Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie

Instructions

1. Make the Pie Crust:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

1. Pre-bake the Crust:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer the dough to the pan and trim the excess. Poke holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
• Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

1. Prepare the Strawberry Filling:

• In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of the halved strawberries with the sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble.
• Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Gently fold in the remaining fresh strawberries, being careful not to mash them.

1. Assemble the Pie:

• Pour the strawberry filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate the pie for at least 2-3 hours or until set. This allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up.

1. Serve:

• Once set, slice the pie and serve it chilled. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and additional fresh strawberries, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• A Perfect Pairing: This pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
• For Special Occasions: Consider serving with a sparkling beverage, like lemonade or champagne, to elevate your dessert experience.

Tips

• Choose the Right Strawberries: Use the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find for the best flavor. Look for bright red, firm berries with no soft spots.
• Make Ahead: The pie can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Variations: Feel free to mix in other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a mixed berry pie twist!

Conclusion

Big Boy’s Fresh Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that celebrates the sweet, juicy flavors of fresh strawberries. With its flaky crust and luscious filling, this pie is sure to be a hit at any gathering or family meal. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s a dessert that embodies the essence of summer. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this classic pie—you won’t be disappointed!