We interviewed Nancy Silverton. We're sure she'll love what she chooses. The products featured in this article are from brands available on the NBCUniversal Checkout Marketplace. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
nancy silverton Cooking icon. Ever since she started as an opening pastry chef at a restaurant, she has always demonstrated her strengths. wolfgang puckfrom Spago, to founding the cult-favorite artisan bakery La Brea Bakery, to her world-famous restaurants Campanile, Pizzeria Mozza, Osteria Mozza, and chi SPACCA. Silverton is also the author of nine must-read cookbooks. Let's talk about culinary legends!
Eh! We got to ask the pioneering chef our burning questions, including which kitchen gadgets are worth it, how to give great kitchen gifts, and the best way to enjoy mozzarella. By the way, Nancy says it's “Bufala mozzarella with Spanish anchovies.”
The talented chef also told us about the $18 kitchen gadget that changed her life.
Silverton is no stranger to life-changing advice. In 2023, a Los Angeles-born chef will write a cookbook. Cookies that changed my life. Currently, she says there are two kitchen items that she feels will “change her life.” The first is a microplane.
“What I like about it is that it doesn't plug in. I don't really like kitchen appliances that plug in, so it's just in my wheelhouse,” she explains.
“I like that the holes themselves have so many configurations, so there's small, medium, and large, and each has its place. There's also ribbons and slashes. I probably have all kinds of microplanes. I own six of them.'' I'm always looking for a better handle and better weight, and they're all great. I use it for everything from rinds to cheese to grated garlic. I love it all!'' she says.
The chef at Osteria Mozza also spoke of his long-standing love of mortar and pestle, dating back to his culinary school days at Le Cordon Bleu in London.
“This is a porcelain mortar and pestle. I love making things with a mortar and pestle. I use these to make all my ground sauces, like pesto and nut-based sauces. Green “From sauces to just using the heavy bowl of that mortar, you can make all sorts of emulsified or mayonnaise-based dressings with a whisk,” she explains.
The chef notes that a heavy porcelain mortar is actually more ideal for mixing dressings, as lightweight mixing bowls tend to “flop around the counter” if not properly secured. Masu. But Silverton, one of Hekklad's chef ambassadors, said Hekklad's mixing bowls with rubber bottoms are a “great” option because they don't move easily.
Silverton is also a fan of the brand's pizza steel and crock pot.
“I was always against Teflon coatings. I had them coated with Teflon just to make scrambled eggs,” she reveals. “The great thing about Hexclad is that it's Teflon but has a stainless steel base, which makes a big difference in heat transfer. It's really nice and well made and I think it comes with a lifetime warranty. This is a huge asset when you use it.'' It becomes a pot. ”
When asked what the most overrated kitchen gadget is, Silverton says with a laugh: “They don't make those anymore. They don't make those anymore.” answered.
But there's one plug-in item she thinks is worth it. If you're looking for a housewarming gift or wedding gift for your loved one, this device has Nancy's Silverton endorsement. “I'll make an exception, but I love my KitchenAid mixer,” she says.
“When making dough or batter, it's very difficult to whisk things like egg yolks. It's very difficult. It's a great gift.”
For more gift inspiration, check out Silverton's great gift advice. “I found a lot of things that I like, so I'm going to give them to you.”
She calls her collection of wooden spoons “a beautiful gift to give someone.”
“I love a flat, sturdy wooden spoon, or spatula as I like to call it. I think it's a great gift. I recently discovered a really great brand of peeler, and it also has the right features. I also love the rolling pin they have, it’s a heavy thing for them.”
