Iowa Woman Embraces 157-Piece Le Creuset Cookware Set

Valerie Cervantes shares how she's using the massive collection two years later.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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In 2023, Valerie Cervantes went viral on TikTok after her husband gifted her a massive 157-piece Le Creuset cookware set from Costco. Two years later, Cervantes shares how she's been using the extensive collection, including her favorite pieces like the pasta bowls, crêpe pan, and Dutch oven.

Why it matters

The story highlights how an extravagant gift can transform someone's cooking and eating habits, even if the initial reaction was one of disbelief. It also showcases the versatility and quality of Le Creuset's cookware that has allowed Cervantes to expand her culinary skills and rely on the set for her family's daily meals.

The details

Cervantes, a stay-at-home mom in Ames, Iowa, uses the Le Creuset dinnerware, mugs, and pans on a daily basis. She's especially fond of the pasta bowls, which she uses for a variety of dishes, and the crêpe pan, which has allowed her to learn how to make sweet and savory crêpes. The Dutch oven has also replaced her slow cooker for braises and stews. Cervantes plans to finally use the Le Creuset pie bird that came with the original set.

  • In 2023, Cervantes' husband gifted her the 157-piece Le Creuset set from Costco.
  • Two years later, in 2025, Cervantes shared how she's been using the extensive collection.

The players

Valerie Cervantes

A stay-at-home mom in Ames, Iowa, who went viral on TikTok in 2023 after her husband gifted her a massive 157-piece Le Creuset cookware set from Costco.

Cervantes' husband

Purchased the 157-piece Le Creuset set from Costco as a Christmas gift for his wife in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“We use the plates, bowls, coffee cups, pasta bowls, and pans every day — no fatalities yet!”

— Valerie Cervantes (Food & Wine)

“The best part about the Le Creuset plates is that they are oven- and broiler-safe, making it super easy to quickly warm up food.”

— Valerie Cervantes (Food & Wine)

“I rarely use my Crock-Pot anymore.”

— Valerie Cervantes (Food & Wine)

What’s next

Cervantes plans to finally use the Le Creuset pie bird that came with the original set.

The takeaway

This story showcases how an extravagant gift can transform someone's cooking and eating habits, highlighting the versatility and quality of Le Creuset's cookware that has allowed Cervantes to expand her culinary skills and rely on the set for her family's daily meals.