Fresh Strawberry Pie
Serves 6-8

Pie Crust Ingredients: 

48 vanilla wafers (about 2 cups of crumbs)
3 tablespoons sugar
6 tablespoons butter (salted), melted
3 ounces white chocolate

Filling Ingredients: 

2 lbs. fresh strawberries
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Pinch of salt
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water

Glaze & Topping: 

1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Pie Crust Directions: 

1. In a food processor, crumble the vanilla wafers into a fine crumb. (Or, place the vanilla wafers in a plastic bag and crumble with a rolling pin). Add the sugar to the crumbs, combine until evenly distributed. Add the melted butter and again combine.

2. Place the buttered crumbs into a 9-inch pie plate and pat into place on the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Bake in a 350 degrees F oven for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the pie crust cool completely. Once cooled, brush the inside of the crust with a thin layer of melted white chocolate (this will help to keep the crust from becoming soggy and will be barely noticeable).

Filling Directions: 

3. Prepare the strawberries by washing and hulling. Halve the strawberries, set aside a third of the strawberries. With the remaining strawberries, crush with a masher (or puree in a food processor) and place in a small saucepan. Add the sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice and warm over low heat.

4. Dissolve the cornstarch in the cold water and gradually stream into the strawberry mixture stirring constantly. Increase the heat and with continuous stirring, allow the mixture to reach the simmering stage and begins to thicken. Continue cooking and stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

5. Pour the cooled strawberry filling into the bottom of the pie crust. Place the remainder of the strawberry halves on top. Cover, and chill the filled pie dish in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to a day ahead of time. (Carefully cover the pie to prevent odors from other foods being absorbed by the pie.)

6. An hour or two before serving, add the final glaze by warming the seedless jam until liquid. Add a tablespoon of water to thin the jam a bit more. Dab the jam on top of the fresh cold strawberries; use a light hand. Chill again immediately.

Whipped Cream Directions: 

7. Shortly before serving, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a chilled, deep mixing bowl, combine the cold cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Whisk vigorously by hand, or using the whisk attachment beat in a stand mixer just until stiff peaks form. Do not overbeat.

Serving: 

8. Serve wedges of the pie. Top with generous dollops of whipped cream.