Recipes from DixieBelleGifts.com

dinner
taco soup
tomato basil soup
chicken spaghetti

dessert
a brownie trifle
strawberry shortcake
puppy chow
cream cheese filling

If you are in need of a great easy dessert, this one is for you. It was passed down from my husband's great grandmother.

Ingredients
2 frozen nine inch pie crusts
2 pounds of strawberries
1.25 cups of sugar
1 pint of whipping cream

Instructions
Brown the 2 pie crusts according to the instructions on the package. Slice the strawberries up into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. Once the strawberries have been sliced, add a cup of sugar a mix. (You may want to add a little water, about a 1/4 cup - this will help to make a little more strawberry juice) Once you have finished the strawberries put the bowl in the refridgerator to chill for a few hours before serving.

To Make Whipping Cream
This is the key ingredient to great strawberry shortcake. Don't be tempted to take the easy way out and use a tub of Cool Whip! It's a little extra effort, but trust me it's worth it - plus you can brag that you made it from scratch!

Pour the whipping cream into a mixer, and let it mix until the cream thickens a little. Add 1/2 teaspoon (about a capful) of vanilla. Then slowly add in 1/4 cup sugar. Continue mixing, but watch it carefully. You want to let it mix until stiff peaks form and it has the fluffy consistency of whip cream. Just don't let it mix too long, or you will ruin it! (Speaking from experience :)

To serve, break up the pie crusts and top with the strawberries and whipping cream. This recipe makes enough for you and 4 of your lucky friends!

Ranch Dressing with a Twist

Sometimes all a good recipe needs to be great is one unexpected ingredient! Try making your own ranch dressing from the packet (this is easy, folks - you just add milk and mayonnaise) then for amazing flavor, add a little dill weed. It really adds a lot to an already great dressing or dip, and your guests will think it's your own special recipe!

The Perfect Hard Boiled Egg

Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Set on stove and bring to a boil. Once the water comes to a boil, remove from heat, cover and let stand for 12 minutes. That's it! You'll have perfectly boiled eggs with light, fluffy yolks and no green edges.

Always Add More Chocolate!!

If a recipe calls for chocolate chips or candy bar chunks, go ahead and increase the measurement by 1/2 or more, if you dare! Because if a little chocolate is good, more is better, right?
Note: I have already adjusted the recipes on my site to include the extra chocolate.