Ready to unleash your inner chef? Cooking with cannabis can be a delightful and rewarding experience, allowing you to explore new flavors while enjoying the benefits of this amazing plant. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, we’ve got some simple, beginner-friendly recipes for you to try at home.
How to Decarboxylate Cannabis
Before you start infusing cannabis into any recipe, you need to decarboxylate it. This process activates the cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) by heating the cannabis, making it more potent when consumed.
Here’s how to decarboxylate cannabis:
- Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
- Break your cannabis into smaller pieces and spread it evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake it for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through. This will activate the THC and CBD, ensuring the potency of your infusions.
- Once done, let it cool before using it in your recipes.
Simple Cannabis Recipes to Try
1.) Cannabis-Infused Butter (Cannabutter)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 ounce ground cannabis (make sure it’s decarboxylated)
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Add the ground cannabis and let it simmer on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Keep the heat low to avoid boiling—this helps preserve the THC.
- After simmering, strain the butter through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a glass jar, making sure to remove all plant matter.
- Let it cool, then store in the fridge. Your cannabis-infused butter is ready for baking or cooking!
Dosage Tip: Start with 1 tablespoon of cannabutter in your recipes and adjust based on your experience.
2. Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil
This versatile oil is perfect for drizzling on salads, cooking, or even marinades.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup olive oil
- 1/4 ounce decarboxylated cannabis
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan on low heat (around 160-180°F) for about 5 minutes.
- Add the decarboxylated cannabis and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the oil through cheesecloth into a clean jar or bottle.
- Store in a cool, dark place and use within a month for the best potency.
Dosage Tip: Use this oil to enhance your favorite savory dishes or drizzle it over vegetables and pasta. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust as you get comfortable.
3. Cannabis-Infused Chocolate Brownies
Who can resist fudgy brownies? These are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cannabutter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a baking pan.
- In a large bowl, melt the cannabutter and mix it with sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla, then stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Pour the batter into the baking pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool before cutting into squares.
Dosage Tip: Start with a small piece, as edibles can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in. Patience is key!
4. Cannabis-Infused Honey
Perfect for sweetening tea or drizzling over your favorite snacks!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 ounce decarboxylated cannabis
Instructions:
- Warm the honey in a saucepan on low heat.
- Add the decarboxylated cannabis and let it simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Strain out the cannabis material using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
- Store in an airtight jar and use within 2-3 weeks.
Dosage Tip: Use this honey in tea, on toast, or as a sweetener in your favorite recipes. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust based on your desired effect.
5. Cannabis-Infused Hot Wings (Often carry infused-hot sauce at Joint Operations as a time-saver!)
Instructions:
- Make the Hot Sauce:
- Combine chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and water in a small saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat until the peppers are softened, about 10-15 minutes.
- Carefully transfer to a blender, add the cannabis-infused olive oil, and blend until smooth.
- Bake the Wings:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the wings dry, toss with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Toss and Serve:
- Toss the baked wings in your homemade cannabis-infused hot sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve with your favorite dips and garnish with fresh cilantro or blue cheese dressing.
Dosage Tip: Start with 2-3 wings, as cannabis edibles can take up to 2 hours to take effect. Remember, slow and steady!
Tips for Cooking with Cannabis
- Start Slow: Edibles take longer to kick in compared to smoking or vaping, so always begin with a small dose and give it time to take effect.
- Low and Slow: Always use low heat when cooking or infusing cannabis. High temperatures can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing the potency.
- Be Patient: With edibles, it can take 30 minutes to 2 hours for the effects to kick in. Be patient and avoid consuming more too quickly.
Final Thoughts
Cooking with cannabis is a fun and creative way to enjoy its benefits. Whether you’re making your own infused oils, whipping up a decadent dessert, or crafting a savory dish like cannabis-infused hot wings, the possibilities are endless! At Joint Operations, we offer high-quality cannabis products perfect for infusing into your favorite dishes.
So, grab your apron, channel your culinary creativity, and get cooking—there’s a whole new world of flavors to explore with cannabis in the kitchen. Happy cooking!