BIG BOY’S STRAWBERRY PIE!!!

### Instructions: How to Make Big Boy’s Strawberry Pie

#### 1. **Prepare the Pie Crust**
If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, start by pre-baking it according to the package directions. This step is important because it ensures the crust will be crisp and golden, providing the perfect base for the strawberry filling. If you’re making your own homemade pie crust, simply roll it out and bake it in a pie dish until golden brown.

Once the crust is baked, allow it to cool completely before filling it with the strawberry mixture. If you’d like to make a slightly sweetened crust, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the baked crust before it cools.

#### 2. **Make the Strawberry Filling**
In a saucepan, combine **1/2 cup of sugar** with **1/2 cup of water**. Stir this mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.

In a small bowl, whisk together the **cornstarch** with a couple of tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Gradually pour this cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the sugar and water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, remove it from the heat.

Add the **lemon juice** and **vanilla extract** to the mixture, then stir well. This will give the filling a hint of tanginess and extra depth of flavor.

#### 3. **Assemble the Pie**
While the filling is cooling, take your fresh **strawberries**, and hull and slice them into halves or quarters. Place them in a large bowl and gently mix them together with the cooled syrup. The strawberries should be evenly coated with the syrup, giving them a shiny, sweet glaze.

Now, pour the strawberry filling into the prepared pie crust. Arrange the strawberries in a beautiful pattern, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the pie.

#### 4. **Chill the Pie**
Place the pie in the refrigerator to set. This typically takes about 2-3 hours, but for the best results, you can leave it to chill overnight. The filling will firm up, and the flavors will meld together, creating a perfect, refreshing strawberry pie.

#### 5. **Prepare the Whipped Cream (Optional)**
If you’re adding whipped cream to your pie, prepare it just before serving. In a chilled bowl, beat **1 cup of heavy whipping cream** with **2 tablespoons of powdered sugar** and **1 teaspoon of vanilla extract** until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, or it may turn into butter!

Spoon the whipped cream generously onto each slice of pie before serving. You can also serve it on the side for guests to add as they wish.

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy**
Once the pie has set and you’ve added the whipped cream, it’s time to slice and serve! The pie is best enjoyed chilled, and the sweet, juicy strawberries paired with the smooth glaze and flaky crust make every bite a perfect treat. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, holiday dinner, or just as a sweet snack, Big Boy’s Strawberry Pie is sure to please.

### Tips and Variations

– **Use Fresh Strawberries**: For the best flavor, always use fresh strawberries. While frozen berries can work in a pinch, fresh, ripe strawberries will give your pie that classic, vibrant strawberry taste that makes it special.
– **Adjust Sweetness**: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you may want to adjust the sugar in the filling. Taste the filling mixture before adding the strawberries, and if it’s too tart, feel free to add a little more sugar.
– **Make It Ahead**: This pie can be made a day or two in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator, and the flavors only improve as it sits.
– **Garnish with Mint**: For an extra touch of color and flavor, garnish the top of the pie with fresh mint leaves. This adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the pie and brings a refreshing touch.

### Why You’ll Love Big Boy’s Strawberry Pie

Big Boy’s Strawberry Pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a hot summer day or a family celebration, this pie brings the sweet, refreshing taste of strawberries to the table in the most delightful way. It’s light, fruity, and incredibly satisfying without being overly rich or heavy. The balance of tartness from the lemon juice, sweetness from the strawberries and syrup, and creaminess from the whipped cream creates a flavor profile that will make everyone ask for seconds.

The pie is also visually stunning, with the bright red strawberries making it a showstopper on any dessert table. And because it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, it’s a convenient and impressive dessert that you’ll want to make again and again.

### Conclusion

Big Boy’s Strawberry Pie is a timeless dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its light, sweet flavor and perfectly balanced filling, it’s a treat that will delight family and friends alike. So gather your ingredients, bake your crust, and prepare to enjoy a slice of this refreshing, delicious pie that brings joy to every bite!