Ordered this out of curiosity on the size and was the only Le Crusette I could afford. Ha  ha... Can't really cook in it, or at least I don't know what would fit into it. My curiosity got the best of me and I ordered it thinking I could use it for something. Turns out I may have been incorrect. Possibly used for butter or Parmesan cheese and will keep it cool on the table if refrigerated prior to putting out. It could also be used as a salt or pepper dispenser with a spoon on the table and the lid makes it nice or even herbs that accompany a meal as a topping such as parsley, basil, rosemary, etc...