Elevated Thanksgiving: Infusing Cannabis into a Complete Feast
Novemeber is here you know what that means! Thanksgiving is a time for friends and family to come together, give thanks, and enjoy a delicious meal. For those who appreciate the recreational or medicinal benefits of cannabis, it's also an opportunity to elevate the holiday experience by infusing cannabis into your Thanksgiving dinner. While this endeavor requires careful planning and consideration, it can be a unique way to add an extra layer of enjoyment to your holiday gathering. In this blog, we'll explore how to infuse cannabis into various dishes and provide recipes for a complete Thanksgiving dinner that's sure to delight your taste buds and elevate your spirits responsibly.
Before we dive into the recipes, it's essential to understand some key points about cooking with cannabis:
Choose the Right Strain: Different cannabis strains have different flavor profiles and effects. Consider strains that complement the flavors of your Thanksgiving dishes and the desired effects for your guests.
Decarboxylation: Cannabis must be decarboxylated (heated) before use in cooking to activate its psychoactive compounds. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C) and spread finely ground cannabis or concentrate on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes.
Dosage: Be mindful of dosage. Start low and go slow, especially if your guests are not experienced cannabis users. Everyone's tolerance varies, so it's better to underestimate than overestimate.
Homemade Cannabis-Infused Oil or Butter: Prepare a cannabis-infused oil or butter in advance for easy integration into various dishes. We'll provide a simple recipe below.
Now, let's get cooking!
Cannabis-Infused Butter Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup of unsalted butter
7-10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis or concentate for more experianced users (adjust for desired potency)
Instructions:
In a saucepan, melt the butter on low heat.
Add the decarboxylated cannabis/concentrate to the melted butter.
Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Avoid letting it come to a boil.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a container. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Allow the cannabis-infused butter to cool and solidify in the refrigerator.
Cannabis-Infused Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes:
Cannabis-Infused Gravy:
Ingredients:
2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons of cannabis-infused butter
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a saucepan, melt the cannabis-infused butter over medium heat.
Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it forms a light roux.
Slowly whisk in the broth, and continue to whisk until the gravy thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cannabis-Infused Mashed Potatoes:
Ingredients:
4-5 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup of milk
1/4 cup of cannabis-infused butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Boil the potatoes until tender, then drain.
In a saucepan, warm the milk and cannabis-infused butter over low heat until the butter melts.
Mash the potatoes and gradually add the warm milk and butter mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
Cannabis-Infused Green Bean Casserole:
Ingredients:
1 pound of green beans, trimmed and blanched
1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons of cannabis-infused butter
1 cup of French-fried onions
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a skillet, sauté the mushrooms in cannabis-infused butter until they soften.
Combine the blanched green beans and sautéed mushrooms in a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
Top with French-fried onions and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Cannabis-Infused Pumpkin Pie:
Ingredients:
1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 1/2 cups of pumpkin puree
1/2 cup of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
2 eggs
1/2 cup of cannabis-infused butter, melted
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, salt, and spices.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add them to the pumpkin mixture.
Gradually add the cannabis-infused melted butter, mixing until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Conclusion:
Infusing cannabis into your Thanksgiving dinner can add a unique and elevated dimension to your holiday celebration. However, it's crucial to prioritize responsible consumption and be mindful of your guests' preferences and tolerances. By following the recipes and tips provided here, you can create a memorable Thanksgiving dinner that combines the warmth of tradition with the spirit of exploration. Enjoy the festivities, give thanks, and savor your cannabis-infused Thanksgiving feast!