If you are using pasteurized egg whites, you do not need to heat them before beating with the sugar and cream of tartar or coarse salt.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes two 8-inch pies
Ingredients
Almond Shortbread Crust
Preparation
Step 1
Combine 1 quart strawberries and 1/2 cup sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade; process until smooth, about 3 minutes; you should have 3 cups puree. Transfer half to a large heatproof mixing bowl; sprinkle the gelatin over the top; let soften, about 5 minutes.
Step 2
In a heatproof bowl of an electric mixer, combine the egg whites with the cream of tartar and 1/2 cup sugar. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, and whisk until the mixture is hot to the touch and the sugar is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Attach the bowl to the mixer fitted with the whisk attachment; beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes.
Step 3
Place the gelatin mixture over the pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally, until the gelatin dissolves, about 5 minutes; remove from heat. Gradually whisk in the remaining puree; whisk in the lemon juice.
Step 4
In a small bowl, whisk the crème fraîche until soft peaks form; whisk into the puree mixture. Whisk in one-third of the egg whites to lighten; fold in the remaining whites just until they are combined (do not overmix). Divide among the crusts; refrigerate, covered with plastic, until the mixture is set, at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 5
Thinly slice the remaining pint strawberries. Place in a small bowl, and sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Let stand at room temperature until the juices are running, at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. Serve the pie, cut into wedges and garnished with sliced strawberries.
Almond Shortbread Crust
Step 6
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the cookies in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, and process until fine crumbs form. Add about 3/4 cup almonds with the sugar and salt; process until fine crumbs form. Add the butter, and process until the mixture comes together.
Step 7
Coarsely chop the remaining almonds, and stir into the crust mixture. Press into the bottom and sides of 2 8-inch pie plates to form a crust, and bake until they are just turning golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
