With 2016 quickly drawing to a close, the winter represents a time to enjoy the company of loved ones, cooking together and simply expressing gratitude for those who have had a positive impact in our lives.
Whatever your religious or cultural affiliations/identities, we thought it helpful to compile a list of cannabis-infused harvest-time recipes to celebrate the season. There is nothing like incorporating cannabis to relax, laugh and truly enjoy the food. We have also included the perfect strains to enjoy to make the season brighter. Of course, as always communicate to your guests whether a dish is medicated, and share with card-holding patients only, please (non-cardholders can still definitely enjoy the recipes, sans cannabis!)
To start off the party right, we recommend starting off with a delicious medicated-honey apple cider. If you're feeling especially crafty, you can brew up your own apple cider with fresh apples. Let the aroma of spicy cinnamon fill your kitchen as it simmers -- you won't even need a candle. Once the cider is ready, we recommend using medicated honey for a little lift. High Mountain Health proudly stocks cannabis-infused honey sticks that are perfect for a sweet addition to the beverage.
For the canna-feast, we have linked different recipes according to basics, side dishes, main courses, and desserts.
Basics
Every infused meal must start with a solid base. We recommend checking out a butter or cooking oil -- the possibilities are endless. You can even infuse vegan options like coconut oil for specific dietary restrictions. HMH sells $50 half ounces of a shake and sugar trim blend, which is perfect for making your own oils.
Sides
What holiday side dish is your favorite? For some, hands-down, it's green beans For others it is loaded sweet potatoes, filled with cinnamon and brown sugar. We love the idea of these sweet potato wedges, that make for perfect leftovers (hello snacking) or a savory, perfect addition to the table. For a medicated option, you can bake them up in some cannabis-infused olive or coconut oil (see above).
This recipe for mushroom & green bean casserole is absolutely dreamy. Crispy onions add a pleasant crunch to the creamy texture of warm beans and button mushrooms. The mushrooms and onions are cooked in an oil, which may be medicated if you wish.
Finally, these mashed potatoes seriously take the gold. There's is nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of fluffy, garlicky potatoes. These ones are perfect paired with a medicated butter, a generous amount of garlic and rosemary, and a dash of salt and pepper. Medicated milk is optional, but might add a boost for those with a higher tolerance.
Main Courses
Yes, your turkey can also be medicated! Enjoy the calming effects of the turkey and cannabis combined (maybe enjoy a mid-afternoon nap after feasting?) Whether you want the meat or just the gravy to include cannabis, there are multiple ways to medicate with the main course.
For vegetarians, we recommend this delicious autumnal soup. The earthy flavors of carrots, parsnips and potatoes -- roasted with an infused oil, if you would like -- are soothing and will immediately warm up bellies around the table. The soup is also a beautiful orange color - almost as nice as it tastes. This soup is also a healthy choice, packed full of vitamins. Use a crusty baguette for dipping.
Desserts
Oh desserts ... Some people would argue the best part of the meal! Who doesn't enjoy a sweet treat to finish off the day ?
We really love this recipe for a medicated cranberry sauce. The tart and sweet flavor of the cranberries is perfect to offset the heavier, savory flavors of the rest of the meal. With the addition of some orange or lemon zest, your tastebuds will be tingling.
Pumpkin pie is a classic. It really wouldn't be a holiday meal unless the necessary flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon and ginger were not present. This recipe recommends either infusing the filling or the crust - not both. But either way, this will be a wonderful and delicious method for medicating. So, take a slice (with some vanilla ice cream, of course), sit back and relax.
