Fresh Strawberry Pie

3 pints plus 1 cup fresh strawberries
1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
2 to 3 drops red food coloring, optional
8 tablespoons reduced-fat whipped topping

Set aside 1 cup strawberries. Arrange remaining berries in a pie shell. With a fork, mash reserved 1 cup strawberries; set aside.

In a saucepan, combine sugar and water; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add mashed strawberries and bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth. gradually stir into strawberry mixture. bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in food coloring if desired.

Cool for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Spoon over strawberries in crust. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with whipped topping. Makes 8 servings.