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1. Bake the pre-made pie crust according to package instructions and let it cool completely. If you're going homemade, same deal – bake that beauty and let it cool.
2. Take half of your strawberries and mash them up in a saucepan. You'll want these guys to break down and get ready to turn into the glaze that'll make your pie the star of the show.
3. Add sugar, cornstarch, and water to the mashed strawberries and mix well. Bring this lovely concoction to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens. Cue the drooling because it smells heavenly!
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let this mixture cool to room temperature.
5. Place the remaining halved strawberries into the cooled pie crust. They can be as orderly or as random as you like – they're going to be delicious either way.
6. Pour the cooled strawberry mixture over the halved strawberries in the crust, making sure it's spread evenly for that glossy, inviting finish.
7. Refrigerate the pie until it's set – give it at least 3 hours, but if you can wait longer, it'll be even better.
8. Serve with a generous helping of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream and watch it vanish!
Variations & Tips:
- Want to mix it up? Try tossing in a handful of blueberries or raspberries for a berry-licious twist.
- If you're watching your sugar, you can reduce the granulated sugar to 3/4 cup. The pie will be a tad less sweet but still delightful.
- No time to cool your glaze? Pop it into the fridge for a quick chill; just give it a stir now and then to keep it smooth.
- For those who are all about that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, serve this pie slightly warmed. About 10 seconds in the microwave should do the trick.
Remember, the best part of any recipe is making it your own. Don't be afraid to play with the flavors and textures until you find your perfect strawberry pie groove. Happy baking, friends!
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