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 deep-dish pastry shell (10-inch)
1 c. heavy cream
1 1/2 Tbsp. instant vanilla pudding

Preparation

In large bowl mash enough berries to make 3 cups.
In saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch.
Stir in mashed berries and water, mix well.
Bring to boil over medium heat.
Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat.
Add coloring if desired. Pour into large bowl.
Chill for 20 minutes.
Stir occasionally until mixture is just slightly warm, then fold in remaining berries. Pile into pie shell.
Chill for 2 to 3 hours. In small bowl, whip cream until soft peaks.
Sprinkle pudding on cream and whip until stiff.
Put on pie.