I am a little nuts and plan to catalog my collection of clay cooking pieces. I have a lot and like all good hoarders, all I need is one more piece and my life will be complete. My preference is for "folk pottery", probably too vague a term, but I know what it is when I see it. First off are these pieces from Oaxaca. I'd met the women who make them in the market in Oaxaca and years later finally made it to San Marcos to see them, with my friends Yunuen and Gabriel. They had met them as well, but at trade shows in Mexico. Their work is gorgeous but I think the clay has a mineral flavor (it fades after a little use) and it cooks a little hot. Using these pieces was the first time I burned food in clay! So use a heat diffuser and enjoy them, is probably the answer. What I wouldn't give to have access to their little shop all the time!