The Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. fresh strawberries, tops removed, quartered
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice (about ½ of a lemon)
- 1/2 cup dark-brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 cups raw almonds
- 1 ¾ cups pitted dates
In a bowl, combine strawberries, lemon juice, vanilla and brown sugar. Mix well, and let sit while you make the crust. Place almonds in a blender or food processor and pulse on high until they resemble bread crumbs, about 1 minute. Empty into an oiled 9" pie plate. Put dates in blender with 1 tsp of water and pulse on high until well chopped, about 30 seconds (it's okay if they're a little clumpy). Combine almonds and dates until they hold together, then press evenly onto bottom and sides of pie plate to form crust. Using your hands or a slotted spoon, pile berries into the crust, discarding any remaining liquid. Refrigerate for 2 hours and serve.
Dress it up with: Ciao Bella Gelato Company lemon sorbet and a sprig of fresh mint. $4.50 per pint, see ciaobellagelato.com for stores
Make it gourmet: Organic strawberries have a lower water content, resulting in a denser, sweeter pie. $4.79 per pint at diamondorganics.com
