Sunday, May 18, 2008

Summer, Summer, Strawberry Pie

Nothing screams of summer more than strawberries. So, when I was at the market the other day and stumbled upon some fabulous strawberries, I had to have them. I didn't know what I was going to do with them, but I had to have them. Thoughts of strawberry shortcake, strawberry coulis, strawberry parfaits, strawberry ice cream, and strawberry jam all entered my mind. Which one would it be? Hmmm...

Then, as fate would have it, time would not stand still for me. Where did my weekend go? Those poor strawberries were neglected. As this morning rolled around, I knew I had to use the strawberries - now or never. I couldn't let them go to waste. They needed sugar and whipped cream! And, I needed inspiration in the form of a recipe, and I needed it today. So, I did what any self-respecting food blogger would do - I searched the internet for recipes from fellow bloggers. I quickly found this recipe from Ginger Lemon Girl. The recipe seemed so easy. I was hooked when I read that it was her Grandmother's recipe. I rolled up my sleeves and begin slicing strawberries. This was going to work.


I had to make a few adjustments due to ingredients that I had on hand. The original recipe calls for softened cream cheese, which is spread on the bottom of the pie crust to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. I didn't have any cream cheese in my refrigerator, so I substituted melted chocolate on the bottom. The results were yummy.




And so easy! The recipe was a snap. I have to confess, I didn't make a homemade pie crust. I was pinched for time, so I used a store bought pie crust. I know.... And let me tell you, Grandma Margaret scolded me good for taking the easy way out. But sometimes, there are days when we all need a little help. And, even though it wasn't from scratch, it still came together nicely. After a few hours chilling, the strawberry pie was ready to serve. The chocolate on the bottom added a rich surprise. Chocolate and Strawberries and homemade whipped cream...oh my.



Go to the market. Squeeze some melons, sniff some peaches, buy some strawberries. If you find yourself with some sweet, juicy strawberries - don't think shortcake. Think pie! Treat yourself to this wonderful dessert that is summer. Don't hesitate, strawberries are waiting!


Grandma's Fresh Strawberry Pie

1 quart strawberries, rinsed, patted dry, and quartered or sliced
1 pie shell, baked and cooled
1 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons strawberry gelatin
4 tablespoons reduced fat cream cheese (I used melted semi-sweet chocolate)

Directions:
In a medium sized saucepan whisk together water, cornstarch, and sugar.
Bring to a rolling boil. Continue to boil for three minutes. Mixture
should be think and gel-like. Take off heat and stir in lemon juice
and strawberry gelatin. Set mixture aside and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
Warm cream cheese in a small bowl in microwave for 20 seconds. Spread
cream cheese over the bottom of your cooled pie crust. This will act
as a barrier between your pie crust and your pie filling to keep your
crust crispy. Fold cut strawberries into the strawberry gel mixture and
pour into pie shell. Refrigerate 2-3 hours before serving so pie will set.
Calories do not count when serving strawberry pie! Serve with fresh whipped
cream.

Originally published online at http://gingerlemongirl.blogspot.com/2008/04/fresh-strawberry-pie-gluten-free.html on Sunday, April 20th 2008.

9 comments:

Carrie said...

You GO girl!! What a fantastic post! You are a very good writer! And I LOVE how you substituted chocolate for the cream cheese! What a wonderful idea!! Next time you make this buy one of those ready made "roll-out" crusts and don't tell anybody you didn't make it! it will look homemade!! haha! ;-P Thanks so much for making the recipe and I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Have a fantastic week!

I have some strawberries RIGHT now that are about at the "Do or die" stage! I wonder if my husband can stand another strawberry pie? of course he can! ;-)

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Your pie looks fantastic! I had a hankering for something strawberry, too so I made a strawberry glazed cheesecake.

Anonymous said...

I have to stop reading your blogs before lunch time.
This Strawberry pie looks sooooo yummy!! =]

Renee said...

Carrie,
Thank you for the comments, but mostly - thank you for the recipe! I got rave reviews.

JGF - Thank you for supporting my hobby!! You're the best!

jj - Strawberry glazed cheesecake sounds yummy! It's the season!

Hilary - You should have strawberry pie FOR lunch - doesn't that sound fun!!

Thank you all for your support and comments.

Renee

Abby said...

I love strawberries, period. That pie is SUCH a pretty color it made my mouth water! Looks fab.

Renee said...

Abby,

Thank you for the comment. I love summer and, nothing is better than fresh strawberries!! I enjoyed your strawberry recipes on your blog. Fantastic!

Megan said...

I think chocolate on the bottom sounds better then cream cheese!! Or maybe even both! Looks delicious. Now I wnt pie :)

Renee said...

Thanks, Megan. I know - what's better than chocolate and strawberries!!