While Silverton prefers her nuts plain, she reveals that she always carries a bit of Maldon sea salt with her.

“I have a beautiful little sterling silver case, and I keep my flaky sea salt in it. It’s Maldon, of course,” The Cookie That Changed My Life author shares. 

“You go somewhere, and you don’t want to offend someone if their food isn’t seasoned enough. A little salt always helps.”

Of course, the Chef’s Table star is full of great advice. She even gave us a few pointers on making summer entertaining easier, starting with a great appetizer idea.

“The easiest appetizer to serve a crowd is probably chips and dips. I think when people are outdoors and standing around casually, just the motion of picking up a chip and dipping it is always a crowd-pleaser,” she shares.

The former opening pastry chef at Wolfgang Puck‘s Spago doesn’t think your chip and dip options need to be fancy. “I love potato chips with Lipton French onion dip. You can’t go wrong with that,” she laughs.

“I also love tortilla chips with green salsa, red salsa, and guacamole,” Silverton says. “Those are always at my summer backyard parties.” Ah, a woman after our own hearts!

We asked the culinary legend what else she likes to have on hand when entertaining, and her list includes fresh flowers, an easy-to-serve pitcher of Aperol spritz, items to keep room temperature foods from getting hot, and a way to keep cold foods chilled.