Fresh Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

This strawberry cream cheese pie recipe really is the epitome of spring and summer. It calls for fresh berries layered over a sweet cream cheese filling. If you have a chance to use berries that you have picked yourself, go for it. There's nothing like a freshly picked strawberry. They are sweet and tart and juicy all at the same time.

This pie should be made ahead of time so it has a chance to set. The glaze, made out of some of the berries, is simple and fresh, the perfect complement to the crisp crust and the tender berries.

Ingredients:

• 1 (9-inch) hot water pastry

For the Berries:

• 6 cups strawberries (hulled)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest