COOKING WITH CANNABIS Elevated Dinner Party >>> BY CHEF GARRICK UMLAND
designate areas of the space for other cannabis consumption and relaxation. Have somewhere comfortable for your guests for after dinner or if they need to take a break. Your guests’ comfort will help ensure an amazing time. Any good dinner party starts with cocktails. When throwing an elevated dinner party, it is a good idea to stay away from alcohol. You will find these cannabis mocktails a wonderful alternative. Not only are they delicious, but they are also a great way to start the party off on high note. In next month's issue we will discuss the flow of the party, dosing, balancing highs, and the first course you can consider offering at your elevated dinner party.
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Happy New Year to all! Over the last several months we have discussed various aspects of cooking with cannabis. Now, let us utilize what we have learned and throw the ultimate elevated dinner party. Throwing a cannabis dinner party can be a great way to introduce cannabis to nonsmokers as well as showcasing your culinary expertise. This guide will ensure your guests leave with smiles all around. Like any good dinner party, putting together a well thought out plan is essential. Ask yourself a few simple questions to get started: Who is coming? What is the theme? Where will it be hosted?
What is the theme? Everyone loves a good theme to a party. To help with this, think of the last great event you went to. What really worked well and what did not work so well. The theme of your party can be intertwined in what food you will serve and go as far as requiring guests to dress up. When deciding the theme, keep in mind the guests you have invited. You want to create a nice harmony between guests, theme, menu, and décor. Lastly, when thinking of a theme, make sure it is something that would bring a smile to your face if you were the one opening the invitation. Afterall, this is your event, and you are in control.
Who is coming to the party? Putting together a guest list will not only ensure you have enough food, but more importantly, ensure your guests have a great time. Do not invite the neighborhood. Be selective in who you invite, especially if this is your first dinner party. Keeping the guest list small can create an extra sense of intimacy within the group. Invite guests with similar views on cannabis, preferably people who have gotten high before or have great interest in trying to consume cannabis. Finally, make sure the guests you invite are ones you trust and could see yourself getting high with.
Where will it be hosted? When planning your elevated dinner party, you need to keep in mind the surroundings your guest will be in. Is the space clean and inviting? Just like when you go out to dinner yourself, you would not want to eat in a dirty restaurant. Look around for spaces that can accommodate your guest list and theme. Maybe it’s a friend’s home that has a wonderful space for entertaining. There are also plenty of options on Airbnb, this option allows you to rent a space for a couple of days to prepare the food as well as decorate for the event and remember the clean up is essential. Finally,
Cannabis Simple Syrup Yield: 3 cups Prep Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 2 hours
Ingredients 3 cups of filtered water 3 cups fine granulated sugar 2 tablespoons vegetable glycerin 2g finely chopped/ground decarboxylated cannabis 1 jar or bottle 1 saucepan Strainer or cheesecloth Instructions Add the sugar and water in the saucepan. Bring to a boil. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved then add the cannabis. Cover the pot and allow it to boil gently for another 20 minutes. To prevent the liquid from getting too hot, keep the liquid at a low roiling boil. At the 20-minute mark, reduce the temperature. Add the glycerin. Let the mixture simmer for another 5-6 minutes, keeping a close eye on the pot. Remove the lid and quickly stir every minute. Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully pour the hot syrup through the strainer or cheesecloth into your container. Go slowly. Do not burn yourself! Let the mixture cool.
