Fresh Strawberry Pie

I don't make dessert very often and when I do, I tend to go for fruit desserts - mostly because I've never been a big fan of chocolate, which I know is shocking to most people. I also didn't grow up eating dessert because my Mom didn't like them at all. Dessert is just not a Chinese thing. So, when my American Father would occasionally give us a big treat, he would take us to Marie Callender's for a piece of pie.  And when strawberries were in season, my first choice was always fresh Strawberry Pie. Once I got older, I started making these pies after I found out how easy they are to make. I got out of the habit, but today when at the grocery store, I saw some really lovely Washington strawberries and I was inspired to make it again for the first time in about 20 years! I had forgotten how much I love this pie and will be bringing it back much more often from now on. I used a frozen Gluten Free Pie Crust from Whole Foods that I baked until it was lightly golden brown, although pie crusts are pretty easy to make with Cup 4 Cup flour and butter. I also add a little bit of lemon juice to keep the syrup from being cloyingly sweet. Served with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, Fresh Strawberry Pie is a truly delicious slice of early summer!

Fresh Strawberry Pie

1 Prebaked Pie Shell (I used a frozen Gluten Free one from Whole Foods that I baked)

4 cups Strawberries, washed, stem removed and cut into half or quarters

¾ cup Sugar

¾ cup Water

3 Tablespoons Cornstarch

1 - 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice

Take 1 cup of the Strawberries and mash with a fork.  Add them to the Water and Sugar in a small Saucepan.  Stir in the Cornstarch to blend. Heat until boiling and cook until thickened.  Let cool slightly and then add to the rest of the Strawberries. Toss with a spoon to coat them all.  Then pour the Strawberries into the Prebaked Pie Shell and cover with foil. Turn some of the top Strawberries skin side up if desired. Put in the refrigerator and chill for several hours.  Served with lightly sweetened Whipped Cream if desired or if you are trying to go Lactose Free, Coconut Creme would be a good substitute. 


Five Element Analysis

Strawberries look like bright little red hearts so of course they belong to the Fire Element.  And as this is a sweet dessert, it is clearly an Earth food.  The Rice and Tapioca flours in the Pie Crust contribute the Metal Element along with the Whipped Cream. And the bit of lemon juice does bring in the Wood Element, but not much. Therefore, this is a great dessert  to serve with a meal that includes other foods that represent the Water and Wood Elements to find a Five Element balance.