Welcome to the Cooking with Cannabis course, a unique educational journey crafted in partnership with the American Culinary Federation. This course is designed for professional chefs, cooks, and proficient home cooks who aspire to master the art of cannabis-infused cuisine. Here, you will not only learn about various infusion techniques and recipes but also delve deep into the fascinating science, philosophy, and entertainment aspects of cooking with cannabis. Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge to safely and effectively prepare and serve cannabis infusions, elevating your culinary prowess to new heights.
Course Overview
Cooking with Cannabis is more than a cooking course. It’s a comprehensive exploration of the synergy between cannabis and food, presented in a technical yet highly accessible manner. Chef Brandon Allen, a renowned cannabis chef, educator, and researcher, will guide you through this journey, sharing his expertise and passion for cannabis. You’ll gain insights into the science behind cannabis, how to integrate it into your culinary style, and how to enhance your reputation as a professional cannabis chef.
Course Topics
1. Quality & Safety
Understanding the quality and safety of cannabis products is paramount. This section will teach you how to identify high-quality cannabis, interpret lab tests (Certificates of Analysis or COAs), and properly label and store cannabis infusions. You’ll learn to discern between safe and unsafe products, ensuring that your infusions meet the highest standards.
2. Legal & Disclaimers
Navigating the legal landscape of cooking with cannabis can be challenging. This section provides an overview of the “gray area” of the cannabis industry, offering recommendations on how to prepare yourself legally and responsibly as a cannabis chef. You’ll learn about the importance of following food and beverage safety requirements and adhering to cannabis laws specific to your region.
3. Tolerance
One of the most crucial aspects of being a cannabis chef is understanding and managing your guests’ tolerance levels. This section will guide you in determining each guest’s tolerance and how to dose them accordingly. Accurate dosing is essential to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
4. Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are the active compounds in cannabis that produce various effects. This section covers the most commonly used cannabinoids in infusions, their effects, and how to incorporate them into your dishes. You’ll learn which cannabinoids are intoxicating, which are not, and how to select the best ones for your culinary creations.
5. Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation is the process of activating cannabinoids through heat. This in-depth section includes several experiments with lab tests to demonstrate the many variables involved in decarbing cannabis. You’ll explore different methods, such as using an oven, sous vide machine, or air fryer, to achieve the desired effects in your infusions.
6. Terpenes
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis that contribute to its flavor and effects. As a chef, you’ve been working with terpenes all along without even realizing it. This section will show you how to harness the power of terpenes to create unique and flavorful dishes. You’ll receive a terpene pairing guide to help you match terpenes with other ingredients in your recipes.
7. Flower & Concentrate Infusions
This section covers the various cannabis products that can be used for infusions, including flower and concentrates. You’ll learn how to create infusions with different bases, such as oil, fat, alcohol, and honey, and how to determine the correct dosage. The infusions made throughout the course will be featured in recipes, allowing you to see how and why they were selected based on their flavor, aroma, homogenization, and cannabinoid profiles.
8. Retail Ready
Not all cannabis chefs need to make their infusions from scratch. This section focuses on working with lab-tested, retail-ready cannabis products. You’ll learn about the importance of understanding cannabis, tolerance, and the effects of various cannabinoids, as well as how to guide guests out of any adverse experiences.
9. Cooking & Sustainability
Cooking sustainably with cannabis is a unique challenge due to the regulated nature of the industry. This section explores ways to minimize waste and make the most out of your infusions. You’ll learn about using fan leaves in recipes and transforming them into functional garnishes.
10. Cannabis & Alcohol
Mixing cannabis with alcohol is a popular trend, but it requires careful consideration of safety and dosing. This section provides guidelines on infusing alcohol with cannabis and how to ensure your guests enjoy the experience without overindulging.
11. Overconsumption
Dealing with overconsumption is an inevitable part of being a cannabis chef. This section equips you with the knowledge and skills to prevent and manage situations where guests may experience discomfort, paranoia, or anxiety. You’ll learn how to guide them out of negative states and ensure their safety and well-being.
12. Catering & Events
Whether you’re serving an intimate dinner or a large corporate event, the principles of accurate dosing and understanding tolerance apply. This section will guide you through creating a memorable dining experience for guests of all tolerance levels, regardless of the event’s size.
13. The Spectrum of Cannabis Chefs
Every cannabis chef has a unique approach. This section explores the spectrum of styles, from those who use the whole plant to those who prefer flavorless infusions. Regardless of your style, the key is ensuring your guests are correctly dosed and enjoy a safe, pleasant experience.
14. The Entourage Effect
Learn about the role you play as a cannabis chef in creating the entourage effect—a synergistic experience where the combined elements of cannabis and your culinary expertise enhance the overall experience for your guests.
15. Pairing
Discover the art of pairing cannabis with food and beverages. This section includes fun experiments that will change how you taste and appreciate terpenes. You’ll learn how to create harmonious pairings that delight the senses.
16. The Unique Cannabis Chef
Before you can be a Cannabis Chef, you must first be a chef. This section discusses what defines a modern cannabis chef and how to distinguish yourself in this emerging field. You’ll learn how to blend your culinary skills with cannabis knowledge to create unique and memorable dining experiences.
Featured Recipes
Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at several featured recipes, such as:
- Breakfast Sandwich with CBDGhee
- Apple Slaws with Beta-Caryophyllene
- Ribeye with Limonene Chimichurri
- CBG & Ocimene Old Fashioned
- Italian Action Soup with Fan Leaf Herb Oil
- Terpene Salt Rimmed Margarita
- Tacos & Guac
Complete Course Sections
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the sections you’ll explore in this course:
- Navigating the Course
- Introduction
- Disclaimers & Legal
- Cannabis Quality & Safety
- Equipment
- Cannabinoids
- Decarboxylation
- Decarboxylation Experiments
- Tolerance
- Terpenes
- Terpene Pairing Guide
- Apple Slaws
- Infusion Basics & Bases
- Flower Infusions
- Concentrate Infusions
- Concentrate Infusions for Recipes
- Breakfast Sandwich
- Storing Infusions
- Cannabis & Alcohol
- Ribeye, Chimichurri, Old Fashioned
- The Entourage Effect
- Retail Ready
- Cannabis & Sustainability
- Action Soup
- The Spectrum of Cannabis Chefs
- Catering & Events
- Overconsumption
- Salt & Sugar
- Tacos & Terperita
- Pairing
- The Unique Cannabis Chef
- Outro
Conclusion
Cooking with Cannabis is more than just a culinary course; it’s an educational adventure into the science and art of cannabis-infused cuisine. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to create safe, delicious, and innovative cannabis-infused dishes. Whether you’re a professional chef looking to expand your repertoire or a proficient home cook eager to explore new culinary horizons, this course offers everything you need to succeed. Join us on this exciting journey and become a pioneer in the world of cannabis cuisine!
