Strawberry Cream Pie

Growing up around my grandparents was such a blessing. We visited them pretty often but during the summer was even more magical. Summers meant I was able stay with them days at a time. I enjoyed the slow and simple life with them. My grandfather always had a garden that he loved tending to. One of plants that stick out in my mind now were strawberries. He didn't have many strawberry plants but back then when you're little, it seemed huge. I had never seen anyone who had a strawberry patch and it just fascinated me. There is nothing like picking a ripe strawberry of the vine and sinking your teeth into it. I would have to sneak sticking that strawberry in my mouth. I am sure there weren't that many strawberries that were harvested. He knew I was sneaking them and made sure I didn't sneak too many. What I wouldn't do to step back in time and tend to those strawberry plants with my Popa again.

Fresh local strawberries will be popping up all over our area pretty soon and I can't wait. I have always wanted to grow strawberries. We have not taken that step and planted them yet. Usually it is because I think about them when it is too late to plant them. We live in a rural part of Virginia and it is not hard to find these wonderful beauties at a farm stand. I am hoping this year to go as a family to a local pick your own farm for strawberries. Who knows, maybe we will sneak one or two from the vine. When I do, I will think of my Popa!

Strawberry Cream Pie

1 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

¼ cup of lemon juice

½ pint of whipping cream, whipped (store bought whipped topping works well too)

2 cups sliced strawberries

1-9 inch graham cracker crust, baked

Bake the graham cracker crust at 375 degrees for 5 -6 minutes. Combine condensed milk and lemon juice, beat until combined. Fold in whipped cream, chill 10 minutes. Add strawberries to the cream mixture and pour into pie shell. Chill for an hour before serving.

Need more inspiration to use up those strawberries?