Cannabutter is widely used in the edible making world, but is butter the best ingredient to infuse?
First lets talk about cannabutter! It is a pretty fail-proof way to make infused goodies. However, brownies and cookies can get a little overrated. Also, infusing doesn't have to take as many steps as it does when using butter! Today we're gonna talk about using 3 different oils; olive oil, coconut oil, and sesame oil. The initial process is the same for all of these!
Break up high-quality bud into large nugs, don't grind it super fine since we'll be straining this later. You can infuse raw cannabis directly into oil by first getting the cannabis-oil mixture to a temperature of between 212° and 230° to decarboxylate it. Make sure to check the temperature often so it doesn't get too hot. Then, simmer and double boil it for around 1- 2 hours at a temperature of between 158° and 199°. After this cools completely, use a very fine strainer or a cheesecloth and store in a sealed jar.
This is the easiest way to infuse oils with just a double boiler and a strainer or cheese cloth. Otherwise, you'll need an immersion circulator and vacuum seal bags.
[Note: Using 1 cup of oil and an eighth of flower, each tablespoon of oil will be around 29mg THC based on a 20% strain.]
-----Olive Oil
With olive oil, the possibilities are endless since it's such a versatile oil. The best easy recipe is this Dark Chocolate Toast with Olive Oil:
6 servings:
6 oz dark chocolate, 60% or to taste
6 slices white country-style loaf
1/4 cup THC olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
Coarsely grate the chocolate onto a plate. Bake at 325° or toast bread until fully golden brown. Spoon the grated chocolate over the toast, covering it completely. Pour the THC olive oil over the chocolate and sprinkle with the salt flakes.
-----Coconut Oil
Coconut oil isn't for everyone but it's also super versatile and can usually be used instead of butter in a lot of recipes if you want a vegan option. Here's a Canna Coconut Oil Cornbread recipe that's leagues above the box mix!
A 9" baking pan makes about 16 servings:
1 1/2 cup fine-medium grind cornmeal
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup sugar
2 cups milk of choice (soy or almond milk works great)
1 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup melted THC coconut oil
Preheat oven to 375°. Use more coconut oil to liberally grease the baking pan. Whisk together dry ingredients and then liquids separately. Then pour oil mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined-don't overmix. Pour into baking pan and bake about 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean and let cool completely before removing from pan. This bread can be stored in a sealed container on the counter about 5 days but I wouldn't refrigerate.
-----Sesame Oil
Now sesame oil is where the versatility (and THC effect) closes in, as sesame has a very distinct flavor. However, here's a quick recipe for Sesame Noodles if your night starts after dinner. These measurements are all subjective to your personal tastes so have fun with this!
4-6 servings:
1 pound cooked and strained pasta (any pasta works, soba noodles are ideal but even spaghetti is great)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar (optional)
2 tablespoons THC sesame oil
2 teaspoon chili sauce or sriracha, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
protein of choice (optional)
Mix all sauce ingredients together, then toss the pasta with the sauce and green onions. This can be served warm or cold, and topped with extra green onions or pepper.