Hit, Run and Homicide
Slightly potty inventor Daniel O'Brien played by the legendary Van Johnson,
was way ahead of his time when working on the concept of driverless cars.
When this episode was aired, of course, most viewers could never imagine that this crazy concept would fast become a reality. Bicycles and cars go wild, and it's fun to see Jessica, who we know has never learned to drive, taking a surprise trip behind the wheel against her will.
Another Hollywood legend June Allyson appears as our inventor's loyal friend, Katie. She is secretly holding a candle for him and cannot believe he's capable of murder.
Although all the signs point to him, Jessica doesn't believe it either. Luckily, a sneaky peek in a glove compartment, and a quick spin on an arcade driving game gives her the proof she needs about whodunit.
There is a clambake and picnic in honour of Founders Day in this episode, so you could prepare picnic fodder to enjoy with this show. It looks as though lots of the ladies of Cabot Cove have pitched in and brought food to share. It's hard to see what Jessica brings out of the bag; it could be lobsters, of course!
There are a couple of pies in evidence in this episode too. I'm guessing apple.
You could cook up some burgers on the barbecue (as Daniel does for Jessica) if the weather is good.
However, if you fancy something more hearty and warming, June's stew, a favourite of her husband, actor Dick Powell, comes highly recommended.
June Allyson's Beef Stew à la Dick Powell
2 lbs lean round or chuck steak
3 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, minced/crushed
2 cups carrots, sliced
2 cups potatoes, cut into large pieces
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cups water or undiluted beef broth
½ cup vermouth
1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon tarragon
1 bay leaf
2 cups green peas or string beans
1 cup corn, cut from the cob
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Brown the beef quickly in melted butter and remove it to a heated dish with a slotted spoon. Brown the onion and garlic in the butter left in the pan over a low heat. Return the beef and stock to the pan with the onion and garlic. Add the carrots, potatoes, celery, water or broth, vermouth, seasonings and herbs. Cover and simmer for about 1¼ hours, or until the meat is tender. Add the green peas and corn. Cook for 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Taste to correct seasonings. Spoon into soup plates. Garnish with parmesan cheese at the table. If desired, the stew can be thickened with flour, but it tastes best with just the natural juice of the vegetables and meat to flavour it.
Serves: 4-6
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Next week on Murder, She Cooked, a recipe from the kitchen of James Coco.
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Cheerio for now, tune in for another episode next week!
