Aunt Jody's Strawberry Pie

Please excuse my shiny forehead, it was hot in the kitchen

This pie is a hit at every family gathering.  In fact many people get their pieces first before their dinner just in case there isn't any left, but Aunt Jody usually makes 2 so everyone gets some.  She's sweet like that. 

1 9-inch baked pie shell - cooled
3 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup whip cream - whipped or about 4 oz. cool whip

Beat cream cheese, brown sugar, lemon juice and vanilla until smooth.  FOLD IN whipped cream, spread evenly over cooled pie crust.  Chill about 2 hours.

Combine Glaze (recipe below) and strawberries and spread on cheese layer.

Glaze Recipe

1 cup white sugar
1 cup water
2 TBS cornstarch
1/2 tsp. red food coloring (optional)
3 TBS. (dry) strawberry jello

Combine sugar and cornstarch and then add water.  Cook over medium heat until clear and thick, take off heat, stir in 3 TBS strawberry jello (dry) and food coloring.

Let the glaze cool then mix with strawberries and spread.

Before serving, spread extra whipped cream or Cool Whip over pie and top with sliced strawberries.

Enjoy with family, friends and neighbors or just grab a fork and enjoy by yourself.