Sky-High Strawberry Pie

• 3 quarts fresh strawberries, divided
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 6 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2/3 cups water
• Red food coloring, optional
• 1 (10-inch) deep-dish pastry shell, baked

In a large mixing bowl, mash enough berries to equal 3 cups. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the mashed berries and water; mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir the mixture for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the food coloring if desired. Pour the mixture into a large bowl. Chill for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is just slightly warm. Fold in the remaining berries.

Pile into the prepared pie shell. Chill for 2-3 hours. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream.

• Yields: 8 servings
• Preparation Time: 40 minutes, plus final chilling time