Cooking with Cannabis: Recipes & How-To's

Cooking with Cannabis: Recipes & How-To's

Cooking with cannabis opens up a world of possibilities for both seasoned chefs and culinary novices. Infusing your favorite dishes with cannabis can add a unique twist to your meals and provide the benefits of cannabis in a delicious form. This guide will take you through the basics of cooking with cannabis, including how to infuse cannabis into oils and butter, and offer some simple yet delectable recipes to try at home.

‍Decarboxylation: The Key to Cannabis Cooking

Before you start cooking with cannabis, it's essential to understand decarboxylation. Raw cannabis contains THCA and CBDA, which need to be converted into THC and CBD through heat. Decarboxylation is the process of heating cannabis to activate its psychoactive properties.

‍How to Decarboxylate Cannabis:

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).

2. Break up your cannabis into small pieces and spread it evenly on a baking sheet.

3. Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

4. Let it cool, then grind the decarboxylated cannabis into a coarse powder.

‍Infusing Cannabis into Oils and Butter

Infusing cannabis into a carrier like oil or butter is a fundamental step in cannabis cooking. These infused bases can be used in a variety of recipes, from baked goods to savory dishes.

‍Cannabis-Infused Butter (Cannabutter):

Ingredients:

- 1 cup unsalted butter

- 1 cup water

- 1 ounce decarboxylated cannabis

‍Instructions:

1. Melt the butter and water in a saucepan over low heat.

2. Add the cannabis, stirring occasionally.

3. Simmer for 2-3 hours, ensuring it doesn’t boil, and stir occasionally.

4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a jar, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.

5. Refrigerate until solid, then drain any remaining water.

‍Cannabis-Infused Oil:

‍Ingredients:

- 1 cup coconut or olive oil

- 1 ounce decarboxylated cannabis

‍Instructions:

1. Combine oil and cannabis in a slow cooker or double boiler.

2. Heat on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.

3. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a jar, squeezing out as much oil as possible.

‍Simple Cannabis Recipes

‍Cannabis-Infused Brownies

‍Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup cannabutter

- 1 cup sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1/3 cup cocoa powder

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

‍Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Melt the cannabutter in a saucepan over low heat.

3. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

4. Beat in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder until well blended.

5. Spread the batter into a greased 9x9 inch baking pan.

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are firm. Let cool before cutting into squares.

‍Cannabis-Infused Guacamole

‍Ingredients:

- 2 ripe avocados

- 1 tablespoon cannabis-infused olive oil

- 1 lime, juiced

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup diced onion

- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro

- 2 roma tomatoes, diced

- 1 teaspoon minced garlic

- 1 pinch ground cayenne pepper (optional)

‍Instructions:

1. Mash avocados in a bowl.

2. Add cannabis-infused olive oil, lime juice, and salt, mixing well.

3. Stir in onion, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic.

4. Add cayenne pepper to taste.

5. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping.

‍Tips for Cooking with Cannabis

‍1. Start Low and Go Slow: Especially for beginners, it's essential to start with low doses and gradually increase as you gauge your tolerance.

2. Even Distribution: Ensure the cannabis is evenly distributed in your recipes to avoid inconsistent dosing.

3. Mind the Temperature: Avoid cooking at high temperatures to prevent the degradation of cannabinoids.

4. Label Your Infused Products: Clearly label cannabis-infused foods to prevent accidental consumption by unsuspecting individuals.

‍Conclusion

Cooking with cannabis is a delightful way to enjoy its benefits in your favorite dishes. By mastering the basics of decarboxylation and infusion, you can create a variety of cannabis-infused recipes, from sweet treats to savory snacks. Always remember to start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed to find your optimal experience. Enjoy experimenting with cannabis in your culinary adventures and savor the unique flavors and effects it brings to your kitchen.