Fresh Strawberry Pie

Although summer is officially a few weeks away, around here it is already HOT!  Also strawberries are in abundance here which makes the perfect combination for Fresh Strawberry Pie!  This recipe isn't just that artificial gel that you find in the store, but a tasty filling full of deliciousness!!

Fresh Strawberry Pie

3 quarts (about 3 lbs) fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled
1 cup sugar
1 T powdered pectin (Sure Jell)
Pinch of salt
3 T cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 pre-baked pie shell

Slice 1 heaping quart of the strawberries for the filling and cut in half 2 cups for the pie top.  Half an additional 2 cups of strawberries and puree until smooth. 

Measure 1 1/4 cup of the puree and mix with sugar, pectin and salt in saucepan.  Bring to a simmer whisking frequently. Simmer until mixture foams about 1 minute.  Remove from heat and skim foam.  Return to heat and slowly whisk in cornstarch mixture until mixture is stiff.  Stir in lemon zest and vanilla.

Place 1/4 cup of the mixture in a small bowl, whisk in 2 T water for the glaze.  Place remaining mixture in large bowl, cool to room temperature and then stir in sliced strawberries.  Pour into baked pie shell.  Arrange halved strawberries over top, brush with glaze and refrigerate until ready to serve.