So, the other day, I just happened to wander into the Williams-Sonoma store that is by my work.

Thinking I was going to be safe because while I drool over just about everything, just about everything in there is too expensive for me to actually purchase.

As I entered the store, I was greeted by the friendly salesperson who stays up front to assist you right as you walk in. "Be sure to check the back, there are items on sale on the back tables," he said. "Uh-oh," I thought.

Sure enough, in the back, there they were, the mighty temptations. Cast iron pots made in France by Staub. At 50% off. We're talking a $200 pot now for $100. O. Mi. Gosh. But, $100! There's a lot of baby food I could buy with that kind of money...

naomitraveler had told me that the Staub pots were superior to Le Cruset, which was my previous source of cast-iron pot lust. I immediately called her to explain my dilemma. Was it really a good enough deal? She assured me it was and that I should invest - "It'll last you a lifetime," she said.

So I bought it. Pretty, green, cast iron. For 50% off!

As I write this, I am cooking a roast in the Staub. According to my sources, the stipples in the lid make for very moist and tasty roasts. If it's half as good as I'm expecting it to be, it will be worth every cent that I paid for it.

If it's really, really good, maybe I'll go back and get the chicken-shaped pot. Click here to see what it looks like>