Remember when sneaking out for “the walk” with your cousins was just a clever excuse to enjoy some fresh air (and maybe a little herb)? That once-secretive stroll has transformed into a full-fledged celebration embraced by families and friends alike: Danksgiving.
Celebrating not only the season of gratitude but also the joys of cannabis culture, Danksgiving formally incorporates cannabis into the festivities and turns Thanksgiving into a celebration of both food and fun. It may not be the traditional Thanksgiving celebration, but it has quickly become a beloved way to bring extra cheer to the holiday.
So, grab your favorite strains and get ready to create an unforgettable experience that will leave everyone feeling relaxed, connected, and grateful. Let’s make this Danksgiving a holiday to remember!
Step 1: Decorating for Danksgiving
Creating a festive atmosphere is essential for your Danksgiving celebration. Here are a few of our favorite ideas to inspire your decor:
- Cannabis-infused centerpieces: Use small potted cannabis plants as centerpieces for your dining table. They not only look great but also tie into the theme. You can even paint the pots or pair them with seasonal flowers or autumn foliage for a more colorful touch.
- DIY leaf garland: Collect colorful leaves from outside and string them together to create a vibrant garland. You can add paper cutouts of cannabis leaves for a playful nod to the holiday.
- Themed table settings: Use earthy tones for your tablecloth and dinnerware, and consider adding small touches like cannabis leaf napkin holders or custom name tags that incorporate the theme. For extra fun, consider adding a preroll or infused chocolate to each guest’s table setting.
Step 2: Creating the menu
A crucial part of any Danksgiving celebration is, of course, the menu! Infusing your favorite dishes with cannabis can enhance the experience and make some truly memorable moments. You can start by infusing oil or butter and using it to prepare your favorite Thanksgiving recipes.
How to infuse oil or butter
The best way to start on any cannabis edible is by infusing the ingredients of your choice. Here are some simple steps to get you started:
- Decarb: Spread 1 cup (7 to 10 grams) of ground cannabis flower on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake at 245℉ for 30 to 40 minutes, shaking the tray every 10 minutes to ensure even decarboxylation.
- Prepare the butter: Melt one cup of butter with one cup of water over low heat in a small or medium-sized pot. Allow it to simmer until the butter has completely melted.
- Add the cannabis: Once the butter is melted, add the decarbed cannabis and stir.
- Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally, ensuring it doesn’t come to a boil.
- Strain: Use a funnel and cheesecloth, or a specialized “hash bag,” to strain the mixture.
- Store and separate: Let it cool down, and store the cannabutter in the fridge until the water separates from the butter. The cannabutter will rise to the top and create a hard layer.
The steps for making cannabis-infused oil are similar to that of butter. Start with olive, coconut, avocado, or any fatty oil you choose. Start by decarbing your flower, then combine a 1:1 mixture of your oil of choice with the decarbed cannabis.
Allow the plant matter and oil to steep for about 20 minutes over medium heat, stirring periodically. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to continue steeping for 30 minutes. If you’re using a crockpot, this process will take close to 4 hours on low heat. Like the butter, strain your canna oil through a cheesecloth or strainer to remove the plant material.
For more detailed instructions, check out our complete guide to making edibles and infusions at home.
Infused turkey and gravy
To prepare your infused turkey, start by creating cannabutter using the method outlined earlier. This will be used to baste the turkey and add flavor.
Gently loosen the skin of the turkey and rub a generous amount of cannabutter underneath the skin and over the outside. Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and favorite herbs, like rosemary, thyme, and sage, to complement the infused flavor.
Cook the turkey according to your recipe, but baste it with additional cannabutter every 30 minutes. This not only infuses more potency and flavor, but also helps achieve a golden-brown skin.
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest.
Now it’s time to make the gravy. Pour the drippings into a separate bowl, leaving the fat behind. In a saucepan, melt two tablespoons of cannabutter and add two tablespoons of flour to create a roux, cooking until golden.
Gradually whisk in the turkey drippings and enough broth to reach your desired consistency, simmering until thickened and stirring frequently. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
Infused stuffing
To infuse your stuffing, start by making cannabutter and use it to make your favorite stuffing recipe. The rich, savory notes of the stuffing combined with the effects of cannabis make it a memorable addition to your holiday feast, perfect for sharing and enjoying with friends and family while adding a delightful twist to your Danksgiving celebration!
Infused pumpkin pie
While you can infuse the entire pie, a simpler approach is to focus on the whipped cream.
To prepare the whipped cream, beat heavy cream until it thickens, then gradually add the desired amount of cannabutter. Sweeten to taste with sugar, and add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Once your pumpkin pie is ready, top it with the infused whipped cream to make your Danksgiving dessert extra special!
Step 3: Plan your activities
No Danksgiving celebration is complete without fun activities! Consider planning some engaging options for your gathering to keep the vibes high. Some of our favorite Danksgiving activities include:
- Go on an after-dinner walk: A leisurely stroll with your guest is a great way to bond while enjoying the post-feast atmosphere. The fresh air can help everyone digest and recharge, while the relaxed setting encourages meaningful conversations. It’s an excellent opportunity to reflect on the meal, share stories, and deepen connections with loved ones.
- Watch football: If you’re a football fan, set up a cozy viewing area for everyone to catch the big game. This can become a fun, communal experience where everyone can cheer for their favorite team and enjoy lighthearted banter. It’s a perfect way to keep the energy high and continue the day’s festive spirit.
- Play games: Incorporating games into your Danksgiving celebration can add a playful element everyone will enjoy. Bring out board games, card games, or even cannabis-themed trivia for a fun twist.
- Set up a craft corner: Add a creative twist to your Danksgiving with a craft corner! Set up a table with supplies for fun holiday-themed crafts, like personalized place cards or festive decorations. This gives guests a chance to express their creativity while mingling and having fun. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the atmosphere lively and engaging.
- Host a strain tasting: Setting up a strain-tasting station can be an exciting addition to your celebration. Curate a selection of different strains or infused products for your guests to sample and discuss.
3 cannabis products for a great Danksgiving
What would Danksgiving be without the dank? Here are some of our favorite festive products that we think your guests will love, too:
Avexia Harvest Apple Tincture
The Avexia Harvest Apple Tincture is a fantastic addition to your Danksgiving celebration, bringing festive flavor and precise dosing to the table. With 100 mg of THC per bottle, it’s easy to customize your experience. Its sweet, crisp apple flavor perfectly complements the fall season, adding a touch of warmth and relaxation to your gathering. Whether enjoyed on its own or added to holiday drinks, this tincture is a great way to enhance the spirit of Danksgiving!
Ozone Caramel Apple Gummies
Ozone Caramel Apple Gummies are a perfect sweet treat for your Danksgiving celebration. Each gummy contains 10 mg of THC, with a total of 100 mg per package, making it easy to share or enjoy at your own pace. Inspired by the classic fall flavor of caramel apples, we love these gummies for inducing happiness and relaxation. They’re an ideal addition to your festivities – whether you’re enjoying them during a game or sharing them with friends after dinner.
Simply Herb Super Lemon G Flower
Simply Herb’s Super Lemon G Flower is the perfect addition to your Danksgiving celebration, offering a half-ounce of shake that’s both budget-friendly and great for sharing. It’s a cross of G13 and Colombian Gold with a zesty flavor profile, citrus notes, and gassy lemon. Plus, it can easily be infused into your edible recipes, enhancing your holiday treats. Whether smoked or used in your cooking, Super Lemon G will elevate your Danksgiving festivities!
Stock up for an unforgettable Danksgiving
Make this Danksgiving unforgettable by gathering all your supplies at Queen City. From delicious edibles and tinctures to premium flower, you’ll find everything you need to elevate your celebration. Embrace the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with friends and family. Cheers to a joyful and relaxing Danksgiving!
