Super Simple Fresh Strawberry Pie

Since I was a child, I have always loved fresh strawberry pie.  My grandmother used to make one when I visited and it quickly became one of my favorite desserts.  This is a super simple recipe which uses fresh strawberries and makes a great pie.  It is definitely best served the day you make it, so I wouldn't recommend making it a day or two ahead of when you intend to serve it.

Printable Recipe

Ingredients 
6 cups fresh whole strawberries, hulled, divided
1 cup sugar
3 TBSP. cornstarch
¾ cup water
Few drops red food coloring, optional 
1 store-bought pie crust (9"), baked and slightly cooled
Whipped cream (optional)

Directions
Mash 1 cup strawberries; set aside.  In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in water and mashed berries. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir in food coloring if desired. Cook and stir 3 minutes more. Cool for 10 minutes. 

Spread about 1/3 cup glaze over bottom and sides of pie shell. Halve remaining strawberries; arrange in shell. Spoon remaining glaze over berries. Chill for 1-2 hours.

Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream. Pie is best served the day it's made.