Strawberry Glacee Pie

I know what you are probably thinking:

"Dammit Stacy, I told you I can't cook! You expect me to bake a pie? A pie with a FRENCH NAME?!"

Good news, folks: my Strawberry Glacee Pie involves NO BAKING and only has five ingredients!

This recipe makes for a healthy, pretty, and refreshing summer dessert. It's like a lower calorie, easier version of strawberry shortcake!! I found the recipe online years ago and have been making it for my family ever since. Enjoy :)

Ingredients:

• 2 packages of strawberries


• 1 graham cracker pie crust. They sell these ready-made in the baking aisle! They also have reduced fat ones to save some calories.

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 cup Splenda. You can use real sugar if you'd like. You can also enjoy adult-onset diabetes, but I wouldn't recommend it.
  


• 3 tbsp. cornstarch


• Whipped cream for topping. Optional. But so delicious it's not really optional.
  

This is a super easy dessert and is a great make-ahead option. It lasts in the fridge for a few days and is definitely a crowd pleaser!

Directions:

Slice up one of the packages of strawberries. Cut the tops off, and depending how thick they are, either slice them in half or thirds.

Then line the pie crust with as many of them that will fit. Let your inner OCD tendencies run free as you attempt to make pretty patterns while maximizing your berry to crust ratio!

With the other package of strawberries, cut the tops off and roughly cut the berries into smaller pieces to facilitate mashing (cutting them in half is just fine) and throw them into a mixing bowl.

When deciding which package of berries to use, feel free to use any mushier, janky looking berries for this step since they will get mashed up anyways.

Pour your water into the bowl with the berries. Using a potato masher, mash the berries into a pulp. Imagining your ex or little sibling's face can sometimes help. Work out that aggression!

If you don't have a potato masher, you can use any other kitchen implement to get the job done, but it won't be as fun or easy.

Mix in the Splenda (or sugar) and the cornstarch. DO NOT FORGET THE CORNSTARCH. One of my former roommates did and ended up with a watery mess of a pie. Also, make sure to add the cornstarch now while the mixture is cold so it doesn't get all lumpy.

Pour this mixture into a saucepan.

Turn the heat to high and let the mixture come to a soft boil (meaning it occasionally bubbles up.) Stir frequently to prevent burning. This should all take around 5-7 minutes, and you will know it is done when the mixture becomes thick, darker, and glassier looking.

Let the mixture cool for a few minutes so it isn't scalding hot. Then pour it into the pie crust over the layer of berries, smoothing it out so it's even. Put in the refrigerator for a couple hours until it has cooled and solidified.

Put on a plate and top with whipped cream. Easy as pie! (har har har)

Do YOU have any healthy, easy dessert ideas that sound fancier than they actually are?