Great Strawberry Pie

We started a strawberry patch a few years ago with about 40 plants that had been weeded from somebody else's overgrown strawberry patch. To be honest, when I transplanted them, I imagined that only a few of them would survive. Now, I am constantly cleaning out my overgrown patch, and our family has enjoyed the fresh berries each year. One of our favorite recipes is this strawberry pie. 

I was always scared to make my own pie crusts. They never seemed to turn out, but finally found a recipe that has never disappointed! I'll share that too, in case you have trouble with your pie crust too. 

Perfect Pie Crust


2 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
3/4 cup vegetable shortening
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp vinegar
3-4 Tbsp cold water


Combine flour, salt and sugar. Evenly cut shortening into flour mixture.Combine egg and vinegar, and add to mixture. Add water a tablespoon at a time until dough is moist enough to form a ball. Shape dough into 2 balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll out and to fit pie plate. 


To bake an unfilled pie shell, prick sides and bottom of pastry with fork. Bake at 450 for 9-12 minutes. Cool, and continue as directed in recipe.




Great Strawberry Pie


2 baked pie shells
2 1/2 qts fresh strawberries
1 cup sugar
2 Tbsp corn starch
1 cup boiling water
1 pkg strawberry jello


Mix sugar and corn starch. Add boiling water; cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat. Add jello, stirring until smooth. Cool to room temperature.


Place strawberries in pie shell. Pour jello mixture over berries. Refrigerate until set.