Strawberry Pie from Grandma Werner

1 9 in frozen pie crust shell
1 qt. strawberries, washed & hulled
or 1 (20 oz) pkg. Frozen Whole Strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 cup water
few drops of red food coloring (optional)

Bake pie crust according to package directions. Cool. Mash enough strawberries to measure 1/2 cup. Blend together sugar & cornstarch in saucepan. Add water, food coloring & crushed strawberries. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and boils. Boil & stir for 1 minute. Cool. Lightly toss the remaining strawberries with the cooled, cooked mixture. Pour into bake pie crust & refrigerate for several hours. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

I also use this filling for waffle topping. I follow the above directions except I also add the whole berries when cooking and serve hot from the stove.