Thursday, July 9, 2009

Icebox Strawberry Pie

This is the best Strawberry Pie I have ever eaten...Yummy! My sister-in-law Kira made it for the 4th of July celebration. It was so good that I only needed one bite to decide that I must have the recipe! My husband also made some yummy home made vanilla ice cream.

This was one great dessert!!!
In step 1, it is imperative that the cooked strawberry mixture measures 2 cups: any more the filling will be loose. If your fresh berries aren't fully ripe, you may want to add extra sugar to taste in step 2. Use your favorite pie dough or use our recipe. Chill the heavy cream in step 4 to help it whip more quickly.

FILLING:
2 pounds frozen strawberries ( We used fresh)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
1 cup sugar
Pinch salt
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced thin
1 (9-inch) pie shell, baked and cooled (see note)

TOPPING: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream

1. COOK FROZEN BERRIES. Cook frozen berries in large saucepan over medium-low heat until berries begin to release juice, about 3 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until thick and jamlike, about 25 minutes (mixture should measure 2 cups)

2. ADD GELATIN. Combine lemon juice, water, and gelatin in small bowl. Let stand until gelatin is softened and mixture has thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir gelatin mixture, sugar, and salt into cooked berry mixture and return to simmer, about 2 minutes. Transfer to bowl and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

3. ADD FRESH BERRIES. Fold fresh berries into filling. Spread evenly in pie shell and refrigerate until set, about 4 hours. (Filled pie can be refrigerated for 24 hours.)

4. MAKE TOPPING. With electri mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth, about 30 seconds. With mixer running, add cream and whip until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Serve pie with whipped cream topping.
Enjoy!