BAGUETTE WITH BUTTER & FLAKE SALT - LADY BERGAMOT TEA

My fairy godmother Joan knew me before I was born. She entered my life with an explosion of personality, humor and creativity and never stopped spinning. I gratefully enter her orbit whenever I'm visiting home, Santa Barbara. The woman has taught me a lot -- waxing rhapsodic on contemporary art, divulging relationship dynamics, explaining an article in the Science section of the Times, reminiscing the triumphs and travails of teaching middle schoolers and secret techniques of summer fruit pies.

One fabulous thing I picked up from Joan was the idea of buttering really good bread then sprinkling salt on top. The layers of starch, fat and salt coalesce into a decadent harmony. My bread/toast experiences were forever informed by observing Ms. Joan in action. This is nary a recipe, but a mere gesture of the hand. Spread aggressively, then sprinkle salty snow flakes from on high. Wash it all down with Lady Bergamot tea with a dab of honey or swirl of jam, nothing more. The rich black tea's floral tones and orangey notes will whisk you away to fancy places and compliment the breaded feast.

Do you salt your toast? More important, do you have a fairy godmother?