The problem with our luscious local strawberries, as my husband sees it, is maintaining a steady supply streaming into the kitchen and onto the dessert plate – without, mind you, any interruption or gaps in the flow whatsoever.

For other like-minded strawberry fanciers, Forum friend JoBee of Camano Island tells us, “The Northwest produces some of the best-tasting fruit for summer desserts.

“Here’s one of the best-tasting and easiest pie recipes to try now that our local strawberries have arrived.”

Strawberry pie

3-4tablespoons cornstarch (see note)

1/3-1/2cup water (see note)

1cup sugar

2cups mashed strawberries

2cups sliced strawberries

19-inch pie shell, baked and cooled

Whipped cream

In saucepan, combine cornstarch, water, sugar and mashed strawberries, mixing well; cook, stirring, until thickened. Turn sliced strawberries into pie shell and pour the cooked berry mixture over them. Cool, then refrigerate 6 hours.

Serve pie topped with whipped cream.

Note: Use the larger amounts of cornstarch and water if the berries are really juicy.

FYI: We hear from faithful Forum contributor Dianne Berst of Marysville, “When I wrote recently, with the layered Mexican salad recipe, I forgot another topic I intended to mention. Nestle has information on their Web site about sending goodies to our troops in the Middle East.”

Because of religious restrictions, baked goods containing vanilla extract, allspice and nutmeg are prohibited. Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which is not acceptable to Muslims, and the spices are considered aphrodisiacs. A card should be included with the package stating the products were made without those ingredients.

This Web site includes a list of ingredient restrictions, as well as ingredients that can and cannot be used to withstand the high desert heat.

Also, Nestle has developed some desert-safe recipes, along with important mailing and packaging information to assure the baked goods travel successfully.

Winding up, Diane says, “Here is the Web site: www.verybestbaking.com. Click on ‘promotions’ first, next click on ‘special programs,’ then click on ‘our troops abroad.’”

The Forum is always happy to receive your contributions and requests, so send them along to Judyrae Kruse at the Forum, c/o The Herald, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206.

Please remember that all letters and all e-mail must include a name, complete address with ZIP code and telephone number with area code. No exceptions and sorry, but no response to e-mail by return e-mail; send to kruse@heraldnet.com.

The next Forum will appear in Monday’s Time Out section.