How to Shop Like A Chef

This week we’re taking a trip to Whole Foods with Chef Laura (our very cool, very funny newest Tiny Spoon Chef!) to track down some of her tried-and-true pantry necessities.

Take it from someone who makes things taste delicious for a living - these are some high-caliber condiments. And when you start with an excellent foundation...well, Laura explains it best:

Maldon Salt

An absolute essential for any well-seasoned spice cabinet.

Big, hearty flakes of natural kosher salt. Makes vegetables, steak, butter, tahini chocolate chip cookies - literally anything taste better. Also people will think you're fancy when you flourish some on a freshly seared steak. Salt bae WHO?!

Mike’s Hot Honey

Toss your maple syrup, toss your regular honey.

A subtly spicy but floral version of what your pantry is used to. I like mine on pizza, fried chicken, and especially cheese - really funky blue cheese to be specific.

Maille Mustard

The elite of all mustards.

This is not your French's that has been sitting in your fridge since that one hot dog you made 6 months ago.

Some girls collect shoes, purses, etc. I have a bad habit of hoarding mustards in my fridge - like dozens at a time. It is, after all, the best condiment. Therefore, I am qualified to say this is the best mustard for all mustard-like applications: vinaigrettes, sauces, sandwich spread and, especially, Cesar dressing. It's also been around since the 1700s, so I think it deserves some clout.

Red Boat Fish Sauce

“The purest fish sauce on earth" it says on their website AND I'M buying it (literally and figuratively).

Salty and super savory this is always in my fridge for dressing, Pad Thai and - don't tell the Nonnas - tomato sauce. Perfect for adding a touch of umami to any dish.

Maplebrook Farm Burrata

Vermont knows their cheese.

Especially their Burrata. I mean it's an oozy creamy mozzarella ball, what's not to like? Best with grilled peaches, basil pesto and grilled crostini. Or keep it simple with in season tomatoes. Or eat it like an apple . . . which I have done before.

Fig Spread

A perfect counterpart to any cheese board.

Especially super savory accompaniments like stilton, truffle or gouda. What else can I say?

Effie's Corn Cakes

I'm not a sweets type of person but if these are in my house they will be gone within hours.

More savory than sweet, with a hint of anise. Perfect for inhaling during your evening commute (guilty) or ground fine for a pie crust.