Cannabis has found its way into the culinary world, offering a unique way to enhance flavors and experiences with its infusion. Whether you’re looking to explore the medicinal benefits of cannabis or simply enjoy its effects in a more creative way, cooking with cannabis can be a rewarding and delicious endeavor. Here are two easy cannabis-infused recipes that you can try at home.
1. Cannabis-Infused Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are a classic favorite, and adding cannabis to the recipe takes it up a notch. This recipe is perfect for beginners and yields about 24 cookies, each offering a mild cannabis dose.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cannabis-infused butter (see below for instructions)
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the cannabis-infused butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until well mixed.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop dough by the spoonful onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
How to Make Cannabis-Infused Butter:
- Melt 1 cup of butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add 1/2 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis (grind the cannabis and bake it at 240°F for 40 minutes to activate the THC). Simmer on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Strain the butter through a cheesecloth to remove the plant material and let it cool.
Dosage Tip: Adjust the amount of cannabis used in the butter depending on the desired potency. For a milder dose, use less cannabis, and for stronger cookies, use more—but remember to start slow!
2. Cannabis-Infused Pesto Pasta
This cannabis-infused pesto pasta is a fresh, flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The recipe uses cannabis-infused olive oil, which adds an earthy flavor and a subtle cannabis kick.
Ingredients for Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup cannabis-infused olive oil (see below for instructions)
- ⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Ingredients for Pasta:
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
- Salt for boiling water
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice (if using). Pulse a few times to break down the ingredients.
- Add the cannabis-infused olive oil slowly while pulsing the mixture until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the pasta with the cannabis-infused pesto until well-coated.
- Serve the pasta with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
How to Make Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil:
- Combine 1 cup of olive oil with ¼ ounce of decarboxylated cannabis in a saucepan. Heat on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Strain the oil through a cheesecloth into a jar, discarding the plant material. Store the oil in the refrigerator.
Dosage Tip: Start with a small portion to see how the cannabis affects you, especially if you’re unfamiliar with edible dosages. You can always add more pesto to your pasta later!
Final Thoughts
Cooking with cannabis offers a fun and flavorful way to enjoy its effects, whether for relaxation or medicinal benefits. These recipes are easy to follow, and both the cookies and the pasta allow for flexible cannabis dosing depending on your experience level. Always remember to label your cannabis-infused foods clearly and store them safely, especially if others in your household are not consuming cannabis. Enjoy your creations responsibly!