A spirit, soul, and legacy...

(Taken 2 days before Eve was shot)

Yesterday, a painful part of UNC-Chapel Hill's recent history came to a close.  Demario Atwater was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Eve Carson.  He was spared a charge of the death penalty, because Eve's parents (and Eve) didn't believe in it.  I hope that my parents would have done the same thing. 

Since Eve's death in Spring 2008, coworkers, family, and others have asked me if I knew Eve Carson.  I didn't know her, but I was still affected by her brilliant character and sunny disposition.  The judge on Monday illustrated her life perfectly when he told Atwater, "You can take a life, but you can't take a spirit and you can't take a soul.  Her soul and her spirit will live through her family and friends and the countless others she touched."

My only vivid memory of Carson was when she spoke at a Virginia Tech memorial service days after she was elected student body president.  I remember that she encouraged us, as students, to "find your counterpart at Virginia Tech and reach out to them...send them an email."  Her eloquence in front of a large group of her peers amazed me. 

Eve's natural sense of leadership and love of humanity would have been a driving positive force for our community.  Even though I didn't know her, I am still sad and angry about her death.  I'll continue to keep her parents and friends in my thoughts.

Avocado Pie

(The picture doesn't do it justice)

For the Crust...if you choose to make one:
5 T. unsalted butter, melted

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1 T. granulated sugar

Pinch of salt

For the filling:

2 medium hass avocados

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, at room temperature

1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk

2 1/2 T. fresh lime juice

1 1/2 T. fresh lemon juice

Pinch of salt

Whipped cream, for garnish

Make the crust:

Preaheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Brush an 8-inch springform pan with some of the melted butter.  Mix the remaining butter with graham cracker crumbs, sugar and salt in a bowl.  Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan.  Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes.  Cool completely on a rack.

Make the filling:

Halve and pit the avocados, then scoop out the flesh and chop.  Transfer to a bowl, add the cream cheese and beat with a mixer on medium speed until smooth.  Add the condensed milk, lime and lemon juices, and the salt and beat until fluffy, scraping the bowl as needed.  Pour the filling into the crust, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface and chill at least 4 hours.

Remove the springform ring and slice the pie.  Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.