Easy Strawberry Pie

We had strawberry pie a lot growing up because everyone in my family, especially my younger sister, loves strawberries.  Whenever my mom made it, she used a pre-made pie crust and store bought glaze.  Super easy and super fast.  Since then, I've found what I think is just as fast and easy, if not more so.  Instead of a pre-made pie crust that has to be baked, I use a shortbread crust.  Instead of store-bought glaze, which can be pricey, I use strawberry gelatin as a base for the glaze.  So yummy and so fast.

I feel like strawberry pie is one of those things you make when your strawberries are starting to turn a little but you still want to salvage them by creating something yummy.  And seriously, who doesn't love strawberry pie?  I have yet to meet someone.
To make this easy strawberry pie, you will need the following ingredients:

• shortbread pie crust
• fresh strawberries
• strawberry gelatin 
• sugar
• water
• cornstarch

Start by making the glaze.  In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar and cornstarch.  Stir together until smooth.  Bring to a boil.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Remove from the heat and stir in the gelatin until dissolved.  Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes or until slightly cooled.

While the glaze is cooling, wash, hull and slice your strawberries.  (For one pie, you'll need about 4 cups of sliced strawberries.  I usually add a little more. *wink*)

Pour the strawberries into the pie crust.  Slowly pour the glaze over the top, making sure to distribute as evenly as possible.

Place pie in the fridge to set.

That's it!  It's crazy easy!

I love using the shortbread crust as opposed to a graham cracker crust because it's a little more dense and doesn't get soggy and fall apart under the weight of the strawberries.

Easy Strawberry Pie
serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• 4 c. strawberries, sliced
• Shortbread pie crust
• 3-oz pkg strawberry gelatin
• 3/4 c. sugar
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 1 c. water

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar and cornstarch.  Stir together until smooth.  Bring to a boil.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Remove from the heat and stir in the gelatin until dissolved.  Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes or until slightly cooled.
2. While the glaze is cooling, wash, hull and slice your strawberries.
3. Pour the strawberries into the pie crust.  Slowly pour the glaze over the top, making sure to distribute as evenly as possible.
4. Place pie in the fridge to set.