Fresh Strawberry Pie

Carolyn talked James into going to the "Strawberry Patch" with her. She promised him a fresh strawberry pie, if he picked enough strawberries. Linda baked the best Strawberry Pies in 3 counties, and she had the first place ribbons to prove it. Carolyn had helped her for years, but this year she wanted  to bake the pies herself. 

James followed Carolyn through the kitchen and into the huge walk-in pantry. She swished her long dark hair over her shoulder, and bent down to pull two pails from under the bottom shelf.

"Here, if we fill these, we will be able to make several pies." 

James absently grabbed the pail. He was fascinated with the organization that had gone into this pantry. He'd never seen anything like it. Giant cans of tomato paste nestled close to giant jars of peppers, which nestled close to giant cans of green beans. There were all varieties of vegetables, sugar, oils, shells of various kinds and pastas. This only touched the sundry of items that sat on the long shelves. 

"Jim?"

"Sorry, this all just fascinates me." He waved his hand in a slow circle.  "Ready?"

The "Strawberry Patch" wasn't far away. There was a small embankment beside the barn and it was covered in strawberries at various degrees of ripeness. Before long the young couple had filled their pails.

This is how Carolyn prepared the delicious, fresh, strawberry pie for James and for the other guests.


Ingredients 

2 (8inch) pie shells, baked or graham cracker crust
2 1/2 quarts fresh strawberries
1 cup sugar or sugar substitute
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
1 cup boiling water
1 package strawberry flavored gelatin


Directions

1. In a saucepan, mix the sugar and corn starch. Blend corn starch completely. Add boiling water, and cook over medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Add gelatin, stir until smooth. Let mixture cool to room temperature. 
2. Place strawberries in pie shells, berries pointed up. Pour cooled gel mixture over strawberries. 
3. Refrigerate until set. Serve with whipped cream.

If you love this recipe let us know, here at "Stamp Out Murder". We love comments, followers and friends. 

Tá gach rud mar is cóir

"Tá gach rud mar is cóir ," Linda greets her guests, as they come down to tables decorated with shamrocks and small white flowers in small crystal vases. 

James nods, and sets down at his regular table close to the antique sideboard. He notices the framed 1912 Irish Postcard displayed on the plate holder sitting by the coffee urn. He smiles, I'll see that later. 

Carolyn whips through the door, with a big smile on her face. She hold the coffee pot up and bows a little at James. "Coffee?" 

"Yes, please." He resists the urge to jump up and wrap his arms around her apron-clad waist. 

"Tá gach rud mar is cóir,"  She smiles. 

"That's great, but I have no idea what you are saying."

"All is as it should be." We love St. Paddy's Day. We're Irish.

"You're right, Miss Irish. Táka gacho  rudo marry is cóoler."

                                                 ***

James is very happy right now. All is as it should be, but soon his vacation must end. He doesn't know what will happen next in his life. 

                                                ***

This week at McKeel's Bed and Breakfast, there will be Celtic Music every evening.

                                                ***

After you read "Stamp Out Murder", I'd like to invite you to help me write the first chapter of the next book. "Canceled Out", as in canceling a stamp. Remember some people will not have read the first novel when they start on the second, so some backstory from "Stamp Out Murder" will need to be included and it will need to also be a stand alone as well as in the series. 

  "Tá súil agam go bhfuil lá breá agat." I'm hoping you have a fine day. 

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