Our Favorite Fresh Strawberry Pie

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup shortening
• 5 tablespoons cold water

Filling:

• 1 cup sugar
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 7 ounces lemon-lime soda
• 1 quart whole strawberries
• Red food coloring, if desired

Directions

For the crust: Spoon flour into measuring cup and level. Combine flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in shortening using a pastry blender until all flour is blended to form pea-sized chunks. Sprinkle with water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Toss lightly with fork until dough forms a ball. Press dough between hands to form a 5 to 6-inch pancake. Lightly flour rolling surface and rolling pin. Roll dough into circle. Trim 1-inch larger than upside-down pie plate. Loosen dough carefully. Fold dough into quarters. Unfold and press into pie plate. Fold edge under. Flute.

For the filling: Blend sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan; add lemon-lime soda. Cook stirring until smooth and thick. Add strawberries and cook for a few minutes. If desired, add red food coloring. Pour into cooled pie shell. Chill. Top with whipped cream if desired.