It really jerks my chain.  Christmas decorations up and products on the shelves BEFORE Halloween.  Christmas music piped over the sound system BEFORE the turkey dinner is even bought let alone cooked and eaten.  It disgusts me. 

Thanksgiving is ONE day!  A day meant for humility and gratitude.  It's NOT a religious holiday.  Thanksgiving is held steadfast in our collective American heritage.  The story told to our grandparents, our parents, us, our children, our grandchildren, and so on about the "First Thanksgiving". 

The retailers are opening earlier and earlier on Thanksgiving Day.  This isn't because they want to show their gratitude to their loyal customers.  It is strictly driven by the GOD ALMIGHTY DOLLAR. They don't care about their customers or their employees, and it shows. 

Now I get it...some people have to work:  soldiers, firefighters, EMTs, police, doctors, nurses, etc.  In fact, I've been one of those who had to work on the holidays because someone's life depended on it.  I am also very grateful to everyone who chooses this career path.  However, retail is NOT essential and no one's life depends on the newest gadget being sold for Christmas this year.

So I'm boycotting...I won't be shopping any of the stores open on Thanksgiving Day.  For those of you that know me...you know this isn't a giant leap for me in the least.  I don't shop on Black Friday, period.  And, any store that cannot show their gratitude to their employees by allowing them to have Thanksgiving Day off, does not deserve my hard earned dollar.  In fact, I'll be doing ALL of my shopping at the local "Mom and Pop" stores who remained closed so their employees could spend Thanksgiving with their families.

While the list below is NOT all inclusive it's a good start.  Who's willing to join me?

Cupcakes:

1 c. butter, room temperature
1/2 c. dark cocoa powder
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. milk
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
4 large eggs
1 c. granulated sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1 Tbsp espresso powder
1 c. raspberry preserves,
      seedless



Preheat oven to 325*F

Makes 24 cupcakes

I thought I'd share a couple of photos if the cupcakes we made.  My hubby calls this food porn.  Click the image for the recipe.