The Pantry Essentials Nancy Silverton Always Has On Hand

When it comes to cooking essentials, who better to ask for help than a world-renowned chef? As illustrated by Food Network, Nancy Silverton has enjoyed a very illustrious career since getting her start at Spago in 1982. She's now best known for her work at La Brea Bakery and Osteria Mozza, two esteemed California eating establishments. The success of Osteria Mozza has even resulted in additional locations, as well as "spin-off" establishments showcasing her unique culinary philosophy. Silverton is also the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including being named "Outstanding Chef" by the James Beard Foundation.

Despite her many accolades, Silverton finds great joy in the more personal aspects of cooking and baking. As explained by Le Cordon Bleu, the chef states that she is most enthusiastic about being a mentor to up-and-coming cooks, and "tinkering with a dish over and over and over" in the sanctity of her own kitchen. That explains her diligence when it comes to vital ingredients, which are a must when cooks want to experiment freely with recipes.

Having a well-packed pantry is key to whipping up an impressive meal in no time flat. And as Santa Barbara's Independent explains, Silverton recommends that certain items are kept on hand at all times to ensure excellence in the kitchen. When it comes to imbuing a recipe with undeniable flavor, the chef is a big proponent of olives, anchovies, and capers. For the uninitiated, BBC Good Food explains that capers are buds derived from the Capparis shrub that are pickled to achieve a briny taste. The ingredient can also be found in a paste, which Silverton explains can be introduced to dishes for a burst of flavor.

Silverton also urges home chefs to have canned beans on hand as a convenient alternative to fresh beans, provided that they select a brand without artificial ingredients or additives. Mayonnaise is another pantry staple Silverton can't live without, and she's a big proponent of the Best Foods brand. As stated by the chef, good mayonnaise can be used in a variety of preparations by adding ingredients like peppers and garlic. In addition to advice on important ingredients, Silverton is also a font of information when it comes to cooking and entertaining tips.

In a discussion with The San Diego Union-Tribune, Silverton discloses her passion for home cooking, which even inspired a cookbook entitled "Mozza at Home." First and foremost, the chef believes that flavor unity is of the utmost importance at the dinner table. That's why she forgoes potlucks in favor of carefully planning the menu herself, which usually begins with the selection of a protein. Preparation is also key when entertaining loved ones, and Silverton states she keeps things on track by creating a list and crossing items off as they're completed.

Hosts can also make things a little easier on themselves by serving meals "family style," which allows guests to help themselves as they please. In fact, the chef is a huge supporter of buffet-style meals, as she believes they create a more enjoyable communal environment among partygoers. She takes this approach when preparing burgers on her outdoor grill, which is one of her favorite meals to make for loved ones. It just goes to show you how much can be done when you have easy access to essential ingredients.