๐ Aunt Martha’s Creamy Strawberry Pie ๐ฅง
Aunt Martha’s Creamy Strawberry Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet, juicy goodness of strawberries with a rich and creamy filling. It’s a classic recipe that’s perfect for summertime or whenever you’re in the mood for a refreshing treat.
๐ History:
The history of this pie is not well-documented, but it likely has its roots in the United States, where strawberries have been a beloved fruit for centuries. The combination of fresh strawberries and a creamy filling is a winning formula that has been passed down through generations in countless family kitchens.
๐ง Components:
- Pie Crust: You can use a pre-made pie crust or make your own from scratch. A graham cracker crust is a popular choice for this pie.
- Fresh Strawberries: You’ll need several cups of ripe, fresh strawberries. Wash them, remove the stems, and slice them.
- Creamy Filling: The creamy filling is typically made with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping. It gives the pie its luscious texture and sweet flavor.
- Strawberry Glaze: A strawberry glaze made from fresh strawberries, sugar, and cornstarch is used to coat the sliced strawberries, adding a glossy, sweet finish to the pie.
๐ Preparation:
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Prepare the Pie Crust:
- If using a pre-made crust, follow the package instructions.
- For a graham cracker crust, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a pie dish. Bake for a few minutes to set.
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Prepare the Creamy Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
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Prepare the Strawberries:
- Wash, hull, and slice the fresh strawberries.
- In a saucepan, combine a portion of the sliced strawberries with sugar and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes a glaze.
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Assemble the Pie:
- Spread a layer of the creamy filling into the pie crust.
- Arrange the remaining sliced strawberries over the creamy layer.
- Pour the strawberry glaze over the top, ensuring it coats all the strawberries.
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Chill:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pie to set.
โฑ๏ธ Preparation Time:
Aunt Martha’s Creamy Strawberry Pie is relatively quick to prepare, taking around 15-20 minutes for the crust and filling, and then a few hours for chilling in the refrigerator. So, you can enjoy it on the same day you make it!
๐๐ฅง๐ This pie is a perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and fruity goodness. It’s a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, give it a try, and you’ll have a scrumptious treat to enjoy! ๐ฅง๐๐ฅง
๐ Aunt Martha’s Creamy Strawberry Pie Nutrition Facts and Health Information ๐ฅง
Nutrition Information (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: About 250-300 calories per serving.
- Total Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams.
- Saturated Fat: Around 10-12 grams.
- Cholesterol: About 30-40 milligrams.
- Sodium: Approximately 150-200 milligrams.
- Total Carbohydrates: Roughly 25-30 grams.
- Dietary Fiber: Around 1-2 grams.
- Sugars: About 18-20 grams.
- Protein: Approximately 2-4 grams.
๐ฑ Health Information:
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Moderation is Key: While Aunt Martha’s Creamy Strawberry Pie is a delicious treat, it’s important to enjoy it in moderation due to its higher sugar and fat content.
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Strawberries: The fresh strawberries used in this pie are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which is known for its immune-boosting properties.
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Cream Cheese: The cream cheese in the filling provides some protein and calcium but is also relatively high in saturated fat, so it’s best consumed in moderation.
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Whipped Topping: The whipped topping contributes to the creamy texture of the pie. However, it’s often made with hydrogenated oils, which can be high in unhealthy trans fats.
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Graham Cracker Crust: If you use a graham cracker crust, it may have a lower fat content compared to a traditional pie crust. However, it’s still a source of carbohydrates and added sugars.
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Portion Control: To make this dessert a bit healthier, consider smaller portion sizes to limit the intake of calories, sugar, and fat.
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Variations: You can experiment with healthier substitutions, such as using a low-fat cream cheese or a whipped topping alternative, as well as reducing the sugar content in the strawberry glaze.
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Balance: Enjoying this pie as an occasional treat in the context of a balanced diet is a reasonable approach to maintain your overall health.
Remember, the nutritional content may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used, so it’s always a good practice to check the nutrition labels on individual products when available. ๐๐ฅง๐ฑ