Ruby Red Strawberry Pie

What could be better in berry season than Fresh Strawberry Pie? Will you have a slice?

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Yields: 6 pieces

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 quarts strawberries, hulled
• 1  cup sugar
• 2  tablespoons cornstarch
• 1⁄2 cup water
•  red food coloring, if desired
• 1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1  teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• 1 (9 inch)  baked  pie crusts

Directions

1. Mash enough strawberries to measure 1 cup.
2. Mix sugar and cornstarch in 2-quart saucepan.
3. Gradually stir in water and mashed strawberries (add 1 or 2 drops food color if deeper red color is desired).
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils.
5. Boil and stir 1 minute; cool.
6. Beat cream cheese and lemon peel until smooth; spread into baked and cooled pie crust.
7. Fill crust with remaining strawberries.
8. Pour cooked strawberry mixture over top.
9. Refrigerate about 3 hours or until set.
10. Store covered in refrigerator.