Strawberry Custard Pies

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 1/2 cups cold water
• 3 (3 ounce) packages strawberry gelatin
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 6 (3 ounce) packages vanilla pudding mix
• 6 (9 inch)  pastry shells, baked
• 3 lbs strawberries, halved
• whipped cream (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   In a large saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; gradually stir in water until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in the gelatin and lemon juice until the gelatin is dissolved. Cool to room temperature.

2. 2

   Prepare pudding mixes according to directions. Pour into pastry shells; top with strawberries and carefully spoon gelatin mixture over berries. Refrigerate until set. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.