Strawberry Satin Pie

1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted

1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped

GLAZE:
3 cups fresh strawberries
1 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
12 drops red food coloring, optional

Cover bottom of pie shell with almonds; set aside. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt. Stir in milk until smooth. Bring to boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg. Return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature. Whisk in whipped cream until blended. Pour into pie shell. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Crush 1 cup of strawberries; set remaining berries aside. In a saucepan, bring crushed berries and water to a boil; cook, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Strain through cheesecloth; discard fruit and set liquid aside to cool.

In another saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; gradually stir in berry liquid until blended. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in food coloring if desired. Cool for 20 minutes. Slice the reserved strawberries; arrange over chilled filling. Pour glaze evenly over berries. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Yield: 6-8 servings.