Thanksgiving Day is a culinary production, with many recipes taking the stage. But in most homes, the star of the show is the tasty turkey. What makes this bird so special is the variety of flavors it offers. From the succulent breast to the rich, dark meat of the thighs and legs, to the oily wings and gamey gizzards, it can satisfy even the pickiest of palates. This recipe takes the traditional turkey to the next level by incorporating cannabis into the meal. Not only does it enhance the flavor of the bird, but it also provides a light dose of medication, allowing you and your loved ones to enjoy a delicious meal with a little extra kick.
For this recipe, we recommend using Hindu Kush, a strain known for its earthy pine notes and refreshing hints of lemon. These robust flavors pair perfectly with turkey and blend harmoniously with the other herbs and spices. Plus, the heavy Indica effects of this strain may amplify the legendary (and perhaps apocryphal) sedative qualities of the tryptophan in your turkey. So after indulging in this meal, be sure to snuggle up next to the fire with your loved ones.
If Hindu Kush is not available, don’t worry! Other strains with a similar earthy pine and lemon-heavy terpene profile, such as Lemon OG Kush, Himalaya Gold, Super Silver Haze, and Satori, are all great substitutes. And don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with other complimentary or contrasting flavors – have fun with it!
Before we get started, let’s gather all of our ingredients and prepare the duck fat infusion. You can find duck fat at specialty stores or Whole Foods.
Step 1: Decarboxylate your cannabis. Preheat your oven to 220 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Carefully sprinkle the cannabis onto the sheet, making sure it is evenly distributed. Bake for 25 minutes, then let it cool completely. This will activate the medical kief and make it ready for consumption.
Step 2: Add the decarboxylated cannabis to a double boiler and simmer for 1 hour.
Step 3: Strain the infusion through a cheesecloth into a glass jar and set aside until ready to use.
Now, onto the turkey preparation.
Step 1: Create a marinade by combining 1 cup of apple cider, 2 tablespoons of clover honey, 2 tablespoons each of marjoram, garlic, basil, thyme, and sage, and a dash of sea salt and pepper in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Let it cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the marinade and set aside.
Step 2: Inject the marinade into the turkey, making sure to leave space in between the paragraphs.
Step 3: Rub the infused duck fat all over the turkey, making sure to cover every inch.
Step 4: Roast the turkey according to your preferred method, basting with the remaining marinade every 30 minutes.
Step 5: Once the turkey is fully cooked, let it rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy your delicious and elevated Thanksgiving turkey with your loved ones!