We're packing for a flight tomorrow, and of course that packing includes a snack to make the hours in the air more palatable. Inspired by Saveur's March theme of butter, we washed some radishes, spooned some artisanal butter into a disposable container, and bagged up a bit of sea salt.

Tomorrow, just when the flight seems intolerable, we'll take a bite of peppery radish, slather on some cooling butter and add a little extra crunch with the salt.
But this easy snack isn't limited to the air. It's an appetizer we employ when casual company comes to dinner. Paired with slices of good bread, these simple items become an interactive treat our guests can assemble themselves.
• Here are some more ideas for in-flight dining DIY-style. What's your favorite snack to take flying?
(All images by Nina Callaway)
So how do you think the little bag of fine white powder will go over with security? Just curious.
view Kyla (Pieds Des Anges)'s profile
If you like the taste of radish, you should try Kohlrabi. I think they taste very similar.
view Rhaya 's profile
good point Kyla! I didn't even think of that.
But it's a very big grained rock salt, and thus pretty obvious that it's not something sinister.
I imagine that they won't even see it in the x-ray machine, and it's not illegal to carry salt, even on an airplane.
view NinaC's profile
could make for a good story, too!
view Kyla (Pieds Des Anges)'s profile
I have never thought to put butter on a radish. I wonder if everything is better with butter. I am intrigued I must admit.
view http://organicandnaturalmom.blogspot.com/'s profile
Oh please you tell them thats its salt and they may make you taste it but I can't imagine anything else. Worst case scenario they have a dog sniff it. This sounds excellent and is pretty shelf stable, nice counter to the no ice rule although if you want something on ice you could always use frozen fruit to store it.
view sally599's profile
That's one of my favorite springtime snacks! I'd never thought of taking it on a plane, I always end up half-heartedly snacking on those awful mini-pretzels.
view heidh's profile
They consider Peanut Butter a liquid, so I don't think you'll get away with the butter, unless you have it in an approved 3 oz. or less container.
view drmeglet's profile
Sad but true, butter will count as a liquid or gel.
view dria's profile
Oh! Funny story about liquid/gel: Last summer I went to New York with about 9 pints of Jeni's ice cream. They were packed in dry ice, and I did plenty of research on whether I could carry on dry ice or not. I asked several airport employees and checked on regulations online.
Well, when I got to the gate they made me check the package because, as they repeatedly told me, ice cream is frozen, and if it melts it will become a liquid, which is not allowed.
So hazardous dry ice - yes. Delicious Jeni's ice cream? No.
view faith's profile
seems really like a really fussy snack to take on a plane!
view spossberg's profile
I agree with spossberg. I can't imagine fumbling around with butter and salt and having to explain it to my seatmate.
view Bx's profile
Radishes with butter, salt and bread are among the perfect snacks. Keep it simple, though, with plane food.
view krister's profile
I like your bamboo cutting board. I'm a geek like that.
view art's profile
What a wonderful idea! I adore radishes, esp. "french breakfast" ones. I buy my seeds in Paris because they seem to germinate & grow faster than domestic ones. BHV has them. Union Square greenmarket always has an amazing selection in spring. The long shape is easier to butter, too. For me, fleur de sel is the only salt to use on these gems.
view passsy's profile