Sky-High Strawberry Pie

3 quarts fresh strawberries, divided
1 1⁄2 cups sugar
6 tablespoons cornstarch
2⁄3 cup water
Red food coloring, optional
1 deep-dish pastry shell (10 inches), baked
1 cup whipping cream
1 1⁄2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix

In a large bowl, mash enough berries to measure 3 cups. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the mashed berries and water; mix well. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; add food coloring if desired. Pour into a large bowl. Chill for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture is just slightly warm. Fold in the remaining berries. Spoon into pie shell. Chill for 2-3 hours. In a small mixing bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Sprinkle pudding mix over cream and whip until stiff. Garnish pie with cream mixture.

Yield: 8-10 servings.