June was always the month when we enjoyed a LOT of fresh strawberries. I think we ate them at every meal some days. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables was one way I learned to appreciate the seasons. For guests Momma would make a fresh strawberry pie and lather it with mounds of fresh whipped cream. No one could refuse, even those trying to watch their weight!
Make a single crust using the recipe, Momma’s Pie Crust. The recipe will make two. Roll out the pie crust as in the recipe using the wax paper technique. Be sure to allow the crust to lay flat against the pie pan, or else it will bubble up and then crack when you add the filling. Using a fork, prick little holes at about 2″ intervals all over the crust, even the sides. Bake the crust at 350*F for about 15-20 minutes until light brown. Don’t over bake. Allow the crust to cool completely.
Fresh Strawberry Pie
2 lbs. fresh strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 cup water
With a potato masher, crush about 4 ounces of the berries.
Remove the stems of the rest of the berries, and cut them in halves or quarters, depending on their size. If they are small, leave them whole. Arrange the berries in the cooled pie crust and make sure they look nice with cut sides down.
In a small sauce pan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. (This step will assure you don’t get lumps!) Add water and crushed berries and bring to a low simmer, stirring constantly. Cook until clear and a bit thick.
Pour the hot glaze over to coat the berries, allowing it to seep down into the pie. Chill for several hours.
Whipped Cream
If you’ve never made your own fresh whipped cream, please try it. It is so much yummier than that out of the can, and it doesn’t “melt” nearly so quickly!
1 pt. heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Chill a deep bowl. With an electric mixer, beat the cream in the bowl until it forms soft peaks. Add in sugar and vanilla, and beat a bit more. Don’t over beat! (You’ll have lovely, sweet butter!)
Dress pie with whipped cream right before serving, or allow your guests to help themselves to how much cream they want. You’ll be surprised at how much people love it!
