Does that mean it is inedible? -- C.C., Hamilton.

Dear C.C.: Celery has the tendency to lose its crispness when left in a plastic bag for any period of time. When this happens, just place the celery in water with some ice cubes and leave it for a while in the refrigerator. The same holds true for carrots.

Dear Miss d'Arcy: Why does my salt cake, and what can I do to keep it free running? -- I.S., Flatts.

Dear I.S.: When salt is exposed to moisture it will cake. To restore it, empty it into a flat pan and put it in a warm oven to dry out completely. If it is lumpy, mash the salt flat with a large spoon or spatula, then store it in an airtight container. To prevent salt from getting wet, keep it away from moisture. Many cooks will pour salt into a cooking vessel while the food is cooking on the stove. Rising steam enters the salt container, making it wet.

If your saltcellar is large you can put a soda cracker in it. If it is small with a narrow neck add a few grains of rice to the salt. Keep salt away from the stove and the sink, and remember to screw or snap the lid on tightly when not in use.

Dear Miss d'Arcy: What is the best barbecue sauce for steak? (D.D.L., Hamilton).

Dear D.D.L.: Did I read it right -- a barbecue sauce for steak? I would think that steak, above all, is enjoyed for the taste! However, if you are thinking of a marinade, a great one, which is like teriyaki, is given below. You can also rub the steak with fresh, crushed garlic and a little bit of olive oil.

Let the steak marinate for about twenty minutes.

Marinade 1 cup soy sauce 2 tbsp. brown sugar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tsp. vegetable oil Mix all ingredients together and marinate meat and/or vegetables for 20 minutes.

Dear Miss d'Arcy: I like to make burritos but they are so hard to fold. Please tell me how I can make them fold. (C.M., Southampton).

Dear C.M.: Don't remove flour tortillas from the refrigerator and expect them to be pliable. What you have to do is put them in a frying pan, cover and heat them over a low heat. Do not cook them as they will become brittle. Here is a recipe for a delicious Breakfast Burrito. You can use tortillas the same way you would use bread.

Breakfast Burrito 4 flour tortillas (6-inch size) 3 eggs 1 cooked potato, diced 1 cup diced ham or bacon 2 tbsp. chopped onion 2 tbsp. chopped green pepper 2 tbsp. milk salt and pepper to taste 4 slices of cheese 2 tbsp. oil HEAT oil in frying pan. Add potato, ham or bacon, onion, and green pepper.

Toss and cook over a low heat. In a bowl, combine eggs, milk and salt pepper.

Mix well and add to frying pan with a stirring motion. Cook mixture until eggs are set. Divide mixture into four even parts. Put one quarter of the mixture on one tortilla -- which has been warmed in the oven while you were cooking the eggs. Place a slice of cheese on top. Add tomatoes if desired. Roll up tortilla and place on plate joint side down. Serve with sliced tomatoes and lettuce.

If you have any questions you would like Miss D'Arcy to answer in her column, please telephone 295-5881 ext. 250 and leave your name and number so that she can contact you.