Strawberry Pie

It's spring and strawberries are in season. So I thought I would include a great fresh strawberry pie recipe that my mom has been making for years, and it still is amazing. This is a great quick desert is only takes about 30 min to prepare and an hour to chill so its great for quick impromptu gatherings. NOTE: I thought it would be proper to give my Grandma props for the original recipe, since it has come to my attention. Maybe I should assume all recipes origiante from her wonderful cookin.

BUTTER CRUST:
1/2 C butter
2 T. Sugar
1 C flour

FILLING
1 to 1 1/2 qts. strawberries
3 T. cornstarch
1 C. sugar
Red food coloring(optional)

BUTTER CRUST: Combine (cut) butter, sugar, and flour. Do not cream. Mix with pastry cutter or fork until well blended. Pat onto bottom and sides of pie plate. Bake at 375 for 12 to 15 minures. Cool.
FILLING: Wash and hull berries. Fill shell with whole berries, tips up. Mash enough berries to make 1 cup (some water may be added to make full cup). Mix sugar and cornstarch and add mashed berries. Add 1/2 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until mixture is clear and thickened. Boil 1 minute. Stir to cool slightly. Add food coloring, if desired. Pour mixture over whole berries. Chill at least 1 hour.