has my 9-quart Le Creuset convinced me that a richer, more fulfilling life is mine for the taking. Scarcely a month ago, this blue devil flung himself into my arms, and it’s been a struggle to let go ever since. Food cooks better—hell, it tastes better—when it’s prepared in Big Blue’s depths. It looks prettier on the stovetop. It makes me feel like a more accomplished chef.

How can a pot do all these things, you ask? Alas, that I cannot answer. Some sort of alchemy, I suppose, some pixie dust that has been tossed in my eyes to make me believe I will be happier if I fully commit to Big Blue. The only problem is, well, Big Blue is a little too big. He’s great for stews for eight and long-simmering dishes in large quantity. But I simply don’t cook like that every day. So, after a week of feeling neglected, of shuddering as the dust begins to accumulate on his shoulders, Big Blue whispered in my ear: Buy another pot. A smaller pot, but one just like me. Another Le Creuset.

What could I do? I was powerless, guilty for having let my new best friend languish, unused, for so many consecutive days. And then I discovered that Amazon is running a promotion: Buy the Le Creuset 5-1/2 Quart Round French Oven and get the 1-1/4 quart saucepan free. With free shipping—no more lugging heavy pots on the subway. And $25 off if you spend over $125 on kitchen supplies. They said I’d save nearly $250, and the lovely, seductive pots would be delivered to my door, free. It was as if they were in cahoots, urging me to take the plunge more fully, to give my soul over to their ministrations.

I did it.

Today the 5-1/2 quart pot arrived—the smaller one is shipping separately. I swear I heard Big Blue snicker when I cut open the box. Don’t they look lovely together? And soon, our little family will grow again, when their saucepan baby sister arrives. My indoctrination will be complete.