This was always on the table at our church potlucks. My mom made it every Easter, every 4th of July, every single family reunion. I used to sneak spoonfuls straight from the fridge — it was like dessert disguised as a “salad.” Now I make it for my own family, and my kids do the exact same thing.

This was the first dessert I ever made all by myself. I was 12, using strawberries from my mom’s garden and a pie crust from scratch. I still remember how proud I felt pulling it out of the fridge — that glossy red shine and sweet strawberry smell meant summer had officially arrived.

Ingredients...