BERRY CHEESE PIE

I have had this recipe for years, got it from an old Country cookbook. The picture is a file photo.

1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced and divided
1 tbsp lemon juice
2/3 cup sugar, divided
1 pkg (8-oz) cream cheese, softened
1 tsp grated lemon rind
1 prepared graham cracker crust
2 tbsp cornstarch
3 drops red food coloring, optional
1 pint fresh blueberries

Combine half the strawberries and the lemon juce in a bowl; smash the berries. Add 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons of the sugar to the berries and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, rind, and remaining sugar; spread over the bottom of the crust.

In a saucepan, combine the cornstarch and the reserved berry mixture until blended. Bring to a boil and boil while stirring for 2 minutes. Stir in the food coloring, if using. All to cool slightly.

Fold the blueberries and remaining strawberries into the berry mixture. Spread over the cream cheese mixture in the crust.

Cover pie and refrigerate at least 3 hours before cutting to serve.