"real" Strawberry Pie With French Cream Topping!

Submitted by Koechin Chef

"This is the most wonderful Strawberry Pie without a box of jello or tons of cornstarch. The filling is cooked on the stove.Which gives the depth of flavor one expects from this lucious fruit.It recently was in "Cook's Country" Publication."

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Yields: 1 Pie
• Serves: 6-8

ingredients

• Filling

• 2 lbs frozen strawberries
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced thin
• 1 (9 inch) baked pie shells

• French Cream Topping

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream

directions

1. Cook frozen berries in large saucepan over med-low heat until berries release juice.Increrase heat to med-high and stirring often cook until you get a jam like consistency.(about 25 minutes.) Now measure and see if you have 2 cups! It needs to reduce to exactly 2 cups.(This is very important. It you have more after that time return it to the pan and cook some more.)
2. While this is cooking combine Gelatin, water and lemon juice and let stand until softened and thickened. (5 minutes).
3. Add the gelatin mixture, sugar, pinch of salt to the berry mixture and simmer for a few more minutes.
4. Transfer to a bowl and let cool about 30 minutes to room temp.fold in the sliced, fresh berries and place all in your baked pie shell. Refrigerate about 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
5. For the topping whip the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla with electric mixer until smooth.With mixer running. Add the whipping/heavy cream and beat until stiff peaks form.
6. Serve pie with this delicious topping.
7. For a Lower calorie Topping. Use reduced fat cream cheese and fold in Cool-Whip Light or Free.

Reviews

[Roxygirl in Colorado]

The BEST strawberry pie I've ever tasted! The strawberry flavor is so intense and it cuts great. No wobbly pieces of strawberries falling out! Thanks for posting, Koechinj! Roxygirl