The Sweet Taste of Summer
- Melissa Mitchell
- Jul 16
- 4 min read
July 15, 2026
I've realized that growing strawberries on Padre Island may not be the most practical thing I've ever attempted.
Between collecting rain in barrels, watering by hand, contending with wildlife, and keeping an eye on a granddaughter snatching them off the vine, a quick trip to the market remains a far easier way to acquire strawberries.
But that's never been the point.
There is a lot of satisfaction in stepping outside and harvesting food you've grown yourself. Even if the harvest is modest and some of it disappears before you get to enjoy it. As children, many of us grew up closer to the source of our food. Grandparents kept gardens. Neighbors shared tomatoes. Fresh vegetables were on dinner tables because someone spent months tending them.
When a strawberry pie appears on a table, it looks effortless. Bright red berries nestled in a flaky crust and topped with clouds of whipped cream. A simple summer dessert. What we don't see are the weeks spent watering plants, watching for pests, pulling weeds, and waiting patiently for berries to ripen.
I spent countless summer days trailing behind my grandmother in her garden. Looking back, I realize those afternoons taught me to appreciate the fresh bite of a fruit or vegetable picked straight from the plant.
More Than Just a Pie
This year, I find myself sharing that same appreciation with my granddaughter. Exploring gardens with a grandchild tends to slow the process considerably. Every leaf becomes interesting and every bug requires investigation.
One day Claire won't be nearly as fascinated by tiny berries, garden bugs, or helping me search for ripe fruit hidden beneath the leaves.
For now, though, she still is.
And that makes the extra time worthwhile.
Our family's strawberry pie recipe isn't fancy. Aside from the crust, nothing is baked. There's no need to heat up the house baking a pie for an hour. The only baking required is the crust, and that can be done the night before.
Growing up, strawberry pie was the unofficial dessert of summer.
The filling comes together quickly and chills until ready to serve. From baby showers and birthdays to family cookouts and holiday weekends, this pie seemed to appear wherever people gathered. It's the kind of recipe that gets pulled from a box year after year because everyone would notice if it didn't make an appearance.
Homemade whipped cream was either piled high on top or carefully arranged around the edge of the crust for a more elevated presentation, but one thing never changed—there was never a crumb left behind.
It was also the dessert most likely to appear when someone needed a little comfort.
Showing up with a strawberry pie has long been one of the sweetest ways to lift someone's spirits.
What everyone loves most is the strawberries. Because they are added fresh, each slice is cool and crisp—like a sweet taste of summer itself.
With very little cooking involved, it's the perfect dessert for a hot summer day.
If you're looking for a simple summer dessert that has stood the test of time in our family, here's the recipe.
Melissa's Strawberry Pie
Ingredients
1 baked 9-inch pie crust, cooled
1 quart fresh strawberries, stems removed and quartered
1½ cups water
¾ cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (3-ounce) package strawberry gelatin
Whipped cream for topping
Directions
In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.
Slowly add the water, whisking until smooth.
Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin until completely dissolved.
Refrigerate 15–20 minutes, or until slightly cooled.
Arrange strawberries in the baked, cooled pie crust.
Pour the gelatin mixture evenly over the berries.
Refrigerate until set.
Top with whipped cream or garnish with whipped cream around the outer edge before serving.
Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Makes one 9-inch pie.
A Quick Community Reminder
Speaking of things that bring people together, we're preparing for another event that has become a favorite tradition in our community.
A few weeks ago, I shared a call for artists for the upcoming Incognito Art Show benefiting Kaylee's Light Foundation. Since then, artwork has been arriving at the gallery, and I've been delighted by the creativity, talent, and generosity of the artists participating this year.
The concept is simple. The artwork is displayed anonymously, allowing visitors to choose the work that speaks to them rather than selecting based on an artist's name or reputation. The artist's identity remains a mystery until after the artwork is purchased.
The show opens July 17 and continues through July 31 at Evoke Studio & Gifts. Every piece of art will be available for purchase, with 100% of proceeds benefiting Kaylee's Light Foundation and helping provide toys and comfort items for children receiving care at Driscoll Children's Hospital. If you find a piece you love, you'll leave with more than artwork—you'll help brighten the day of a child facing challenges no child should have to endure.
Visitors are also invited to participate in our Guess the Artist Challenge. If you correctly identify an artist in the show, your name will be entered into a drawing on July 31 to win a piece of the remaining artwork from the exhibition. You do not need to be present to win.
I hope you'll join us for the Opening Reception on July 17 at 6 p.m. If you can't make the reception, the exhibit will be open during regular business hours at Evoke through July 31. Come discover some incredible artwork, enjoy the mystery of not knowing who created it, and help support a truly beautiful cause.
The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and coastal reflections.
Have a story to share or a cause close to your heart? I’d love to hear from you at contact@melissamitchellart.com
14646 Compass Street, Suite 10
The Island—Corpus Christi, Texas 78418
Hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 11a-4p
Friday & Saturday: 12p-4p
Closed Sunday & Monday
After-hours private shopping appointments may be arranged upon request, based on schedule availability.
Evoke Links:
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