Ingredients

1 quart fresh strawberries
12 ounce package frozen strawberries
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons corn starch
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
8 drops red food coloring
2 tablespoons butter
9 inch pie shell, baked and cooled
Fresh whipped cream and fresh mint for garnish

Directions

Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, dry very well. In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, combine frozen strawberries with water, sugar, salt, cornstarch and chili powder. Cook until thickened and strawberries have become very soft. Add food coloring as needed for a brighter red color. When thickened, add butter. Cool slightly. Spoon half of cooled strawberry mixture into baked and cooled pie shell. Top with fresh strawberries in a pattern with hull side down on strawberry mixture. Pour remaining strawberry mixture over fresh berries. Chill for at least one hour. Serve with fresh whipped cream and a sprig of mint.

Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen for Smithfield.com