Granny's Strawberry Pie
Granny's Strawberry Pie is the classic combination of ripe berries and heavy cream. This is a favorite summertime dessert recipe that highlights one of the season’s sweetest harvests. Fresh mashed berries are heated with sugar to create a perfectly sweet fruity filling. And a generous dollop or three of a light and fluffy whipped cream is the ideal topping for this strawberry pie celebration.
Great for picnics, birthday parties, or 4th of July cookouts, Granny's Strawberry Pie will inspire new memories.
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 quart strawberries 3⁄4 cup water
For the Topping
1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream 1 tablespoons powdered sugar
Method
- 1. Make one of Granny's all-purpose pie crusts.
- 2. Cut enough strawberries into thin slices to cover the pie crust. Arrange sliced berries in baked pie shell.
- 3. Mash the remaining berries and combine with sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
- 4. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water. Stir into boiling berry mixture. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- 5. Pour in baked pie shell. To make the topping, whip cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
The Roots of Strawberry Pie in American Cuisine
Strawberry pie, a beloved dessert in the United States, is deeply rooted in the country's agricultural history. Strawberries, with their vibrant color and sweet, tangy flavor, are a quintessential summer fruit. Their seasonal availability and unique taste have made them a staple in American pies for centuries.
The tradition of making strawberry pies can be traced back to the early settlers who arrived in North America. These settlers brought with them culinary traditions from their homelands, which were then adapted to the ingredients available in their new environment. Strawberries, native to North America and abundant in the wild, quickly became a popular ingredient in these adapted recipes.
As settlers began to establish farms, strawberries were among the first fruits to be cultivated. Their cultivation was a testament to the settlers' ability to adapt and thrive in their new surroundings. The fruit's versatility made it a valuable crop, as it could be used in a variety of dishes, from jams and jellies to pies and tarts.
Over the years, the simple strawberry pie recipe has been passed down through generations, evolving with each iteration. Different regions of the country developed their own variations, reflecting local tastes and traditions. For instance, in some parts of the South, a layer of cream cheese is added to the pie, while in other regions, the strawberries are mixed with rhubarb for a tangy twist.
Despite these variations, the essence of the strawberry pie has remained the same. It's a celebration of the strawberry harvest, a symbol of the arrival of summer, and a testament to the resilience and creativity of the early settlers. Today, making and enjoying a strawberry pie is not just about savoring a delicious dessert, but also about participating in a culinary tradition that spans centuries.
For those looking for an even simpler way to prepare this delightful dessert, there's an alternative method using Jello. Simply replace the mashed strawberries and sugar with strawberry-flavored Jello. Prepare the Jello according to the package instructions, then mix in fresh strawberry slices. Pour the mixture into the pie crust and refrigerate until set. This method offers a quick and easy way to enjoy Granny's Strawberry Pie, without compromising on flavor.
So, whether you're enjoying Granny's Strawberry Pie or your own family's version, remember that you're partaking in a piece of American history. Each bite is a nod to the agricultural roots of the country and a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic dessert.