The Easiest Way to Prepare Cannabis Butter at Home
Cannabis butter is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to find in stores, and when you do, the cost can be high. The good news is that it's actually quite simple to make cannabis butter at home with minimal effort.
In this article, we will discuss the easiest way to prepare cannabis butter at home and provide some tips on how to get the best results. So, read on and learn the secrets of making cannabis butter for delicious edibles!
One important thing to remember before getting started is that you will need a supply of high-quality cannabis buds or medical marijuana in order to make good-quality cannabis butter. The better quality of your starting material, the better your end product will be. Once you have gathered all of your ingredients, you are ready to begin!
Ingredients:
- 7 grams of cannabis flower
- 1 cup of butter
- 1 cup of water
- A cannabis grinder
- One nonstick baking sheet
- One stovetop pot
- A thermometer (optional)
- Cheesecloth
Step 1: Decarb the cannabis
To activate the beneficial cannabinoids found within the cannabis flower, the flower must first be decarboxylated or "decarb." "The decarbing process is a chemical change that converts the THCA to THC," explains Katie Stem, extraction expert, and Peak Extracts CEO.
If you skip this step, your butter will be much weaker. There's a chance that some of the THCA will convert to THC during the slow melt process of the butter, but you'll lose a lot of the beneficial cannabinoids if you skip the decarb "activation" step.
Here's a quick and simple method for decarbing your flower:
1. Prepare your cannabis flower by grinding it. Make use of a grinder designed specifically for cannabis. You'll end up with a coarsely ground herb.
2. Preheat the oven to 230–245 degrees Fahrenheit. 240 degrees is ideal for my oven, but it also depends on the age of your oven and how evenly it cooks.
3. Arrange your ground cannabis on a nonstick baking sheet. A nonstick baking sheet that has not previously been used for cooking food is preferred. If you only have a food-safe pan, cover it with parchment paper to protect the cannabis from any residue on the pan. This also aids in the prevention of sticking.
Step 2: Steep on the stovetop
After you've decarbed your weed, heat the butter on the stovetop and start infusing.
1. Melt together 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of water. The water will aid in the even heating of the butter. In the end, any water that does not evaporate will be removed. Use 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup butter, and 1/8 ounce of cannabis for a half-batch.
2. Turn your burner to the lowest setting. The butter should be cooked at 150 degrees Fahrenheit, with a maximum temperature of 200 degrees. A cooking thermometer can assist you in determining the exact temperature.
3. Mix in your decarbed cannabis. Put a lid on the pot. This aids in the distribution of heat, which is ideal for a low, slow extraction.
4. Simmer for at least three hours at 150°F. If you want a more potent butter, steep it for four hours, but make sure the temperature is at its lowest. If you choose a longer cooking time, you may want to add more water because it evaporates and leaves the butter vulnerable to overheating. To avoid burning, stir occasionally.
Alternative methods: Double boiler or crockpot
Both of these methods aim to balance and stabilize the temperature of the butter, preventing it from becoming too hot or burning during the process.
For the double boiler method:
Simmer 1 cup of water in a large pot for the double boiler method. One cup of butter and cannabis in a glass or metal bowl on top of the pot. Cook for three hours. Maintain a close eye on the water level in the bottom pot and refill it as needed.
For the crockpot method:
Combine the cannabis, water, and butter in a pot. For three hours, set the crockpot to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Strain your butter.
After three hours, and your home is filled with the faint aroma of cannabis mixed with butter, strain your mixture.
1. Cover a jar with several layers of cheesecloth. Use a rubber band to keep it from slipping while you strain. If you don't have any cheesecloth on hand, coffee filters will suffice. For this step, a standard metal food strainer will be too coarse.
2. Slowly pour the butter through the cheesecloth. Allow enough time for it to drain so that there is no overflow. You can discard or compost the spent weed once it has been thoroughly strained.
3. Allow it to cool. After 30 minutes at room temperature, transfer it to the refrigerator.
4. Drain any excess water. When it's cool and solidified, you should be able to see the butter on top and a thin layer of water on the bottom. Pour the water out of the jar with care. Hold the butter in place with a clean finger or utensil to prevent it from slipping out.
Step 4: Have fun!
Your cannabutter is now ready for consumption. To make dosing easier, cut it into small, uniform pieces. Cannabutter can be substituted for butter or oil in almost any recipe.
Because it is so potent, start with a small amount of cannabutter until you find your tolerance level. When dosing cannabutter for recipes, mix it with regular butter. You can always add more cannabutter or eat more edibles, but you can never take it back. Slow down.
How to store cannabutter
Store your canna butter in the fridge in an air-tight glass jar.
A sealed mason jar works well. The canna butter stored in the fridge should last 3 to 4 weeks. You can also store it in an opaque or dark glass jar. Light exposure degrades cannabis over time, so any opaque jar or covering will extend its life.
You can also freeze cannabutter if you really want it to last. Freezing cannabis does not degrade its effects and can extend the life of the cannabutter up to six months.
Always smell older cannabutter. If it smells rancid, don't eat it.
Canna butter is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Following these simple steps will help you make perfect canna butter every time. Keep in mind that depending on the recipes, the temperature and cooking time may vary, so always read instructions carefully to ensure the best results. With some patience and love, you can easily make delicious edibles from your own cannabis-infused butter at home.
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This time of year can be truly joyous, but also truly stressful. Chores, errands, events, entertaining - there’s so much to do, it’s enough to overwhelm even the merriest of holiday merrymakers. Think of all those pesky relatives and shopping crowds to overcome. After all that, who wants to cook? Cooking for the holidays is no small feat - fortunately, in this as in so many things, cannabis can help. Make sure to have a little toke first as you whip up one of the recipes on our list.
A few brief notes for stoner chefs: edibles are a different ballgame, even for experienced smokers. Prepare your dishes with care and make sure you are aware of the potency and dosage per serving. Never give cannabis-infused food to someone without their knowledge and consent, and keep away from children and pets. If you are looking for a device to make your own cannabis-infused butter (aka cannabutter), the professionals at your local Beyond Smoke shop will be happy to assist you. Now relax and enjoy! Happy holidays from all of us at Beyond Smoke.
Cannabis Glazed Ham
Ingredients:
1/8 cup whole cloves
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup apple cider
½ cup orange juice
¼ cup cannabis-infused oil
¼ cup Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch salt
Smoked cured ham, 8-12 lbs
Heat oven to 300 degrees.
1. Place the ham on your work surface. Stud the ham with the whole cloves.
2. In a medium saucepan combine the brown sugar, canna-oil, apple cider, mustard, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Allow to reach a slow simmer, stirring frequently. The longer you cook the glaze the thicker it will. Allow the mixture to cool for at least 30 minutes.
3. Liberally brush the ham with the glaze. Bake for 1-2 hours, basting frequently. Allow to stand for about 20 minutes before slicing.
Cannabis-Infused Roast Turkey with Herb Gravy
Ingredients:
FOR THE TURKEY:
1 whole turkey (about 12-14 pounds), thawed and patted dry
1/4 cup cannabis-infused olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, halved
2 onions, quartered
1 bunch fresh rosemary
1 bunch fresh thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
FOR THE HERB GRAVY:
Drippings from the roasted turkey
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons cannabis-infused olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Marinating the Turkey:
Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix the cannabis-infused olive oil with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Turkey: Rub the cannabis-infused oil mixture both inside and outside of the turkey. Place some rosemary, thyme, lemon halves, and quartered onions inside the cavity of the turkey.
Refrigerate: Let the turkey marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for better infusion.
Roasting the Turkey:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare for Roasting: Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Place it on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
Roast: Place the turkey in the preheated oven. The general rule for cooking a turkey is about 13 minutes per pound. So, a 14-pound turkey would take about 3 hours to cook.
Baste: Baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes with the pan juices.
Check for Doneness: The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C).
Rest Before Carving: Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Making the Herb Gravy:
Collect the Drippings: Pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a bowl, leaving the browned bits in the pan.
Make a Roux: Place the roasting pan on the stove over medium heat. Add the cannabis-infused olive oil and flour to the pan, whisking to combine with the browned bits.
Add Liquids: Gradually add the chicken broth, continuing to whisk. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer: Cook the gravy until it thickens to your liking, usually about 10 minutes.
Season: Season with salt and pepper. Strain the gravy to remove any lumps, if desired.
Serving:
Serve the Turkey: Carve the turkey and serve it with the warm herb gravy.
Cannabis-Infused Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
Two nine ounce packages frozen cut green beans, thawed (you can also use canned and drained green beans)
Eight slices bacon
10 chopped cremini mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
One 10.75 oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
¾ cup of crispy fried onions
¼ cup melted cannabutter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place the green beans into a casserole dish.
Fry the bacon until brown and crispy, remove from the skillet and drain most of the grease from the pan, leaving just enough grease to cook the mushrooms.
Saute mushrooms until tender and season with garlic and onion powder.
Pour in mushroom soup and bring the mixture to a light boil.
Pour the mixture over the green beans.
Crumble the bacon on top and sprinkle in the cheddar cheese.
Cover with the fried onions then brush with melted cannabutter.
Season with salt and pepper, then bake for 20 minutes until the sauce is bubbling.
Serve and enjoy!
Cannabis-Infused Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, (cooked, mashed)
2 (3 ounce) packages cream cheese
¼ cup cannabutter*
¼ cup regular butter
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
Ground white pepper to taste
Directions:
Place potatoes in a large pot of lightly salted water. Bring to a boil, and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain, and mash.
While potatoes are still warm, in a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, cannabutter, milk, butter, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, and pepper. Sprinkle fresh rosemary on top. Serve and enjoy!
Cannabis-Infused Pumpkin Pie
Yield: One 9-inch pie
4 grams cannabis flower
2 14-oz cans sweetened condensed milk, divided
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp kosher salt
¼ cup heavy cream
1 15-oz can unsweetened pumpkin purée
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 pie crust, store-bought
whipped cream, for serving
| Preparation – Cannabis | To prepare the cannabis, preheat oven to 200˚F. Grind your flower up finely. Place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in oven for 70 minutes. Remove, and let cool completely. Add decarboxylated cannabis into the top of a double boiler with 1 can of sweetened condensed milk. Bring to 220˚F, and keep at that temperature. Cook for 45 minutes to infuse, stirring every 5 minutes. Add about ½ cup of sweetened condensed milk, or more as needed, to replace what has evaporated. Strain through cheesecloth into a separate container. To strain, secure the cheesecloth around a heat-safe cup with a rubber band or tape, so you can properly push and strain liquid. Thoroughly squeeze through. Be sure to wear disposable gloves, as it gets sticky. Let cool.
Preparation – Pumpkin Pie | Preheat oven to 375˚F. Whisk infused milk, pumpkin purée, egg, 1 egg yolk, heavy cream, kosher salt and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl. Place chilled dough on a generously floured surface, and (if needed) roll out to an 11-inch circle, adding more flour to your rolling pin as needed. Carefully roll dough onto the rolling pin, then unroll over a 9-inch pie dish.
Press dough evenly into the bottom and sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough and form around edges. Fill pie crust, and distribute the pie filling evenly. Lightly tap the pan to settle the filling. Bake for 20 minutes or until crust is brown and filling is set. Let cool, and top with whipped cream.
| To Serve | Serve chilled or at room temperature. Cut pie into 10 equal slices.
Cannabis Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies
Equipment
mixer
mixing bowl
parchment paper
cookie sheet
measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
3 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup cannabis
2 oz cream cheese softened to room temp
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
4 oz cream cheese softened to (room temp)
1/4 cup unsalted cannabutter (room temp)
2 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 cup sprinkles
Instructions
Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together until combined. Set aside.
In a large bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cannabutter and cream cheese together for 2 minutes on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and beat on medium high speed until fluffy and light in color. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract on high speed..
On low speed, slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. The cookie dough will be thick. Cover dough tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
Remove cookie dough from the refrigerator. If the cookie dough chilled longer than 3-4 hours, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper
Pour the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar into a bowl.Scoop and roll balls of dough, about 1.5 Tablespoons of dough each. Roll each ball into granulated sugar then place on the baking sheets about 3 inches apart. Using the back of measuring cup or drinking glass, gently press down on each .
Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, or until very lightly browned on the edges. Let cool cmpletely before frosting.
FROSTING
In a medium bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese and cannabutter together on medium-high speed until creamy and no lumps remain, about 2 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 20 seconds then increase to high speed until everything is completely combined and the frosting is creamy. Taste. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. Spread on each cooled cookie, then decorate with sprinkles.
Hot Cannabutter Rum Cider
Ingredients:
24 ounces spiced apple or pear juice
4 teaspoons cannabutter, softened
1⁄4 cup heavy whipping cream
1⁄2 teaspoon powdered sugar
8 ounces dark rum
1⁄4 teaspoon cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
In a small saucepan, bring rum and cloves to a slow rolling boil for about 10 minutes.
While boiling off the alcohol, create “cannabutter cream” by whisking together cannabutter, heavy cream and powdered sugar. Set aside.
Strain the rum into a clean pot, add the cider and heat for a few minutes more. Pour the hot rum cider into 4 mugs and top each drink with 2 teaspoons of cannabutter cream. Garnish drinks with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.
Resources:
https://www.finefettle.com/blog/top-holiday-cannabis-recipes/
https://mogreenway.com/2023/11/22/infused-kitchen-cannabis-infused-roast-turkey-with-herb-gravy/
https://www.leafly.com/news/lifestyle/recipe-cannabis-infused-mashed-potatoes
https://www.feastmagazine.com/recipes/desserts/cannabis-infused-pumpkin-pie-recipe/article_c0ce0b24-3de1-11ee-8910-537997b8ccff.html
https://cannadish.net/top-10-favorite-cannabis-christmas-recipes/
https://www.stackmagazines.com/literature/cannabis-recipes-kitchen-toke-christmas/
https://cannabisnow.com/baked-canna-glazed-ham/
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