DIY Edible Recipes for the New Year: A Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Infused Delights

The New Year is all about new beginnings, and if you’re looking to kickstart the year with a fun, creative twist, why not try your hand at making your own cannabis edibles? Whether you're a seasoned cannabis connoisseur or a first-time edible maker, it’s surprisingly easy to create delicious, potent treats right in your own kitchen.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of making weed butter—the foundation for countless cannabis-infused recipes—and share three unique edible ideas that will elevate your culinary game. Let’s dive in!

How to Make Weed Butter (Cannabutter)

Before we get to the recipes, let’s talk about how to make weed butter, which is a key ingredient in many cannabis edibles. It’s simple to make, and the versatility of cannabutter allows you to add it to anything from baked goods to savory dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

• 1 cup ground cannabis (decarboxylated – more on this below)

• 1 cup water (to prevent burning)
  
  Instructions:

  1. Decarboxylate Your Cannabis:

     • Before using your cannabis in edibles, it’s essential to decarboxylate it. This process activates the THC (the compound that gives you the high). Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C), break your cannabis buds into smaller pieces, and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.

     • Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, checking periodically. The cannabis should become lightly browned and dry. Once done, allow it to cool before grinding.

  2. Infuse the Butter:

     • In a saucepan, melt the butter on low heat. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and water. Stir occasionally.

     • Keep the heat low and let the mixture simmer for about 2 to 3 hours. Don’t let the butter boil—just maintain a gentle simmer.

     • Add more water if needed to ensure it doesn’t burn or stick.

  3. Strain the Butter:

     • After the butter has simmered for 2-3 hours, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into a container. Make sure to press out all the liquid and separate the plant matter. What you’re left with is your potent weed butter!

  4. Cool and Store:

     • Let your cannabutter cool at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should last for a few weeks.

  Now you’re ready to make some delicious cannabis-infused treats! Below are three fun and unique cannabis edible recipes you can try out.

  1. Cannabis-Infused Chocolate Bark

  For a simple yet indulgent treat, this cannabis-infused chocolate bark is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while getting a dose of THC.

  Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dark or milk chocolate (your preference)

  • 2 tablespoons cannabutter

  • ½ cup crushed nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios)

  • ¼ cup dried fruit (cranberries, apricots, etc.)

  • A pinch of sea salt (optional)

  Method:

  1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals until smooth.

  2. Stir in the cannabutter until it’s fully incorporated.

  3. Spread the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  4. Sprinkle with your choice of crushed nuts, dried fruit, and a pinch of sea salt for added flavor.

  5. Place the chocolate bark in the fridge for 1-2 hours until hardened.

  6. Break it into pieces and enjoy!

  2. Cannabis-Infused Gummies

  Homemade gummies are fun, customizable, and a great way to measure the potency of your edibles!

  Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fruit juice (your choice, but citrus works great)

  • 2 tablespoons gelatin powder

  • 2 tablespoons cannabutter

  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional for sweetness)

  • A drop or two of natural food coloring (optional)

  Method:

  1. In a saucepan, heat the fruit juice over low heat.

  2. Once the juice is warm, stir in the gelatin powder until it dissolves completely.

  3. Add in the cannabutter and stir until melted and smooth.

  4. Sweeten with honey or agave if desired and add food coloring.

  5. Pour the mixture into gummy molds or an ice cube tray.

  6. Refrigerate for about 2-3 hours until set. Pop them out and enjoy!

  3. Cannabis-Infused Avocado Toast

  If you're looking for something a bit more savory, this cannabis-infused avocado toast is a healthy, delicious, and slightly elevated breakfast option.

  Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe avocado

  • 1 tablespoon cannabutter

  • 2 slices of whole-grain bread (or your choice of bread)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • A pinch of chili flakes or lemon zest (optional)

  • Fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley)

  Method:

  1. Toast your bread to your desired crispness.

  2. In a small saucepan, melt the cannabutter on low heat and drizzle it over the toasted bread.

  3. Mash the ripe avocado and spread it evenly on the buttered toast.

  4. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional toppings (chili flakes, lemon zest, or fresh herbs).

  5. Enjoy your elevated avocado toast!

Sure! Let’s take things to the next level with two more delicious cannabis-infused recipes. Whether you're craving a creamy, savory dish or a sweet treat, these recipes will show you how versatile cannabis can be in your cooking!

4. Cannabis-Infused Fettuccini Alfredo

This rich and creamy fettuccini alfredo will transport your taste buds to Italy while giving you a mellow, relaxing vibe. The cannabutter in this dish blends seamlessly with the creamy sauce for a comforting, elevated meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fettuccini pasta

• 2 tablespoons cannabutter

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves of fresh garlic, minced)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Boil the fettuccini in salted water according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.

2. Make the Alfredo Sauce:

   • In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the cannabutter over medium heat. Add the garlic (if using fresh garlic, sauté until fragrant) and cook for about 1 minute.

   • Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.

3. Finish the Sauce:

   • Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Add the cooked fettuccini to the sauce and toss until the pasta is fully coated. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.

   • Enjoy your creamy, cannabis-infused pasta with a glass of wine or your favorite beverage!

5. Cannabis-Infused Strawberry Milkshake

If you're in the mood for something sweet and nostalgic, this cannabis-infused strawberry milkshake will hit the spot! It’s smooth, creamy, and the perfect way to indulge in a fun treat while relaxing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vanilla ice cream

• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (or frozen, if you prefer)

• 1 tablespoon cannabutter (melted)

• 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)

• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional for extra sweetness)

• Whipped cream for topping (optional)

• Fresh strawberry slices for garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, melted cannabutter, milk, and honey (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thicker milkshake, add more ice cream; for a thinner consistency, add a bit more milk.

2. Serve:

   • Pour the milkshake into a tall glass. Top with whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberry slices for a cute, delicious touch.

3. Enjoy:

   • Grab a straw, sip, and enjoy the sweet, creamy, and elevated goodness of your cannabis-infused milkshake!

Final Thoughts on Cannabis Edibles:

With these two extra recipes, your cannabis-infused culinary arsenal is now even more diverse! Whether you’re indulging in a hearty pasta dish or enjoying a milkshake as a dessert, these edibles will make any occasion special. Remember, when cooking with cannabis, always be mindful of the potency, especially with savory dishes where the effects may sneak up on you! Always start low and go slow.

So go ahead, experiment, and have fun in the kitchen this year. Cheers to a flavorful, elevated 2025!