Let Us Give Thanks to Community Pharmacists

Once upon a time, not too long ago, there was a holiday that gave families the opportunity to spend time together. This holiday was not affected by mass commercialism or even tied to religion; it was just about family.

Of course, I'm talking about the fading holiday of Thanksgiving.

Today, Thanksgiving is just a stop along the way to Christmas. In the pharmacy world, many pharmacies remain open on Thanksgiving, because it’s just another Thursday for Americans to shop for Christmas presents.

Although we should rightfully regret the loss of traditional Thanksgiving, pharmacists should also embrace the opportunity to share part of the day assisting our patients, who comprise our community family.

Families don't come in one form. So, if you find yourself working this Thanksgiving, remember that community pharmacists play a critical role in the community. Many patients trust us as members of their own family. Don't just dispense medication this Thanksgiving; dispense a sense of family.

Whatever “family” you find yourself with this Thanksgiving, one thing that will cheer up any family member are traditional Italian cookies. So, bake away and serve the following on the fourth Thursday before Christmas.

Ingredients:

2 cups shortening'

6 eggs'

2 teaspoons vanilla'

1.5 cups sugar'

1 cup milk'

5 heaping teaspoons of baking powder'

3 lbs flour (more may be needed)'

3-4 tablespoons cocoa powder*'

1.5 teaspoon allspice*

*Needed for a chocolate, spiced version of the cookies. Add these 2 ingredients to the 1.5 cups of sugar and mix well.

Directions:

Cream shortening and white sugar. Add eggs and mix well. Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the liquid ones until the dough has putty-like texture. Knead and roll into ropes for slicing into 1.5-inch pieces, or shape into designs. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees on a greased sheet, or one lined with parchment paper.

Glaze:'

2 cups powdered sugar'

3 tablespoons milk'

1 tablespoon vanilla or almond extract'

Food coloring (optional)

In a saucepan, cook all ingredients at low heat and stir frequently. This will thicken if it’s not stirred, but it can be reheated to restore texture. When the cookies are mostly cooled, dip them with a spoon or fingers into warm glaze mixture and let them cool on waxed paper or a cleanable surface.