Creating a cannabis-infused turkey for Thanksgiving is a fun and creative way to bring something unique to the table. Here's a recipe for a Cannabis-Infused Roasted Turkey that ensures the flavors are balanced while providing a nice, controlled dose of THC. It's important to dose carefully, as turkey is typically a large meal and you want the effects to be moderate.
Cannabis-Infused Roasted Turkey Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Infused Butter:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 gram of decarboxylated cannabis (the potency will depend on the strain and your preference, but 1 gram is a good starting point for a moderate dose)
1-2 teaspoons of lecithin (optional, helps with absorption of THC)
For the Turkey:
1 whole turkey (about 12-14 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 lemon, halved
1 onion, quartered
4-5 garlic cloves, smashed
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh rosemary
1-2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for basting)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cannabis-Infused Butter:
Decarboxylate your cannabis (if you haven’t already done so):
Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
Break up the cannabis buds and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
Bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the cannabis is lightly browned and has a strong herbal aroma.
Let it cool slightly.
Infuse the butter:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Add the decarboxylated cannabis and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Keep the temperature under 200°F (93°C) to avoid burning the THC.
Strain the butter through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a container to remove the plant material. You should have about 1 cup of cannabis-infused butter.
Optional (but recommended): Add lecithin to the butter to help emulsify and bind the THC to the fat. This helps with better absorption.
2. Prepare the Turkey:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Remove any giblets or neck from the turkey cavity and set them aside for making stock, if desired.
3. Season the Turkey:
Rub the turkey inside and out with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Stuff the cavity of the turkey with halved lemon, quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, and the fresh thyme and rosemary.
4. Apply the Cannabis-Infused Butter:
Gently separate the skin from the turkey meat. Be careful not to tear it. Use your hands or a spoon to loosen the skin, creating pockets of space between the skin and the flesh.
Spread about half of the cannabis-infused butter under the skin, focusing on the breast area for even flavor distribution.
Rub the remaining butter all over the exterior of the turkey.
5. Roast the Turkey:
Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. If you don’t have a rack, you can place the turkey directly in the pan with some vegetable scraps or a couple of halved onions to elevate it slightly.
Pour about 1-2 cups of chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist.
Roast the turkey at 350°F (175°C) for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thighs.
Baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes with the drippings and additional cannabis butter if you have some left.
6. Rest and Carve:
Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Dosing Tips:
Cannabis Dosage: Start with 1 gram of decarboxylated cannabis per 1 cup of butter, which will provide about 10-15 servings with a moderate dose. If you're using a stronger cannabis strain or prefer a lower dose, you can adjust the amount of cannabis used in the butter. Make sure to test the butter first by sampling a small amount before serving.
Edibles Potency: Be cautious with the dosage when serving a large group. It's always safer to start with a smaller serving and wait at least 45 minutes to an hour before consuming more. The effects of edibles can take longer to kick in.
Serving:
Serve the turkey with your favorite Thanksgiving sides and enjoy! If you’re making this for a large group, you can label the dish as “infused” to ensure that everyone is aware and can choose whether or not to partake.
Important Note:
Be sure to mark or label the cannabis-infused turkey and let your guests know that it’s been infused with THC. It’s crucial that people understand the effects of cannabis and can decide whether or not they want to partake.
For more information be sure to visit www.topshelfhemp.co