French Strawberry Pie

This homemade French Strawberry Pie was my Mama's favorite. Her sister's mother-in-law, Mrs. German, used to make it for her every time she came to visit. It should have more strawberries standing in it, but the strawberries available right now, weren't too good and I came up a little short. It didn't effect the taste any! I took the pie as a surprise for my step-daughter, her husband and son. I received this message from her this morning... "Jack and I ate the rest of the pie for breakfast. Jack kept saying "mum mum" when I would say "yum yum"!"

1 quart Strawberries, cleaned & stemmed

8 oz Cream Cheese, room temp

1 ¼ cups Sugar

3 T Cornstarch

1 T Lemon Juice

1 Pie Crust (9 inch) baked and cooled

Spread cream cheese over the bottom of the pie crust. Select half of the best strawberries and press firmly into the cheese with tips up. Mash remaining berries and strain. Add enough water to make 1 1/2 cups liquid. Mix sugar and cornstarch in saucepan. Gradually stir in berries and juice. Cook over low heat until thick and clear (5 to 6 minutes). Add a little red food coloring. Cool and pour over berries. Chill about 3 hours. Serve with whipped cream.