Oh My! Strawberry Pie!

Strawberry Pie!

Strawberry Pie is one of my all-time favorite pies!  It's not just a pie, but a significant milestone in the calendar year.  It means that summer is here, berry season is upon us, and we can go out to the fields with our berry buckets to stock our freezers with a taste of summertime!

A quick rinse to make sure there's no dirt, or little critters!

The great thing about this pie is that it's easy, takes only a few ingredients and can be made really quickly.  Plump, juicy strawberries, dripping with flavor and naturally vibrant.  There's nothing better!

Add a dollop of whipped cream!

Add a fork, and you're ready to go!  Yummm!

Fresh Strawberry Pie
6 cups fresh strawberries, frozen do not substitute
2/3 cups sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2/3 cup water

In a saucepan, mash one cup of berries.  Combine the cornstarch and water until well blended, and add to the crushed strawberries.  Cook and stir over medium heat until misture is thickened and bubbly.  Cook one minute.

Spread about 1/4 of the glaze over bottom and sides of crust.  Arrange strawberries and add remaining glaze over the top, taking care to cover each berry.  Chill for 1 hour.  Top with whipped cream and serve.

Shortbread Crust
1/2 butter, slightly softened
1 cup unsifted flour
1/4 cup brown butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Mix together until crumbly.  Press into 9" pie pan and bake at 350 F for ~16 minutes, or until light golden brown.

Photograph © Hearty Appletite