Driving Miss Daisy won the Oscar for best picture in 1989. It was adapted from the play of the same name. It stars Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman, who reprised his role in the play, and Dan Aykroyd.  

Jessica Tandy lost a bet with her agent when she said she wouldn’t win for best actress. She did an excellent job of bringing Miss Daisy to life. She plays a retired school teacher, an outspoken, independent woman living in Georgia. We get to know her by focusing on her home life, synagogue, friends, family, fears, and concerns over a twenty five year period.

Morgan Freeman brought Hoke to life with his dignity, patience and sense of humor. I can’t imagine anyone else playing the part. It’s a story of an unlikely relationship between a wealthy Jewish widow and her illiterate black chauffeur who become the best of friends.

In the move, when Miss Daisy backs her car over the neighbor’s hedge, she doesn’t wring her hands and cry over spilt milk. She makes up a batch of pickles! That’s a true southern woman for you!

This recipe was given to me by my sister. It came from her mother-in-law, Maxine Raley.

Lime Pickles

1/2 bushel cucumbers (20-24 lbs)

12 lb sugar

2 3/4 gallons white vinegar

1 1/2 small bottle pickling spice

Lime

Wash and slice cucumbers. Put in a large plastic container with water and lime (1 cup lime to 2 gallons water) Soak overnight with ice cubes on top to keep cool. Drain and rinse 3 times. Put in pan. Sprinkle with sugar, salt, spices and vinegar. Soak overnight. Boil rapidly until color changes. Pour into clean quart jars (takes about 20) Seal with lids and let stand about 20 days.