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Pasta alla cannabis.
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With the legalization of adult-use marijuana sweeping the country, a cannabis culinary movement has come along with it. The plant is more accessible than ever before for the cannacurious to experiment with at home and thanks to the emergence of expert enthusiast cannachefs, pot is appearing on plates everywhere from the James Beard House to a private pop-ups catered by a Top Chef contestant.
Edibles are the most versatile, discreet and delicious method of consumption, but long before infused food was accepted by the upper echelon of the culinary industry, cannabis cookbooks served as the sole source of inspiration for making meals with marijuana.
One of the first known cannabis-themed cookbooks was published in 1967, with few titles to follow suit until 2012 when the editors of High Times magazine released one of its own. Today, there is no shortage of resources for high-minded chefs of every skill level and interest.
From a collection of Marley family recipes to a spinoff of the Viceland television series, “Bong Appétit,” here are the seven best cookbooks for ganja-friendly gourmands.
Courtesy: Chronicle Books
For the baking buff:
Edibles by Stephanie Hua
Written by the women behind popular gourmet edibles line, Mellows, and the event curation company, Cannaisseur Series, this collection of bite-sized, low-dose recipes will take bakers at any level to new heights. From Spiced Superfood Truffles to Strawberry Jam Pavlovas, 30 unique recipes come complete with instructions for creating master base ingredients like cannabutters, oils, honey and maple syrup, as well as details on dosage and the science of cannabis.
Courtesy: Mango
For fine dining:
Cannabis Cuisine by Andrea Drummer
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, contestant on Netflix’s “Cooking on High,” and co-owner of Elevation VIP Co-op, a company that caters private, cannabis dinner parties in Los Angeles, chef Andrea Drummer prefers the title of “world class marijuana chef.” Her debut cookbook examines the art of cannabis as an ingredient and shares the belief that, like a fine wine, it is intended to be paired according to its unique flavor profile. From the comforts of southern kitchens to the upscale stoves of Michelin star restaurants, recipes are crafted to elevate the plant to fine dining status.
Courtesy: Ten Speed Press
For the true connoisseur:
Bong Appétit by the Editors of Munchies
An eponymous spinoff of the James Beard Award-nominated Viceland television series, Bong Appétit arms marijuana lovers with the skills necessary to make next-level munchies for every meal. This bible for budding cannabis chefs breaks down the science of infusing and features 65 elevated recipes ranging from weed-infused basted chicken to chimichurri to brownie sundaes. Tidbits on politics, dosage and strain pairings plus expert tips from the show’s stars are peppered throughout the text, too.
Courtesy: Skyhorse
A guide for beginners and experts alike:
The Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook by Robin Griggs Lawrence
A crop of the best, and earliest—The Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook was published in 2015— cannabis chefs in the country come together in this roundup of classic recipes from natural living expert and author Robyn Griggs Lawrence. Covering every meal from brunch to late-night cocktails and snacks in 100 tested recipes, the plant is approached as just another fine ingredient meant to be studied and savored. Step-by-step instructions on making oils and butters, dosing recommendations and a strain profile guide are also included.
Courtesy: Ten Speed Press
For the veg head:
The Vegan Stoner Cookbook by Sarah Conrique and Graham I. Haynes
Born out of Sarah Conrique and Graham I. Haynes’ popular blog, The Vegan Stoner, this highly illustrated (they’re also a graphic design team) cookbook is an irreverent take on veganism and covers a collection of meatless yet filling meals. While none of the 100 recipes actually contain cannabis, they all require few ingredients, minimal time and effort, and according to this duo are “so simple, even a stoner could prepare them.”
Courtesy: Pam Krauss/Avery
For island vibes:
Cooking with Herb by Cedella Marley
Take your tastebuds on a trip to Jamaica from your own kitchen in this collection of 75 family recipes helmed by Cedella Marley. Providing a personal peek into growing up with a legendary musician as a dad, she shares the foundation for a green, clean and healthy lifestyle that Bob Marley instilled in this brood. Along with the basics for making your own infused oils, the book is brimming with Caribbean flavors along with tips for incorporating the herb into an overall wellness routine.
Courtesy: Harper Wave
For celebrity-approved creations:
The 420 Gourmet by Jeff The 420 Chef
As the go-to guru among Los Angeles celebrity circles for his festive, private feasts, Jeff the 420 Chef is known for inventing the process which neutralizes the herbaceous taste and smell of cannabis in edibles. The result? Decadent, potent dishes without the weed-like flavor. In The 420 Gourmet, he combines his fun-loving approach to cooking with specific guidelines for safe dosing with a comprehensive calculator, strain summaries, and recipes for brunch, small plates, salads and dinners with gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and kosher options.