This simple, beautiful, and functional roasting dish is part of an entire tableware and bakeware collection designed by Sophie Conran, an English food writer with her own gourmet pie company. Conran infuses her namesake tableware with a flowing organic nature and tactile expression, as evidenced by the ridges and dipped rims that recall handcrafted pottery. Made of porcelain expressly for Portmeirion, the collection comes in glossy white with select pieces available in cool blue celadon and a creamy biscuit color. Measuring 11 inches in diameter, this round, shallow dish may be used to roast poultry or vegetables, bake a quiche or even bake a cake. The rimless sides are slightly wavy and uneven, giving it a rustic yet modern appeal. Extremely strong and chip-resistant, the baking dish is safe not only for use in the oven or microwave, but can be placed directly on an electric (not gas) burner to sauté onions or reduce drippings to gravy. A pre-made casserole in this dish can go right from the freezer into a hot oven, and from there to the table for serving. After use, the dish can be scrubbed clean by hand or slipped into the dishwasher. The dish complements a full range of dinnerware and makes a great gift for the cook who appreciates life's simple pleasures. --Ann Bieri
