Cooking with a Buz! - Cannabis-Infused Apple and Sage Pork Chops

As September rolls in, bringing with it the first hints of autumn, it’s the perfect time to start incorporating the flavors of the season into your meals. Apples are at their peak, herbs like sage are abundant, and the cooler evenings call for something warm and comforting. This cannabis-infused apple and sage pork chops recipe is inspired by the heartwarming flavors of September, combining the sweetness of apples, the earthy aroma of sage, and the subtle relaxation of cannabis. September has always been a month of transition for me—a time to start slowing down after the hustle and bustle of summer. Growing up in a family that loved baking, early fall was a time of bountiful fruits, a lot of apples, and a lot days spent in the kitchen making pies, sauces, and savory dishes. The smell of apples and cinnamon would fill the house, making everything feel cozy and welcoming. As an adult, I’ve found myself drawn back to those familiar flavors as a way to connect with the season. This dish is a modern take on the comfort foods of my childhood, combining the rich, autumnal flavors of apples and sage with the relaxing effects of cannabis. It’s perfect for a September evening when you want to unwind and savor the changing season. So grab a bag of your favorite herb, twist one up and let’s get Cooking With A Buz!

Cannabis-Infused Apple and Sage Pork Chops

This dish marries the sweetness of sautéed apples with the savory, herbal notes of sage, all enhanced by a subtle cannabis infusion. The result is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for welcoming the fall season.

Ingredients:

4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)

2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well), peeled, cored, and sliced

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup cannabis-infused butter (start with 5-10mg THC per serving)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup apple cider

1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth

2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

First, you’ll want to get those pork chops ready. Sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Then, let them sit out for about 15 minutes—just enough time for them to warm up to room temperature while you prep the other ingredients. Next, grab a large skillet and heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, lay the pork chops in the pan. Let them sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust to form. Once they’re seared, go ahead and take them out of the skillet and set them aside for now.

Now, in that same skillet, turn the heat down to medium and add your cannabis-infused butter. Let it melt down, then toss in the sliced apples and onions. You’ll want to sauté these for around 5-7 minutes, just until the apples are nice and soft and the onions have turned translucent. After that, it’s time to deglaze the pan. Pour in the apple cider and chicken broth, and as you stir, make sure to scrape up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors can come together and the liquid reduces a bit.

Once that’s done, stir in the chopped sage, then place the pork chops back into the skillet. Spoon some of that apple mixture over the top of the chops, cover the skillet, and turn the heat down to low. Let everything cook together for about 10 more minutes, just until the pork chops are cooked through. Finally, when you’re ready to serve, place the pork chops on a plate, pile the sautéed apples and onions on top, and don’t forget to drizzle any of that delicious pan sauce over the dish. If you’re feeling fancy, add a little extra fresh sage on top as a garnish. Enjoy!

The first time I made this dish, it was a chilly September evening, and the smell of the apples and sage cooking filled my kitchen with a sense of nostalgia and comfort. The cannabis infusion added a layer of relaxation that made the meal feel even more special, perfect for winding down after a long day. It’s now one of my favorite recipes to make when I want to celebrate the early days of fall.

Tips for Cooking with Cannabis

Dosage: Always start with a low dose of cannabis-infused butter, especially if you’re serving guests who may be new to edibles. You can always increase the amount of infused butter in the recipe, but it’s best to start small and adjust according to your comfort level.

Strain Selection: Consider using a cannabis strain that complements the flavors of the dish. For this recipe, a strain with earthy, herbal notes like OG Kush or a more uplifting, citrusy strain like Lemon Haze could work well.

Balancing Flavors: The sweetness of the apples and the richness of the pork are beautifully balanced by the earthy, aromatic sage. The cannabis infusion should be subtle, enhancing the overall warmth and comfort of the dish without overpowering the other flavors.