Dear Heloise: Now that we’re getting close to STRAWBERRY SEASON, I have a recipe that I use whenever I have company, and everyone loves it. My husband and I were introduced to it while we were traveling through France a few years ago, and every time I use this recipe, I’m reminded of that old French country inn.

1. Clean strawberries and remove the green caps. Allow to dry on a paper towel.

2. Arrange the strawberries in a bowl or on a plate.

3. Roll the strawberries, one at a time, in sour cream, then roll them in brown sugar.

4. Eat and enjoy!

Most people enjoy the ceremony as much as the berries.

— Anita W. in Dallas

Anita, that sounds delicious! For some additional dessert recipes, try my pamphlet Heloise’s Cake Recipes. To order one, go to www.Heloise.com, or send a business-size, stamped (70 cents), self-addressed envelope, along with $3, to: Heloise/Cake, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Nearly everyone loves a rich, moist cake. Tell us what is your favorite cake recipe and why you like it so much.

— Heloise

Sweet luggage

Dear Heloise: Sometimes luggage can develop an unpleasant odor if it’s closed up for long periods of time. To overcome this problem, I either toss in a dryer sheet (which also helps keep moisture out), or I use the perfume ads with the scented strips from magazines to keep my luggage smelling sweet.

— Christina L., Holland, Mich.

Peppermint oil use

Dear Readers: Spiders and mice hate the scent of peppermint. Put a tablespoon of peppermint oil in a spray bottle with 2 1/2 cups of water, and spray the garage and cupboards in the house. Repeat every other month, or as needed.

— Heloise

A jolt through the phone

Dear Readers: I’ve received several letters about using telephones during an electrical storm. Anything that conducts electricity can provide a pathway for an electrical surge, including such things as corded telephones, plumbing, refrigerators, TVs and even metal doors. While a surge protector is helpful, even the best can’t provide protection from a direct hit. So my best advice is to stay off the landline telephone during a storm. As for cellphones, it’s less likely to receive a lightning strike because radio waves do not conduct electricity very well. Still, it’s better to use a cellphone indoors during an electrical storm.

— Heloise.

Heloise’s travel tips

Dear Readers: Here are some of my travel hints:

* Call your credit-card company before you leave and put a travel alert on your card. While you’re at it, get the international customer-service number, as well. You never know if you’ll need it.

* Stuff your socks inside of your shoes. You’ll save space, and your shoes will retain their shape.

* Toilet paper is not always available in a foreign country. Take those little tissue packets that they sell in drugstores.

* If you can’t afford to lose it, financially or emotionally, don’t pack it.

* Travel with only two pieces of luggage. More than two bags will make traveling a chore.

— Heloise