
Invicta
The French iron foundry Invicta has a long history. The traditional company has been based in Donchery in the Champagne-Ardenne region since 1924 and still mainly produces classic cast iron casseroles by hand. The original name for this is Cocotte, or "Cocotte." Cocotte is French and originally means "chicken," as these pots were primarily used for braising a chicken. Modern casseroles like those from the brand Invicta are true all-rounders, as they are not only perfect for braising but also for searing, roasting, steaming, caramelizing, candying, emulsifying, reheating, and even serving—not just chicken, of course!
High-quality cast iron is the ideal material for braising pots because it distributes heat evenly and retains it for a long time. The special feature of the cookware from the brand Invicta is the enameling: The casseroles are coated with an enamel layer inside and (barely noticeable at first glance) also outside. This makes cleaning easier and makes the colorful Cocotte very attractive for use as a terrine on the set table. Speaking of "table": The excellent heat retention of cast iron is a real advantage when serving. The dish stays warm for a long time in the Invicta Cocotte, whether it's a casserole, roast, or dessert.
The Cookware
The cast iron Invicta casseroles are true all-rounders: They can be used for simmering, searing, roasting, braising, steaming, candying, caramelizing, emulsifying, reheating, … and also serving! The taste and aromas of a slowly braised dish remain very intense here. A cocotte is also perfect for "lazy cooking" and trendy "one-pot" dishes: Simply put all the ingredients together in the pot and let them simmer over low heat. This way, the dish gently stews in its own juices and is doubly protected from drying out: The heavy lid seals the oval and round pots very tightly, and it also functions as a condensation lid: The steam rising during cooking collects on the lid and condenses there into water, which drips evenly back onto the pot's contents along small knobs, keeping the contents juicy. This effect can also be accelerated or enhanced by placing ice cubes on the lid with the raised edge. Large spacious handles make it easy to carry the cast iron pots, which can have quite a weight depending on their size and contents.