ANJA Presents: Cannabis-Infused Mac & Cheese (ft. Vegan Substitutes!)

Mmmm, mac and cheese. Even without the infused aspect, this staple is a crowdpleaser at any get-together, as well as a pleasure trip for any solo muncher. Whether you enjoy cooking this classic for others or for yourself, we are happy to ensure that your next bowl of cheesy macaroni results in a cheesy smile. 

Welcome to a creamy, dreamy, and slightly greeny dish that caters to all. Today, ANJA Presents: Cannabis-Infused Mac & Cheese (ft. Vegan Substitutes!)

Infused Cannabis Olive Oil Recipe

Infused Olive Oil Ingredients:

• 1 cup of olive oil
  
  

• 7-10 grams of cannabis flower (decarboxylated)
  
  

• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
  
  

• Heat-resistant container
  
  

• Airtight glass jar or bottle for storage

Infused Olive Oil Instructions:

1. Decarboxylate Your Flower: Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C). Break up your cannabis flower into smaller pieces and spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes.
   
   

2. Grind Your Decarbed Flower: Once cooled, grind the decarboxylated cannabis but avoid grinding it too finely.
   
   

3. Infuse Your Oil: In a saucepan, combine the olive oil and ground cannabis. Heat over low heat (between 160°F to 200°F or 71°C to 93°C) for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
   
   

4. Strain Your Infused Oil: Pour the mixture through a cheesecloth or strainer into a heat-resistant container. Transfer the cooled oil into an airtight jar for storage.

How do I Estimate my Dosage?

To determine the THC content in your infused olive oil, you'll need to do a bit of math (sorry).

• Determine Your Total THC Content: Begin by identifying the THC percentage of your cannabis. For this example, let's assume your cannabis flower has a THC content of 20%. This means there are 200 mg of THC in every gram (because 20% of 1000 mg is 200 mg).
  
  

• Calculate the Total THC in the Infusion: If you're using 7 grams of cannabis flower at 20% THC, you'll have: 7 grams × 200 mg/g = 1400 mg of THC in total.
  
  

• Determine the THC per Cup: If you infuse the 7 grams of cannabis into 1 cup of olive oil, the entire cup will contain 1400 mg of THC.
  
  

• Calculate the THC per Tablespoon: There are 16 tablespoons in a cup. To find out how much THC is in each tablespoon of your infused oil, divide the total THC by 16: 1400 mg ÷ 16 tablespoons = 87.5 mg of THC per tablespoon.
  
  

When using the infused oil in recipes, always consider the desired dosage and adjust the amount of oil accordingly. For instance, if you want a dose of 10 mg of THC, you'd use a bit less than 1/8th of a tablespoon of this particular infused oil, OR you’ll want to start off with less concentration of THC (which can be done by selecting a different strain, or by infusing less cannabis into your oil).


Always start with a smaller dose, especially if you're new to edibles, and adjust according to your comfort level. Be cautious that different factors, such as the degree of decarboxylation and human error, may also contribute to varying THC levels. 

For the Mac and Cheese:

Infused Mac and Cheese Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
  
  

• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (or vegan shredded cheese like Daiya or Follow Your Heart brands)
  
  

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan cheesy flavor)
  
  

• 3 cups milk (or unsweetened almond milk or any other plant-based milk for vegan option)
  
  

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter like Earth Balance for vegan option)
  
  

• 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  
  

• Seasoning (go wild!)
  
  

• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (ensure it's vegan-friendly for vegan option)
  
  

• 1 tablespoon cannabis-infused olive oil

P.S., we suspect you already know how to make macaroni and cheese. Feel free to swap out this recipe with your own - just make sure to add the infused oil to give this childhood delight a significant adult upgrade.

Infused Mac and Cheese Instructions:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling water until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
   
   

2. In a saucepan, melt butter (or vegan butter) over medium heat; stir in flour until smooth, about 2 minutes. Gradually add milk (or plant-based milk) to the butter-flour mixture while continuously stirring until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 5 minutes.
   
   

3. Add Cheddar cheese (or vegan shredded cheese) and Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) to the milk mixture and stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy, 2 to 4 minutes.
   
   

4. Mix in the cannabis-infused olive oil, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
   
   

5. Season!
   
   

6. Fold the macaroni into the cheese sauce until coated.
   
   

7. Transfer to a lightly greased baking dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs.
   
   

8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until bread crumbs and macaroni edges are golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Flower Strain Suggestions:

For a dish as rich and creamy as mac and cheese, experiment with strains that offer a buttery or cheesy aroma:

• Cheese: Originating from the UK, Cheese is a notable hybrid of Skunk #1. Its dominant terpenes, including caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, contribute to its unique profile. As the name suggests, Cheese boasts a distinct savory and tangy flavor, reminiscent of actual cheese, but with a subtle hint of earthiness. Beyond its flavor, Cheese is renowned for its relaxing effects. Those who indulge often describe a sense of calm and euphoria, making it an ideal strain for unwinding after a taxing day.
  
  

• Blue Cheese: A delightful blend of sweet and savory, Blue Cheese is an Indica-dominant hybrid that emerged from Europe. This strain is the offspring of a cross between the sweet Blueberry and the tangy Cheese strains. Its major terpenes, such as myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene, create a unique flavor profile. When tasted, Blue Cheese offers a harmonious combination of the sweet and fruity flavors from Blueberry and the savory, tangy notes from Cheese. Beyond its taste, Blue Cheese is known to provide a relaxing body high. Users often report a sense of happiness and euphoria, making it a favorite for those seeking both flavor and a pleasant cerebral buzz.
  
  

• Gorilla Glue: Gorilla Glue is a potent hybrid strain that stands out due to its rich lineage. It's a cross between Chem's Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel. Dominant terpenes in Gorilla Glue, such as myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene, contribute to its distinctive aroma and taste. Known for its earthy and pungent aroma, those who try Gorilla Glue also detect notes of coffee, chocolate, and diesel, making its flavor profile rich and multidimensional. But it's not just about the taste. Gorilla Glue is famous for delivering heavy-handed euphoria and relaxation. Many users describe a "glued" or couch-locked sensation, making it perfect for a chill, laid-back evening.

Healthy Pasta Variations:

• Mary Jane's Mushroom Medley: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
  
  

• Green Ganja Goodness: Add some sautéed spinach or kale for a nutrient boost.
  
  

• Red Hot High: Add some roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
  
  

Whether you're diving into the traditional cheesy goodness or the compassionate vegan delight, this recipe ensures everyone's palate is catered to. Your next “cousin walk” just got better, and this time you didn’t even need to step outside. 


Enjoy your culinary journey! #GetANJA