How to Use a Regular Pie Crust for a Strawberry Pie

Use hand-picked strawberries for the sweetest strawberry pie.

Strawberry pie is a sign of spring coming to an end and summer months coming in. Strawberries are available for harvest in the early summer months, often making the pie sweeter than using store-bought berries. Try to pick your own berries for the freshest tasting pie. The strawberry's sweetness allows versatility in pie crusts, helping even the most novice baker to create a masterpiece.

Things You'll Need

• 4 cups flour
• 3 tbsp. white sugar
• 2 tspp. salt
• 1 3/4 cups shortening
• 1/2 cup water
• Rolling pin
• 1 qt. fresh strawberries
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3 tbsp. cornstarch
• 3/4 cup water

Instructions

Pie Crust

1. Combine flour, sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix until blended. Cut the shortening into cubes and add to the mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to mix the dough until it resembles pea-sized crumbles. Gradually add water while mixing the dough until a ball forms.

2. Rub flour on the rolling pin and rolling surface. Form the dough into a flattened disk shape. Roll the dough until 1/8-inch thick; turn the dough frequently while rolling to prevent sticking.

3. Transfer the dough to a greased and floured pie pan. Bake the shell at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Strawberry Filling

1. Wash strawberries and remove stems. Divide the strawberries into two equal portions. Slice the first half of the strawberries into slices. Add strawberries to the baked pie crust.

2. Place remaining strawberries in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the sugar to the saucepan. Mash the strawberries and sugar until no large chunks remain. Place saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until boiling.

3. Mix water and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Add cornstarch and water to the boiling strawberry mixture, gradually. Lower heat and allow mixture to simmer until thick, stirring constantly.

4. Allow berry mixture to cool for 30 minutes. Pour the strawberry mixture into the pie shell and refrigerate. Chill pie for two to three hours, prior to eating.

Tips & Warnings

• For a more decadent dessert, add fresh whipped cream or chocolate shavings.

References

• Allrecipes.com: Strawberry Pie II
• Allrecipes.com: Ruth's Grandma's Pie Crust