In the kitchen...

For those of you that know me well, you know that I LOVE to cook, bake, blend and etc.  If it has anything to do with making food I love to do it.  So, at the encouragement of my husband and mother-in-law I am going to every so often post a recipe or something relating to food.  Of course, all the recipes will be from magazines, cookbooks or otherwise.  I said I like to cook, not come up with my own recipes.  Rachel Ray I am not!  I am not sure how this is really going to work or even if anyone will really be interested.  However, I must say that I was disappointed in the lack response (thanks Jamie and Angela)  to my post about "kids say the funniest things." I was really hoping that you guys would have commented back with all the funny things your kids have said.  I was looking forward to laughing. SO, I would really love some comments that contain your recipes or anything that has to do with food or cooking........I KNOW YOU PEOPLE EAT!!!

With that said.....here is the first recipe.

This is my favorite recipe.  If you know me you know I cook this dessert at least 1 time a month!  I found it in a magazine, not sure which one.

EASY STRAWBERRY PIE

Pie shell:

1/3 cup cooking oil

3 tablespoons water

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt                        

   

Pie filling:

2 pints strawberries

3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 cup cold water

3 tablespoons cornstarch    

1 cup heavy cream                                                                                         

Crust directions:  Heat the oven to 400 degrees.  Combine the oil and water in a bowl and stir well.  In another bowl, combine the flour and salt.  Add the oil and water mixture and combine to the flour and combine until it has a consistency similar to soft clay.  Cut 2 pieces of waxed paper to about 14 inches.  Place the dough between the sheets and roll it out to approximately 12 inches.  Set in a 9-inch pie plate and press carefully.  Trim and flute the edges.  Prick little holes with a fork all over the crust.  Bake for 10 to 12 minutes and let the shell cool completely. 

NOTE:  If you do not want to make your own crust you can use one of the frozen ready to bake pie crusts.

Pie filling directions:  In a sauce pan, mash together 1 cup of strawberries, 3/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of the water.  Cook over medium heat until warm.  Dilute the cornstarch with the remaining water and stir it into the mashed strawberry mixture.  Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Then boil 1 minute or until the glaze turns thick and clear.  Cool to room temperature.  Use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of sugar until peaks form.  Spread one third of the whipped cream into the pie shell.  Slice the remaining uncooked strawberries and put on top of the whipped cream.  Then over that spoon the glaze mixture and top with the rest of the whipped cream.  Refrigerate until serving.  Serves 8.  This is my favorite part....BEST EATEN WITHIN 1 DAY!.

This recipe may seem lengthy but I assure you that it is very simple to make and is one of the best pies I have ever eaten.

I really hope that you will try it.