Sky High Strawberry Pie - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3 qt. fresh strawberries, divided
1 1/2 c. sugar
6 Tbsp. cornstarch
2/3 c. water
red food coloring (optional)
1 (10-inch) deep dish pastry shell, baked
1 c. heavy cream
1 1/2 Tbsp. instant vanilla pudding mix

Preparation

In a large bowl, mash enough berries to equal 3 cups.
In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch.
Stir in the mashed berries and water; mix well.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Remove from the heat; add food coloring if desired.
Pour into a large bowl. Chill for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is just slightly warm.
Fold in the remaining berries.
Pile into pie shell.
Chill for 2 to 3 hours.