The Top 6 canna-cooking Gifts!

Last Christmas was a very canna-friendly holiday for me! It was my first Christmas with a medical marijuana recommendation and everyone in my tight-knit circle could see how much I was benefiting from this medicine. The issue for me at the time was that I had a medical recommendation, however, I still lived in a cannabis prohibition state. One of the best ways around this was learning how to properly make and safely dose my edibles. This is exactly why I can’t wait to share with you some of my favorite cookbooks and infusing machines! So, without further ado here are a few of my favorite things:

Let’s start with the LĒVO II– This machine is amazing, I love it! It can be used with any herb. It’s great for infusing garlic oil, rosemary oil, lavender honey, and canna-butter (THC/CBD) to name a few concoctions. If you start with a fresh herb, this machine will take care of drying, activating, and infusing- it does it all with the push of a button or a tap on your smartphone!

Are you wondering what you’ll possibly make with your “medicated” infusion? Let’s talk cookbooks, I have a whole bookshelf with all kinds of cookbooks, but for this post, I tried to keep the list small and varied. No matter which you go with, you’ll find something delicious to make. And remember, you really can infuse just about any dish, simply by replacing a non-infused oil/fat with an infused one (this is where you’ll get so much use from your LĒVO II). Just always use an infusing formula to gauge the THC and other cannabinoid content in your recipe so that you may be able to properly “dose” each serving. And not to go full mom mode, but also remember that cannabis-edibles are metabolized differently, so the effects are stronger and last longer than inhalation methods. Okay, off my soapbox.

This year I have drawn inspiration from each of these books:

EDIBLES: This was one of the first books I delved into simply because it did an excellent job at educating the reader on the therapeutic effects of the various identified cannabinoids such as CBD, THC, THCV, CBN, THCA, and CBG. For example, I learned that CBD, CBN, THC, and THCA are all antispasmodic- meaning these cannabinoids relieve involuntary muscle spasms. Perfect for those of us dealing with IBS.

But if you’re looking for delicious, easy-to-follow recipes to start mastering your edible game. Some must-try for sure include the Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (great with your morning cup of coffee or tea), The Elvis Cookie (great anytime), the Cherry Cheesecake, and their Strawberry Jam Pavlovas.

BONG APPÉTIT: First of all. Have you watched the series? There are 3 seasons, if you haven’t yet seen it then smoke a bowl, grab some munchies, and binge it this weekend. Then order this book, it’s filled with awesome infusions, drinks, salads, pastas, meats, and desserts- it covers everything! I promise, watching this show will make you want to start cooking.

The Summer Tomato and Stone Fruit Salad is a delicious brunch option, mimosas anyone? Both the North African Broccoli Salad and Roasted Vegetables with Whipped Weed-Infused Honey serve as great holiday sides. And if we’re talking family-style meals, let’s not forget the Corn Biscuits – as a southerner at heart, this is a must!

THE CBD KITCHEN: Latte’s, every kind of latte you can think of- but infused with CBD! Remember anything that can be infused with CBD can be infused with THC if that’s your cannabinoid of choice. Just remember that THC is not to be dosed in the same amount as CBD. One can consume large quantities of CBD without a “high” compared to consuming a small amount of THC will most likely produce a “high” especially for those not accustomed to THC or edibles.

So latte’s. There are so many options including the CBD Matcha Latte, CBD Rose Latte, and let’s not forget the CBD Coffee Tonic! And if you’re already looking for New Year’s healthy recipes, then you’re in luck! Smoothie options include a CBD Mango & Ginger Smoothie as well as CBD Pineapple Mint Smoothie. But this isn’t simply a cookbook, you’ll also find great skincare recipes too. How about a little Rest & Relaxation with a CBD Salt Scrub, a CBD Anti-Inflammatory Face Mask, and maybe finish off with a luxuriously rich CBD Body Butter.

FOOD52 VEGAN: This technically is not a cannabis-infused cookbook, but remember any recipe can be infused, just make sure to calculate your THC levels in each serving. With that said, let’s talk Breakfast Tostadas with Refried Black Beans and Cabbage Slaw, this is definitely what I call a great start to the day. It speaks straight to my Cuban side! The Carrot and Fennel Pot Pie is a great choice on those cold snowy evenings, or for lunch on a lazy Sunday afternoon. You’ll also learn how to make non-dairy milks, Horchata, and even Herb Cashew Cheese. If you’ve been curious to try some vegan recipes without sacrificing flavor, check out this cookbook- it’s a great one!

THE REAL PALEO DIET COOKBOOK: So, I’ve had this book the longest. There are so many delicious recipes, if you’re a hearty eater you’ll love infusing some of these recipes. And if you’re not a meat-eater, worry not- there are many meatless options or that will be easy to substitute the animal products such as honey, dairy, and eggs.

The Cuban-Style Shredded Beef Skillet is a great place to start, you can literally have this at any time of the day. Mmm and may go with that the Cumin-Roasted Cauliflower with Fennel and Pear Onions. And why not add, the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad- so tasty!

Anyone else hungry?

Remember, cannabis may or may not be right for you specifically, but gifting the Mary Jane novice, medical patient, or enthusiast in your life something canna-related could be a great way for them to feel seen, supported, and loved. Oh, and if you give them one of these gifts then well- maybe they’ll thank you by cooking you a little something-something!

As always, remember that the information provided on Mary J’s Apothecary, LLC is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you’re seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

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Until our next sesh, stay well and stay elevated!