Corned Beef - St. Paddy

Yesterday, I saw for my first time the famous Chicago Green River. While it wasn't yet St. Patrick's day as not yet March 17th, it inspired me to cook. Really it gave me an excuse to cook using my Le Creuset iron cast pot.
I personally enjoy garlic (I am French), so I always start flavoring my pot with some olive oil and fresh minced garlic. Then I add my Corned Beef already seasoned including my personal favorite: coriander seeds... I add some fresh pepper and salt then add some water as to prevent my garlic from burning. While my meat is absorbing the garlic flavor, I cut my cabbage, potatoes and carrots.

I add water as to submerge my meat and veggies then add mushrooms (once again I am French).

And Voilà, I only have to let it cook on medium heat for a few hours as it gets tender...

I suppose this is my French twist to my St. Paddy's corned beef.

Best finds

When it comes to getting the right tools to cook or bake, many of us know what we want. I tend to buy "made in France". My paternal grandmother, who is an excellent cook (is from Périgord) uses her Le Creuset dutch oven for many of my favorite childhood meals. As a result, when seeking a good cast iron, I compared Staub and Le Creuset. Anyhow, the cost of each was beyond my budget. In hope to save myself some $$, I scavenge local thrift stores. Well, it paid off. I found a set of 3 Blue Le Creuset cast iron pots for a fraction of the cost. I used some baking soda to clean the inside thoroughly. Today, I get to cook many of my own meals in them. I still search for more pieces to add to my growing collection.

What are your best finds?