Fresh Strawberry Pie



Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup shortening
5 tablespoons cold water

Filling:
1 cup sugar
5 tablespoons cornstarch
7 ounces lemon-lime soda
1 quart whole strawberries
Red food coloring, if desired

1. For the crust: Spoon flour into measuring cup and level. Combine flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in shortening using a pastry blender until all flour is blended to form pea-sized chunks. Sprinkle with water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Toss lightly with fork until dough forms a ball. Press dough between hands to form a 5 to 6-inch pancake. Lightly flour rolling surface and rolling pin. Roll dough into circle. Trim 1-inch larger than upside-down pie plate. Loosen dough carefully. Fold dough into quarters. Unfold and press into pie plate. Fold edge under. Flute.
2. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Line the pastry with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or beans. Bake until golden brown around sides and edges, about 15 minutes. Remove parchment paper and return the crust to the oven and bake until bottom of crust is pale golden, about 5 minutes longer. Set aside on a wire rack to cool.
3. For the filling: Blend sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan; add lemon-lime soda. Cook stirring until smooth and thick. Add strawberries and cook for a few minutes. If desired, add red food coloring. Pour into cooled pie shell. Chill. Top with whipped cream if desired.



Sarah Spaugh-All American Pie Championship-Food Network