Summer Fresh Strawberry Pie

Stir sugar, cornstarch, and salt together in a medium saucepan. Add 3 tablespoons water and mix into a paste.

Bring remaining water to a boil in a pot. Add to sugar mixture slowly. Let mixture simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, until thick and clear, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add lemon juice, almond extract, and red food coloring.

Let mixture cool for at least 15 minutes; fold in strawberries. Pour into the prepared pie crust. Chill until set, at least 1 hour.

Whip heavy cream in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer; add confectioners' sugar slowly until combined. Spread topping over chilled pie.