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                                            Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes  | 
                                            Ready In: 20 Minutes Servings: 8  | 
                                         
                                        
                                     
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                    This pie is my specialty. It's fairly simple to make but so dramatic to serve. The ultimate taste of spring, this luscious pie has such a big, fresh berry taste I've had many request to bring it to gatherings. Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois Ingredients: 
                    
                        
                                                3 quarts fresh strawberries, divided  |  
                                                1-1/2 cups sugar  |  
                                                6 tablespoons cornstarch  |  
                                                2/3 cup water  |  
                                                red food coloring, optional  |  
                                                1 deep-dish pastry shell (10 inches), baked  |  
                                                1 cup heavy whipping cream  |  
                                                4-1/2 teaspoons instant vanilla pudding mix  |  
                                                
                     
                    Directions: 
                    
                        
                            
                                1. In a large bowl, mash enough berries to equal 3 cups. In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in mashed berries and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. 2. Remove from the heat; add food coloring if desired. Pour into a large bowl. Chill for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is just slightly warm. Fold in the remaining berries. Pile into pastry shell. Chill for 2-3 hours. 3. In a small bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Sprinkle dry pudding mix over cream and whip until stiff. Pipe around edge of pie or dollop on individual slices. Yield: 8-10 servings.                              | 
                         
                         
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