Whipped strawberry delight...

I was in the mood to make or bake something sweet for a friend of mine...something delicious to cheer her up. Glancing in the fridge, I saw some strawberries and a dessert immediately came to mind. It involves a crumbly cookie like crust, whipped frothy egg whites, strawberries, and whipped cream....what could be sweeter?

I almost hate to admit this, but I've had this recipe for about 30 years...from our days in Anchorage, Alaska. I told you a little about our experience finding a wonderful church there in this post. One thing I didn't mention was that this church was filled with many good cooks...and they had published a couple of cookbooks by the time we began attending. I love church cookbooks! In my experience, they are filled with some delicious down home recipes....sometimes requiring "gourmet" items like jello, cool whip, and Campbell's soup...yet some recipes are wonderful, healthy, and tasty. You know how it is...churches back in the day loved to have potlucks....and it didn't take too long to figure out who the real cooks were.

This recipe involves a few steps, but it's easy to put together. Just remember to make it ahead of time because it requires at least 6 hours in freezer. I would also advise making the crumb crust mixture first and have it cooling white you prepare the rest of it...trust me. When you are looking for a light, summer dessert...this is a good one that I have made many times.

Crumb crust ready to bake...

Crumb crust baked and broken up...

Strawberries and egg white mixture...

Whipping cream...with my trusty harvest gold mixer I received in a bridal shower!

Ready for the freezer...

Whipped Strawberry pie

Crust:

1 cup flour, sifted

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup melted butter

Stir together, spread evenly in a a pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. When cool, break into crumbs. Sprinkle 2/3 of crumbs in pie dish or 9 X 13 pan.

Filling:

2 egg whites

1 cup sugar

2 cups sliced strawberries 

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 cup whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine egg whites, sugar, strawberries and lemon juice in mixing bowl. Beat at high speed until stiff peaks form (15 to 20 min.). Whip the whipping cream and vanilla. Fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture. Pour on top of crumb crust and spoon remaining crumbs lightly over the top. Freeze for at least 6 hours. Garnish with sliced strawberries. Bon appetit!

I'd like to give a shout out to Dellarae for this recipe....wherever you are! So many wonderful memories of our years in Alaska...where your friends become family. If you are looking for something easy and light...like the sweet taste of strawberries...I highly recommend this recipe. Happy long weekend, friends!