Wake and Bake Waffle Cakes

Recipe: Wake and Bake Waffle Cakes

Wake and bake with these waffle cakes! This batter recipe can be used for pancakes, too! With a little more sugar and some cinnamon and nutmeg, these would also work fantastically as donuts. If you have a fancy donut pan, or even just a mini-muffin tin, go ahead and try it!

Recipe makes roughly six 4″ x 4 1/2″ waffles. I do not have a round waffle maker! So bake according to manufacturer’s instructions, if you have one. Two waffles per person ought to give a sweet buzz.

INGREDIENTS

1 3/4 cup millet flour (or GF flour blend)
1/2 cup rolled oats
2 or 3 tbs ground flax seed
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tbs of sugar (if you want them sweeter)

1 cup almond or soy milk
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
3 tbs maple syrup
1/3 cup melted cannabutter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

optional: cinnamon, nutmeg, bananas, blueberries, walnuts, peanut butter

waffle iron
frying pan (for pancakes)
non-stick cooking spray
two bowls
whisk

DIRECTIONS

1. Measure out the almond milk, then add the tsp of ACV. Let it sit and curdle for a few minutes–this creates “butter”milk! Which makes the waffles nice and fluffy.

2. In one of the mixing bowls, combine all dry ingredients. When I first tried these waffles, I didn’t use any extra/added sugar (though technically, I guess maple syrup counts as sugar). For breakfast, I go with hearty, but not heavy! Whatever floats your boat, though. Try coconut sugar, or brown sugar for a richer flavor.

3. To the dry mixture, add all of the wet ingredients. Whisk together until thoroughly combined. Now’s the time to throw in any other spices, nuts, or fruit. If you decide to turn the batter into pancakes, then I highly recommend tossing in some fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped bananas, or mini chocolate chips. Set that bowl aside to let the flaxseed thicken up the batter.

4. Preheat your waffle iron according to the machine’s instructions (I’m guessing most come with a dial for time/crispiness, and a red and green light to indicate completion. Try setting it to a 3 or 4, for golden brown waffles), and coat both sides with non-stick cooking spray. Or, before it’s hot, grease the waffle iron with a paper towel dabbed in melted canna butter.

5. When it’s ready, start spooning batter onto the iron. I used about 1/2 of a cup of batter per waffle, but go by your own device and measure. Basically, the batter should fill the entire waffle indent without spilling over,  and you should be able to close the iron with little overflow. While your first batch cooks, do some clean up, or prep toppings by chopping nuts or fruit.

6. Let waffles bake to the desired level of doneness. I like them golden and crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, but I always struggle to keep them that way while the second batch bakes.  Preheat your oven to 200F and lay the first batch of waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Slide that sucker into the oven to fix any issues of lukewarm waffles (just don’t forget they’re in there!), then get started on the second batch. Keep going until all batter is used.

7. Serve waffles warm and immediately, with fruit, maple syrup, whipped cream, and loads and loads of vegan butter. When they’re hot, I suggest melting even more canna butter on top, just to be sure you’re getting the most out of this wake-and-bake breakfast.

IF YOU DECIDE PANCAKES or DONUTS:

Perform steps 1-3. For pancakes, grease a griddle or frying pan and keep on medium-high heat. Non-stick pans and spatulas will work best for this. Spoon a reasonable amount of batter per pancake onto the griddle, then flip when edges pull towards the middle and the batter on top bubbles evenly. I am terrible at making uniform pancakes, so forget being fancy. Make whatever you’re happy with!

For donuts, grease a donut pan or mini-muffin pan (or a regular muffin pan, whatever you want, man), fill each indent about half-way, then slide in an oven set to 350F. Bake until donuts or muffins rise and turn golden brown. Top with canna butter, vegan cream cheese, cinnamon & sugar, or sprinkles.

image credit: eatyourcannabis

weedreader Recipe No Churn Avocado Lime Ice Cream

Recipe: No-Churn Avocado Lime Ice Cream

I cannot get over how simple and delicious this recipe is. Dairy-free, nut free, and soy-free, this ice cream is perfect for a bright, refreshing dessert that satisfies all allergen worries.

Recipe makes enough to evenly stone/serve 4 people. Goes fantastically with the Raw 4th of July Pie.

 

INGREDIENTS

3 medium or 2 large avocados
1 can sweetened condensed coconut milk
or the cream from 1 can full-fat coconut milk, boiled down with 1 1/2 cups sugar + canna butter

3 tbs cannabutter, softened
zest and juice from 4 limes
maple syrup
pinch of sea salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Remove pits from avocados and scoop meat into a mixing bowl. Juice and zest the limes, then add to the avocados. Add the canna butter. Begin mashing them together, gradually adding more juice/zest and salt to taste. (It will soon taste weird, like sweet guacamole, but trust me.)

2. If you can find sweetened condensed coconut milk, this recipe will shorten considerably. If you got it, open the can + dump it into the bowl. Beat together with a whisk or a hand-held blender.

2a. If you have just the coconut milk, flip it upside down and open it. Drain and save the separated water, then scoop out the cream into a pan. A double boiler would ensure it from burning while you cook. Either way, add sugar and canna butter to the cream. Keep on medium heat; do not allow the mixture to boil. Once liquid is reduced but thickened (when the oil cooks into the cream), remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add to step 1’s mix of stuff and combine thoroughly.

3. Pour or scoop entire mixture into freezer-safe container.

————

Because the base is avocados, this ice cream will (or shouldn’t) freeze completely. A few minutes to soften and it’s the consistency of frozen yogurt, super creamy, and irresistibly sweet and tart. And bright lime-green!

Seriously, start freezing your produce and see what happens. Avocados and bananas, sliced, then frozen, then blended in a food processor, will create a texture remarkably similar to dairy ice cream–especially the bananas. Experiment with adding in different toppings, fruits, syrups, and create your very own flavors!
image credit: littlebigh.com

WR pot brownies

Recipe: Fudge You Up Pot Brownies

Dense, chocolatey, chewy, and fudgey as… well, fudge. A vegan and gluten-free spin on the classic pot brownie. Top with nuts or chocolate chips for variety!

The recipe makes roughly 12 brownies, though slice them how you please! One 2 x 3 inch slice is surely enough to stone somebody solid.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups oat flour (or a blend of oat + almond, coconut, or rice flour)
    + more as needed
1/4 cup whole flaxseed
3 tbs milled flaxseed + 6 tbs non-dairy milk
1/4 tsp baking soda
4 tbs raw cacao or cocoa powder
AVB (already vaped bud, for extra buzz)
4 tbs powdered coconut sugar (blitz regular coconut sugar in a coffee or spice grinder)
3 tbs maple syrup
1/3 cup cannabutter, softened
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 banana
2 tbs vanilla extract
3 pinches of salt

Optional additions:
chocolate chips, nuts, coconut flakes

coconut oil for greasing
or parchment paper for lining
spatula
hand or stand mixer & bowl
baking dish, 9 x 9 for thicker + denser brownies or 9 x 13 for thinner

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. I tend to do 375F when I’m impatient, though it’s your call. If you need to, do the prep steps first; make powdered sugar or oat flour if you need to. Do this by pulsing oats several times in a food processor until a flour forms. Creating powdered sugar is virtually the same, though a coffee or spice grinder will be easiest to use.

2. Prepare flax ‘eggs’ by combining the ground flaxseed with the non-dairy milk, in a small bowl. Then, set aside and wait for it to congeal. Chia seeds + water would work as well!

3a. If using a hand mixer: in a large mixing bowl, combine oat flour, whole flax seeds, baking soda, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, and AVB (already vaped bud) if desired. Next, stir in applesauce, vanilla extract, maple syrup, flax eggs, and the cannabutter with a spatula. Then, blend in the banana with the hand mixer until a dough forms.

3b. If using a food processor: Add all above ingredients including ‘optionals’ if using, and blend. The ending texture should be somewhere between a batter and a dough–not too gooey, not too stiff. If it’s too stiff, add sips of water or milk until the mix is slightly sticky. If it’s too wet, add pinches of flour until sticky.

4. Transfer dough to a greased baking dish. (note: Using parchment paper will be the easiest clean-up overall, but the brownies come out a little crispier/chewier at the edges when baked in a greased pan).  Then, press it down with the spatula to remove any air bubbles, and smooth over the top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 mins, or until a crackle top forms, and it achieves a cake-like texture when a toothpick is inserted. When cool, top, slice, and serve.

————-

It is very, very important that you allow these brownies to cool to at least room temperature before slicing. They will hold together much better, and you won’t run the risk of burning your mouth before you can taste anything good! With any edible, start slowly. Eat 1 brownie and wait 20 minutes before deciding whether you need to eat another. And remember, there are consequences to everything! You might get high, but too much sugar at once could cause a crash rather than a blissful, relaxing experience. So, munch wisely!

image credit: theweedscene

raw pie

Recipe: Raw Pie for the 4th of July

A bright and mouthwateringly delicious raw pie for the 4th of July! No oven or baking required. Dairy and soy-free, but this is not a recipe for those allergic to nuts!

One 2-inch slice will be enough to feel something fun, and ideally the tart will serve at least 8 people. As with any recipe, read the whole thing first. Then, perform the steps in the order they appear.

INGREDIENTS

Crust
4-6 large dates
1 1/2/ cups shredded coconut
a handful of almonds
1 cup walnuts
1/4 cup flaxseeds
1/2 cup pecans
(if you have a nut allergy, sub the nuts for 2 cups of oats and another 1/4 cup of flaxseeds)
lemon zest
1 tbs vanilla
2 pinches of salt
3 tbs of canna butter

Fruit Layer
1 cup + 1 1/2 cups blueberries
1 cup + 1 1/2 cups raspberries
1/4 cup chia seeds
maple syrup
lemon juice

‘Cream’ Layer
2 tbs cannabutter
2 cups coconut flakes
vanilla extract
maple syrup

DIRECTIONS

Crust
1. Pit and soak dates in hot water for 20 mins. Then, pulse all together till a somewhat crumbly, sticky ball forms, that holds when pressed together.

2. Grease a pie or tart pan (I used a cheesecake pan) with canna butter, then press crust into desired shape. Set in freezer to firm for fifteen minutes or longer.

Fruit Layer
1. While crust is firming, mash 1 cup blueberries and 1 cup raspberries together with some lemon juice. Feel free to use other berries; strawberries, blackberries, or even go the extra mile and pit some cherries to throw in. Just use whatever’s red and blue!

2. Add the chia seeds, some maple syrup, and stir together. When left in the fridge, the chia seeds will soften and form a consistency similar to jelly or jam. Add more maple syrup or lemon juice to taste, then leave the mix undisturbed in the fridge for at least ten minutes.

Cream Layer
1. Blend all ingredients at high speed with a hand mixer or in a food processor until a paste forms. Add in more canna butter (I suggest coconut oil-based) if mix remains crumbly.

ASSEMBLY

1. Remove crust from freezer. Dump in the remaining 3 cups of berries, then drizzle over or pour in the cream layer. You will need to work quickly if you want an even layer, as the cream will solidify due to the coldness of the crust. Save a small amount to drizzle over the fruit, if you wish.

2. Take the fruit ‘jelly’ you made out of the fridge, then spread it over the tart with a silicone or rubber spatula. Make sure the filling covers the loose fruit and reaches the line of crust; you want everything to surely hold together, as this won’t be baked (but it’ll get you baked).

3. Add the rest of the cream, if you kept it. Garnish with lemon zest or a sprinkling of coconut sugar.

4. Stick the whole thing back into the fridge until solid and ready to serve.

———-

You can top this tart with more berries, a dollop of coconut cream (just open a can of full-fat coconut milk and use a scoop of the separated cream), or your favorite ice cream. this dessert happens to pair fantastically with sherbet, or try a crack at the recipe for Avocado Lime ice cream and really knock your own socks off!

hot chocolate marijuana

Creamy Dreamy Hot Chocolate

Drink this rich, creamy hot cocoa, and in no time you’ll feel as toasted as a roasted chestnut.

Main recipe serves 2 or 3 people, roughly 8oz each, but can easily be doubled or tripled for larger batches.

INGREDIENTS:

1 can of coconut milk
water or soy/plant milk
maple syrup
cacao or cocoa powder, as much as desired
2-3 tbs  coconut or date sugar, more to taste (raw sugars are best, but whatever is on hand is fine)
1/8 tsp of cinnamon
pinch of salt
3 tbs cannabutter

optional:
chipotle or cayenne pepper, marshmallows, coconut oil, whipped cream, coffee

stovetop
whisk or spatula
double boiler

DIRECTIONS:

1. Shake up the can of coconut milk, and open with a can opener. Into the top portion of a double boiler, pour the coconut milk, a dash of soy milk, and the 3 tbs of canna butter. Turn the burner on slightly lower than medium and let the liquid heat.

2. As it heats, whisk in small amounts of cacao or cocoa powder. The difference between the two: cacao powder tends to be raw, made directly from crushed cacao beans, where as cocoa is usually processed with sugar or other additives. If you’re using cocoa powder, be careful you don’t end up with a drink that’s so sweet you feel sick– modify the added sugar as you wish. Cacao powder will be a richer and more pure chocolate flavor, but more bitter than cocoa. If using cacao powder, add small amounts of maple syrup to taste.

3. Throw in the cinnamon and salt, with a pinch of chipotle or cayenne pepper for a Mexican-inspired hot chocolate. Keep whisking the mixture, so that no clumps of powder form and the sugar dissolves. A helpful hint, dry ingredients are easier to dissolve in cold liquid than in hot. Try to have most of your dry ingredients incorporated before the milk is too hot, and it should never boil. If you can’t resist, or find you need to add more cacao/cocoa, make a little slurry to the side by stirring in 1 part cacao/cocoa to 2 parts water or soy milk, then add that to the heated mixture. Like with all cooking, I encourage you taste as you go! It doesn’t have to be a surprise at the end, of whether or not your dish came out well.

4. Stir frequently, allowing the canna butter to cook with the fat of the coconut milk. The oil does begin to cook the whole mixture, after a little while, so if you like a thick hot chocolate, leave it as is and take the mix off heat when you’re ready. If you want a drink less creamy, add small amounts of water or other milk until desired consistency is reached. Set aside to cool a little.

5. Pour carefully into mugs or ladle it out with a spoon, like it’s the olden days and you’re about to settle down in front of a fire during a raging snowstorm. If you’re not into that sort of imagery, just serve up your hot cocoa, top with marshmallows, whipped cream, or other delights, and enjoy.

While I know summer is fast approaching and not many people are into hot drinks, nothing hits the spot like a cup of hot cocoa. If you’d like a more refreshing treat, make the same brew as above (so that the THC molecules still bind to the fat properly), then let it cool completely and serve in a glass over ice cubes. Same principle as iced coffee, which I’m sure would also be a delicious substitute for cocoa, if you aren’t a fan of chocolate (but why wouldn’t you be).

wr c

15 Most Popular Cannabis Strains

Have you ever wondered what the most popular cannabis strains are? The best of the best. What the cannabis connoisseurs are smoking.
Well, wonder no more! Feast your eyes on 15 of the most legendary, most potent, most aromatic and delicious cannabis strains on the planet:

1. Blue Dream

blue dream
Blue Dream has been named the most popular strain in the U.S., for a variety of reasons — it’s easy to find, easy to grow, yields an abundant crop, etc. But the biggest reason why it’s so well loved, is that it is a pure delight to smoke. This sativa-dominant strain is a cross between the popular Blueberry and Haze strains. The result is an extremely balanced, berry-scented bud, which offers the best of both worlds: the body high and symptom relief of an indica, and the uplifting and euphoric effects characteristic of a strong sativa.

2. OG Kush

OG Kush
OG Kush is the common ancestor of many, if not most, of the most popular West Coast strains — including several on this list. It’s been around for more than 20 years, and yet it continues to be a favorite. It’s lineage is uncertain, but most believe it to be a cross between the Chemdawg and Hindu Kush strains. The result is an intoxicating hybrid with a strong earthy and piney scent, that delivers an intense, euphoric and relaxing high.

3. Girl Scout Cookies

girl scout cookies
This cross between Durban Poison (one of the few remaining strains of pure sativa) and OG Kush is not for lightweights. It has a sweet, earthy, often minty aroma, and some of the highest THC levels around. One hit will have soaring on an intense, cerebral high, that can result in anxiety — even paranoia — if you’re not careful or experienced. But manage your dosage, your set and setting, and you should enjoy the ride.

4. Banana Kush

banana kush
This is an indica-dominant hybrid, born from the combination of Ghost OG and Skunk Haze. Easily recognized by it’s fruity, banana scent and flavor, it also delivers maximum euphoria and relaxation. A great choice for those dealing with stress and/or depression, this strain is sure to mellow you out and put a smile on your face.

5. AK-47

ak47
This award winning creation from Serious Seeds is a sativa-dominant mix of several different cannabis strains from around the world. The result is pungent, earthy and slightly sweet, while packing an uplifting and long lasting head high that will have you alert, creative and energized. But don’t let the scary-sounding name fool you; this bud is known for having pleasant, happy and relaxing effects.

6. “Green Crack”

green crack
Originally known as Cush (with a “C”), this strain was dubbed Green Crack by none other than Snoop Dogg. Descended from Skunk #1, this sativa-dominant hybrid has a hoppy, citrus taste and aroma. And as the name suggests, it delivers a powerful, energizing mental high that makes you intensely alert and focused.

7. Strawberry Cough

strawberry cough
As you might have guessed, Strawberry Cough is most famous for the powerful taste and aroma of fresh strawberries. And while it is both a smooth and delicious smoke, it’s also known for an expanding sensation that tickles the lungs, that can wring a cough out of even the most seasoned smoker. This sativa-dominant hybrid delivers an uplifting and euphoric high, that is sure to leave you satisfied.

8. Flo

flo
One of the most popular strains in the Colorado markets, Flo is a cross between Purple Thai (a potent sativa) and Afghani Indica — and offers the perfect blend of the two. Known for it’s purple coloration and sweet, piney scent, and loved for it’s light, pleasant and bubbly high. This is a true “feel good” bud, not at all heavy. Just pure relaxation, and gentle, uplifting euphoria… you can’t help but love it.

9. MK Ultra

mk ultra
Named after the covert mind control project of the CIA, this potent indica-dominant hybrid has been called hypnotic and mind bending. Bred from OG Kush and G-13, this is one of the strongest cannabis strains in the world, period. These dank, sticky buds will leave you laid out on the couch, super relaxed yet flying on an intense, cerebral high. Best not make plans to go out anytime soon.

10. Grand Daddy Purp

GDP
A West Cost classic, Granddaddy Purple (or GDP) is a heavy, indica hybrid that’s a cross between the famous Purple Urkle and Big Bud. It has distinctive color, and grape and berry scent characteristic of it’s parent. It also delivers one of the most powerful, relaxing body highs of any indica out there, combined with an intense cerebral high as well.

11. Trainwreck

trainwreck
This popular strain from northern California is one of the hardest hitting sativa hybrids on the market. It has a spicy pine and lemon scent, and is famous for it’s extreme, high energy head high, characterized by intense euphoria, creativity, time distortion, and overall blissed-out happiness.

12. Sour Diesel

sour diesel
Another classic hybrid, Sour Diesel has been around since the 90s. This strong and skunky sativa dominant strain gets it’s name from it’s aroma: the dank and pungent smell of diesel fuel. It also packs an intense, cerebral high that comes on fast and strong. Uplifting, energizing, and mind-expanding… it’s no wonder this strain has such enduring popularity and legendary status.

13. Golden Goat

golden goat
This popular was created by accident, the story goes, by the unintended crossing of a Hawaiian sativa with Sweet Island Skunk. The result is complex, in scent, flavor and effects. Simultaneously sweet, sour and spicy, with a tropical citrus taste, and a full body high that is both uplifting and relaxing, happy and euphoric and altogether pleasant and enjoyable.

14. Skywalker OG

skywalker OG
This cross between Skywalker and OG Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid, with the pungent, earthy, spicy scent characteristic of most kush strains. The effects are extremely relaxing, with a powerful body high and pleasant numbing, tingling sensation from head to toe. But there is also a good head buzz, that hits you right away. The perfect bud for when you just want chill, relax, and drift off while listening to some good music.

15. Bruce Banner

bruce banner no. 3
Named after the incredible Hulk, this cross between OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel can be found in at least 3 different varieties. It’s known for a sweet and pungent aroma, skunky diesel with berry undertones. It also gives an instant, energizing, cerebral high that is pleasant and euphoric — if a bit short on duration. But that can be a good thing, sometimes.
 
Well, there you have it! Have you tried any of these strains? What did you think? Did we miss any of your favorites? Tell us all about it in the comments below.
Save

Edible Savories: Get-Baked Beans

Tangy, spicy, sweet, barbecue baked beans to get you baked. Serve either as a side or as a meal! The main recipe will serve/stone 3-4 people.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups dried beans, pinto or navy, soaked overnight
or canned beans

WET

2 or 3 TBS cannabutter, melted
1/2 cup water
2 tbs tamari (soy sauce, use coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 TSP lemon juice
3 TBS tomato paste
small can of tomato puree
2 TSP  liquid smoke
1/4 cup molasses
1/4 cup maple syrup

DRY

1 TSP black pepper
1/2 TSP red pepper flakes
1 1/2 TSP onion powder
1 1/2 TSP garlic powder
1 TSP paprika
1/2 TSP salt
1/4 TSP cumin
1/8 TSP cloves
1 TSP chili powder

1 TBS of cornstarch
or
1 TBS of flax seed
casserole or baking dish
cover or foil

DIRECTIONS

THE LONG WAY

1. If you’re doing this the long way, rinse and soak 2 cups of dry beans for at least 8 hours. Change the water if it gets frothy/foamy or if it starts to smell funny. Either after 8 hours, overnight, or when you want them, bring the beans to a boil in fresh water, then reduce to a simmer and let it chill simmering for an hour and half. For extra flavor, cook the beans in broth or water mixed with vegetable stock.

2. While you wait for the beans, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients. Use less vinegar than you think you need, and go easy with the liquid smoke. A few drops should be more than enough to amp up the barbecue flavor.

3. In another bowl, throw together dry spices. If you’re really fancy, use fresh garlic and onion, otherwise I stick to the powdered kind for sauces. Adjust amounts as needed–more spice, add more black or red pepper, or chili powder. If you like a sweeter BBQ, try a pinch of cloves or allspice to bring out the richness of the maple and molasses.

4. Preheat your oven to 375F.  Dump the dry mix into the wet mix and combine thoroughly. Now would be the time to add in flaxseed or cornstarch! Whisk in your choice of thickener. Add a little more water or veg stock so that the sauce is pourable, thinner than a typical spaghetti sauce.

5.  In your chosen baking dish, pour in the semi-cooked, drained and rinsed beans. Then the sauce, covering the beans evenly (if your beans aren’t covered, add small amounts of vinegar/water/stock and stir until they are). If you’d like, throw in some chopped garlic and onions, mushrooms, extra canna butter, or additional spices. Cover the dish either with a lid or with foil. Bake on the middle rack for 45 mins, then bake uncovered for another 30. Serve however you want, at this point.

THE SHORTER WAY

1. I have saved massive amounts of time by having the beans soak/precook in a rice maker. If you want to do it this way, pour 2 cups of dried beans with 3-4 cups of water into your rice maker. Mine takes about 45 mins to run a cycle, so I precook the beans twice, stirring in between and adding more water as needed.

2. Follow steps 2-5 of THE LONG WAY. If you don’t want to make your own sauce, just go to step 5 and use store-bought BBQ sauce and mix it with the melted canna butter.

THE EASY-AS-SHIT WAY

1. Open can of beans, drain it, dump the beans in a baking dish. Squeeze out BBQ sauce from the bottle. Add the canna butter. Cover and bake at 375F until bubbly and clearly baked bean-like. Serve however you like.

image credit: thecannabist.co

cannabis tea biscuit

Recipe: Hot Buttery Cannabiscuits

Dough makes 8-12 biscuits, depending on size. Serving size is 1 or 2 biscuits.

INGREDIENTS

1 3/4 GF flour
1 packet quick rise yeast
1 1/2 cups hot water or hot milk (130-160F)
4 tbs cannabis oil, solid, cut into chunks like butter
1 tsp olive oil + more to grease
1 tsp salt
2-3 tbs guar gum
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbs coconut sugar + 1 or 2 tbs coconut sugar

Any herbs like:
basil
parsley
dill
rosemary
garlic
chili powder

parchment
cling film
baking pan
mixing bowl

DIRECTIONS

1. In 1 1/2 cups of hot water or milk, sprinkle 1 tbs sugar and packet of yeast. If it’s activated/live yeast, the mix should begin to bubble and foam a layer over the liquid. Let sit undisturbed for at least 5 minutes, so that the yeast can activate. If nothing happens, you might have a bunk packet– though, sometimes I’ve had luck with microwaving what I thought was dead yeast for a few seconds, and it activated just fine.

2. While the yeast does its thing, mix GF flour with your salt, baking powder, guar gum, sugar, and any herbs or spice you want thrown in in a large mixing bowl. I really like nutritional yeast, garlic, and rosemary, but sometimes I’ll do a sweetbread with nutmeg, cinnamon, and more sugar.

3. Drizzle in olive oil and pour in yeast mixture, once it’s good and foamy. Using a rubber or silicone spatula to mix the dough has always worked out well for me. I’ve never made this recipe in a stand or electric mixer, so go for that if it’s simpler. Incorporate wet with dry until a dough starts to form.

4. Cut in chunks of cannabis oil, continuing to stir and gently press dough into shape. Add flour in small amounts with guar gum if dough is too sticky or won’t hold together (it should, since we’re using active yeast).

5. When you can form the dough into a relatively smooth ball, you’re golden. Rub a small amount of olive oil all over the dough, just enough to lightly coat it, then cover bowl with cling film. Leave dough to rise in a warm place (a super easy way to make one is to turn on your oven to 350– but only for a few seconds! This will create a space warm enough to proof the dough but not hot enough to bake it) for at least an hour.

6. After your dough has risen, take off the cling film and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Grease VERY lightly with olive oil. Set your oven to 350F (and leave it there this time). In whatever shape you want, add rows of dough blobs to the pan, evenly spaced until the pan is filled. The biscuits will rise a little more but not by much; the main idea is, give them enough room to cook.

7. Your oven rack should be set a notch above the middle. Pastries/breads cook best there, without burning either end. Bake biscuits for 25-30 mins, until golden brown. To make sure this is achieved, brush biscuits with melted vegan butter at the 10 and 20 minute mark.   

image credit: ediblesclub.com

420 weed

Happy Holidaze, Weed Readers!

Happy 4/20!

But wait… what does 4/20 even mean? Why do so many folks in (and out) of the cannabis culture, reference this number to no end but couldn’t tell you what it meant?

For most, it’s used as code– using 420 to reference cannabis was believed to have originated as a police code, then adopted as a counterculture.  Other users believe the reference was started by the band, The Grateful Dead. Word of Deadhead meetings, aka Grateful Dead concerts, was spread through flyers. One story in particular mentions a flyer bearing the info, “We are going to meet at 4:20 on 4/20 for 420-ing in Marin County at the Bolinas Ridge sunset spot on Mt. Tamalpais” (source).

The apparent truth of the origin story is, ‘420’ was a term established in the early 70s by a group of high school students from San Rafael, CA. They called themselves The Waldos, and still do. Well before any states had legalized cannabis, one might need to go by an alias, or at least be very careful about where and when they did their smoking. Their group name was coined in reference to the statue they’d meet as, as well as the number alluding to the time

So while the term was established by a group of high schoolers, it’s obviously made it’s way across the country and other parts of the world, as a catch-all term for cannabis culture. As I said, the uprising of cannabis counterculture in the 90s and its use of ‘420’ was helped along by The Grateful Dead and its fan base. Members of The Waldos had close relations with the Dead, so really, each part of the origin story does have some truth to it. Each piece of lore or information ends up weaving together to form a more complete envisioning of how the notion of ‘420’ started.

Regardless of where the term came from, people take great joy in being able to reference (though no longer that subtle) their activities or culture in ways others can recognize. For the most part, the culture developed off the back of the phrase is pretty harmless. (Though let me say, hearing “heheh, 420, man” anytime the clock changes over, gets old.)

Most people celebrate the “holiday” by spending it with their friends, consuming plenty of cannabis, and for some, it’s become a political opportunity to advocate for legalization. Many cities, especially in states where cannabis is legal, tend to have some sort of gathering to observe the day, often at universities or parks. If it interests you, do some searching and see what’s going on in your area. If not, find your own way to celebrate! Have your first bowl or joint outside, share it with friends, or make someone’s day and hide some nuggets in easter eggs!

Whatever you decide to do, be smart, and be safe. Know the laws of your town/state on cannabis before you go lighting up on the sidewalk. Know your rights if you’re stopped by police! The perception and reputation surrounding cannabis users is something important, if we want to get any closer to legalization, or in general, acceptance of its use in everyday life. So, act accordingly–your cannabis use does not relieve you of being respectful or having some awareness!

All in all, let tomorrow be a day of celebration, relaxation, and feeling grateful that such a wonderful plant exists. Happy holidays!

-hope this is what you guys meant, it’s not that polished but feel free to edit what you don’t like!


Image credit: gettyimages.com

Poppyweed cake

Lemon Poppyweed Cake (or Bars)

Makes about 16 bars or 1 loaf, sliced however you please.

What You Need

-2 cups oat flour (or a blend of oat + almond, coconut, or rice flour)

-3 tbs milled flaxseed + 6 tbs non-dairy milk

-1 tsp baking powder

-2 tbs chia seeds

-3 tbs poppy seeds

-AVB (already vaped bud, if you want a boost)

-1/3 cup shredded or flaked coconut

-2 tbs powdered coconut sugar (blitz regular coconut sugar in a spice grinder)

-1/3 cup cannabutter, melted

-1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

-1 banana

-juice from 2 lemons

-2-3 tbs lemon zest

-1 tbs orange zest

-sea salt

-coconut oil for greasing

-spatula

-hand or stand mixer & bowl

-9 x 9 baking dish or small loaf pan

toppings: coconut sugar & lemon juice, frosting, cashew cream, candied lemon peel (see notes for a few how-tos)

Directions

1. Preheat an oven (it should probably be your oven) to 350ºF. Grease either a baking dish or loaf pan. In a small bowl, combine flax + milk, chia seeds, and poppy seeds, and set aside. Zest one and juice both the lemons and zest an orange, separating juice and zest. Only a little is needed, so lay out the leftover orange zest to dry & have it for future use!

2a. If using a hand mixer: In a large bowl, stir together flour, coconut, citrus zest, baking powder, coconut sugar and salt, and AVB (already vaped bud) if desired. Stir in applesauce, lemon juice, and cannabutter with a spatula, then blend in the banana and flax/chia/poppy with the hand mixer.

2b. If using a stand mixer: Add all above ingredients & blend. The ending texture should be between a batter and a dough–not too gooey, not too stiff. If it’s too stiff, add sips of water or milk until the mix is slightly sticky. Too wet, add pinches of flour until sticky.

3. Transfer dough to baking dish or loaf pan. Press it down with the spatula to remove any air bubbles, and smooth over the top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 mins, or until golden brown & the edges start to pull away. When cool, top, slice, and serve.

Optional Toptionals

Sugar & Lemon: 10 mins before cake is finished, drizzle lemon juice and sugar over the top to form a sweet, crunchy crust.

Frosting: Whip either softened canna butter (if made with coconut oil), some soy yogurt, or full-fat coconut milk with a splash of vanilla extract and powdered sugar until thick & spreadable.

Cashew Cream: Soak 1/2 cup raw unsalted cashews in hot water for 30 mins, then blend with 1 tbs vanilla extract, a pinch or two of orange zest, and a shake of salt until creamy. Chill in the fridge before use, stores up to 1 week.

Candied Lemon Peel: If you’re the type to read the whole recipe before executing, great! If not, hope you didn’t throw away the juiced lemons. Grab that unzested lemon peel and remove as much of the white pith as you can. Cut the rind into strips, then gently boil in sugar water until translucent. Toss in sugar and let dry on wax paper.

Lemon poppyseed cake is one of my most favorite baked treats, since it’s delicious as muffins, squares, or fistfuls. It’s tangy, moist, versatile, and now it can get you stoned! The combination of applesauce and banana binds and provides the perfect springy texture, poppy and chia seeds give it crunch, and the bud brings the buzz. 🙂

image credit: weedchefs.com