Prepare Strawberries

• Spread softened cream cheese evenly on bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.
• Rinse strawberries. Dry well by laying on paper towels.
• Slice tops off each strawberry so the surface is flat and it will stand on its own.
• Select the best looking strawberries. With the flat end down place the strawberries on top of cream cheese in the pie crust.
• Dice remaining berries into small slices. Place them in a medium-sized saucepan.
• Place cornstarch and cold water (measure #2) in a small bowl. Whisk until the cornstarch dissolves.
• Add 8 fluid ounces of water (1 cup) and 150 grams of granulated sugar (¾ cup) to the saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Add cornstarch/water mixture to saucepan. Mix constantly until the mixture thickens.
• Add 50 grams (¼ cup) granulated sugar to the saucepan. Continue to stir over medium heat until the sugar melts.
• Gently spoon the mixture over strawberries in the pie pan.
• Place pie in refrigerator for 30 minutes or until the pie is set.
• Serve with sweetened whipped cream or ice cream!