Time to head to Getting's Gardens and pick some fresh strawberries!

It is June, which means it is strawberry time at the Okoboji Country Inn bed and breakfast in West Okoboji, Iowa.  We love using fresh strawberries this time of year and have had some wonderful sweet ones the last few weeks.  I got an email last week stating that Getting’s Gardens was open so if you want to go pick your own fresh strawberries, that is the place to go.

Here is a great lighter strawberry pie recipe that Donna made a couple of weeks ago when we had a group of ladies in Annabelle’s Tea Room.  It was really easy to make and very pretty too.

Strawberry Mile High Pie

In a large bowl add 1 package (16 oz.) frozen strawberries with sugar (you can also use fresh strawberries in season), 1/2 cup sugar, 2 T lemon juice, 1 egg white, 1 cup Cool Whip, 1 t vanilla.  Beat until thick and fluffy, about 15-20 minutes.  Donna used her big Kitchen Aid mixer and kept checking it.

Crust

1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour.  Mix together in a bowl and then spread out on a cookie sheet.  Bake 15 minutes at 375 degrees, stir every two minutes until light brown and crumbly.  Put in a pie plate or 9×9 pan (reserve some crumbs for top).

Add strawberry mixture on top, sprinkle reserve crust on top.  Freeze overnight.  Cut and serve immediately after removing from freezer.  Add a dollop of Cool Whip and a 1/2 of a fresh strawberry on top for garnish.  Enjoy!