On September 6, 2023 By KindCare Staff in General
If you have ever watched one of the many cooking shows on TV, you’ve likely heard that baking is like chemistry. Just as chemists mix various elements to create new substances, bakers blend ingredients to make tasty treats. Understanding the science behind baking helps you become a better baker and appreciate how ingredients work together to create delicious results.
When adding cannabis to the process, new complex flavors are available and the addition of cannabinoids need to be considered, however, the overall process remains the same. One of the most basic recipes to get started with is the “Pot Brownie”. An example brownie recipe is as follows:
Ingredients:
Optional Add-ins:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Melt the Infused Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop, melt the cannabis-infused butter. Allow it to cool slightly.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the melted infused butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Optional Add-ins: If you’re using chocolate chips or chopped nuts, fold them into the batter.
Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter). The baking time may vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on the brownies.
Cool and Cut: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes, then carefully lift them out using the parchment paper (if using). Place them on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into 12 squares.
Dosage and Labeling: Based on the potency of your infused butter, calculate the estimated dosage per brownie and label the container accordingly. Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
In reviewing this recipe, we can see that there are no significant deviations needed to incorporate the cannabis infused butter. However, one thing to consider is the strength of your butter. If you feel your brownies will be too potent, you can dilute your infused butter with standard unsalted butter.
The taste of cannabis can be distinct and may not pair well with every dessert. Consider how the earthy, herbal notes of cannabis will complement or enhance the flavors of your ice creams and truffles. Experiment with different strains of cannabis to find ones with flavor profiles that work well with your dessert ideas. Alternatively, you can use flavored extracts or ingredients that harmonize with the cannabis taste. When considering more complex desserts, a few things should be considered.
Infused oils and butters can affect the texture and consistency of your desserts. Be prepared for potential changes in the mouthfeel of complex desserts when using infused ingredients. Make sure the infusion is well incorporated into the recipe to achieve an even distribution of cannabinoids, ensuring consistent dosing in each serving.
Cannabis-infused ingredients may be sensitive to high temperatures. Consider how heat during the dessert-making process might affect the potency of the cannabinoids in your oil or butter. Some recipes may require low-heat methods to preserve the effectiveness of the infusion.
Many cannabis-infused desserts, like ice creams or truffles, require refrigeration or freezing. Ensure that the storage temperature is appropriate for preserving the potency of the cannabinoids.
Ingredients:
Preparation: Before you start, ensure that you have cannabis-infused butter prepared and cooled.
Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
Add Flavor: Stir in the peppermint extract to give the ice cream its refreshing mint flavor. If you want a natural green color, you can omit the food coloring.
Incorporate Infused Butter: Gradually pour in the melted and cooled cannabis-infused butter while continuously stirring the mixture. This ensures an even distribution of cannabinoids in the ice cream base.
Optional Green Color: If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve the classic mint ice cream color. Remember that this step is entirely optional.
Chill the Mixture: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours or until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
Churn the Ice Cream: Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your ice cream a creamy texture.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: When the ice cream is almost done churning, fold in the mini chocolate chips. These will add texture and bursts of chocolatey goodness to your minty treat.
Freeze and Serve: Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container. Press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Seal the container with the lid and freeze for a few hours or until the ice cream is firm.
Enjoy Responsibly: Once your cannabis-infused Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream is frozen and ready, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy responsibly. Remember to label the container with dosage information if you’re sharing with others.
One of the main things to consider when baking with cannabis is the importance of maintaining proper and accurate dosing. Some tips to feel confident in this are:
Calculate Total Cannabinoids: Begin by calculating the total amount of THC or CBD in your infused oil or butter. This calculation is based on the potency of the starting cannabis material and the extraction process used. Knowing the total cannabinoids in your infusion is the foundation for achieving consistent dosing.
Divide by Number of Servings: Determine the number of servings your dessert recipe will yield. Divide the total amount of THC or CBD in your infused oil or butter by the number of servings. This calculation gives you the approximate dosage per serving.
Mix Thoroughly: When incorporating cannabis-infused oil or butter into your dessert recipes, make sure the infusion is mixed thoroughly. Uneven distribution can lead to inconsistent dosing, where some servings have more cannabinoids than others. Mix well to ensure an even dispersion of cannabinoids throughout the batter or mixture.
Use Uniform Servings: Aim to create desserts with uniform servings to make dosing more manageable. For example, if you’re making brownies, cut them into equal-sized squares. This ensures that each serving contains a consistent amount of cannabinoids.
Label Clearly: Label each batch of cannabis-infused desserts with the estimated dosage per serving. This is especially important if you’re sharing your treats with others or if they’ll be consumed at a later time. Clear labeling allows individuals to make informed decisions about their consumption.
Test the Infusion: Before adding the infused oil or butter to the entire batch of batter, consider testing a small portion to gauge the potency and effects. This can help you adjust the amount of infusion if needed to achieve the desired dosage per serving.
Stir Mix-ins Carefully: If your dessert recipe includes mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, stir them in gently to ensure that the even distribution of cannabinoids isn’t disrupted. Uniformly distribute the mix-ins to maintain consistency.
Educate Consumers: If you’re sharing your cannabis-infused desserts, educate consumers about responsible consumption. Inform them about the potency, the recommended dosage, and the time it takes for the effects to kick in. Encourage them to start with a low dose, especially if they’re new to edibles.
Start Low, Go Slow: When creating new recipes or experimenting with cannabis-infused desserts, start with a lower dose than you think is necessary. You can always adjust the potency in future batches if needed. It’s easier to increase the dosage gradually than to deal with overly potent treats.
Record and Refine: Keep track of your recipes, dosing calculations, and any adjustments you make. This record will help you refine your process over time and create consistent, enjoyable cannabis-infused desserts.
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