¾cupgranulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon sugardivided use
2tablespoonscornstarch
1cupwater
1package3 ounces strawberry gelatin
1teaspoonfresh lemon juice
3ozcream cheesesoftened
¼teaspoonvanilla extract
1pie shellbaked and cooled
5cupsstrawberrieswhole
Instructions
Whisk ¾ cup of the sugar, cornstarch and water together in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes or until thick and clear. Remove from heat and add gelatin. Whisk until dissolved. Let stand for about 20 minutes at room temperature. Whisk in the lemon juice.
While syrup stands, beat the remaining tablespoon of sugar with cream cheese and vanilla. Spread the cream cheese mixture across bottom of the pie shell
Pick out about 15-20 (depending on size) nice strawberries that are close in size. Set them aside or arrange them on a plate to get an idea of how you want to arrange them on the pie. Slice the remaining strawberries cross-wise to make flat slices. Layer strawberry slices over cream cheese, covering it completely.
Trim stems off the reserved strawberries and arrange them artfully, pointy side up, over the layer of flat strawberries.
By this time your strawberry syrup should be fairly cool. Pour it over the strawberries. You may not use it all. Just use enough to coat the strawberries and save the rest for something else.