Features

Enlightened Condiments

Infused flavor bombs shake up the status quo 

Once classified as preserves—namely ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and relish—condiments have evolved to represent any assertive flavoring, such as sauce, dip or even a spice mixture. 

By definition, these additions usher us into a world of exaggerated, well-punctuated flavors.

They can be rich, sweet, spicy, salty, sour, bitter, umami or even a combination. Some of the best condiments impart at least three such qualities. They enhance what’s eaten by altering and improving its texture and or appearance.

Such bold ingredients also stand up to, mirror and support the exciting range of flavors and aromas created by the terpenes found in cannabis and other plants. You can infuse any savory condiment with flower.

The right weed-infused condiment does much to entice your appetite and enhance the meal, tying a figurative bow around whatever graces the plate. Whether it provides balance, unction or sharp contrast, it should always demonstrate a kinship with the dish’s other elements. 

Condiments are also noble companions for most leftovers. They resuscitate them and infuse them with fresh energy. After all, working your way through the Thanksgiving turkey that you basted with the attentiveness of a new mother should never feel like a chore. A smear of apple chutney or cranberry sauce brings that fully loaded sandwich of turkey breast, gravy and stuffing a particular glory.

The arsenal of flavors that beckons from the cupboards—the brackish capers and anchovies, robust tomato paste, fiery dried chilies, musky cumin, savory fish sauce and punchy whole grain mustard—beg to play some role in how we anoint our treasured foods.

Unless you’re having a large dinner party, where everyone is partaking, it doesn’t make sense to medicate a whole rib roast or a holiday bird. Besides, what if you want another slice but are happy with your high? 

For those who medicate with health and dietary concerns, making one’s own special sauce, with less fat or sugar—or just keeping it free of preservatives and additives—is always an option. 

And if you want to go under the radar with dosing?

A few surreptitious spoonfuls of medicated sauce

added to your personal serving of spiral ham not only prevents you from accidentally dosing Mom, it also ensures that you’ll be able to effectively manage the strength of that dose. 

Give some of these medicated recipes a spin—experiment with the different flavors and uses of these condiments.

By Niki Ford

Photography by Eva Kolenko

 

Condiments

They can be rich, sweet, spicy, salty, sour, bitter, umami or even a combination. Some of the best condiments impart at least three such qualities. They enhance what’s eaten by altering and improving its texture and or appearance.

Cucumber-Mint Salt

Cucumber-Mint Salt  1 cup cucumber, unpeeled, diced ¼ cup fresh mint leaves 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons flaked sea salt 2 tablespoons CBD isolate In food processor, puree cucumber with mint and lemon juice; strain through fine sieve....

Infused Smoked Salt

Infused Smoked Salt  1 cup kosher or Maldon salt 3 tablespoons smoked olive oil (see note) 2 tablespoons bonito flakes 2 teaspoons cannaoil* Combine salt, smoked olive oil, bonito flakes and cannabis oil; mix well. Transfer to airtight container and store in...

Toasted Hemp Seed Salt

Toasted Hemp Seed Salt  ½ cup hemp seeds ½ cup kosher salt 3 tablespoons fresh chives, finely minced 2 teaspoons infused olive oil* Warm saute pan over medium heat. Add hemp seeds; toast, stirring often, until aromatic and light golden brown in...

Salsa Rossa

Salsa Rossa Best with rib roast, pork, game birds, fish. 3 large red bell peppers 4 teaspoons small capers 2½ tablespoons parsley, roughly chopped 1½ tablespoons marjoram or oregano, roughly chopped 1 tablespoon tomato paste 5½ tablespoons...

Lemon-Ginger Goat Cheese Spread with Kitchen Toke Honey

Lemon-Ginger Kitchen Toke Hemp Honey Goat Cheese Spread 8 ounces chevre or other soft, fresh goat cheese, room temperature 2 tablespoons Lemon-Ginger Kitchen Toke Hemp Honey, recipe follows Salt and pepper, to taste Pulse goat cheese and Lemon-Ginger Kitchen Toke Hemp...

Pickled Pine Nut and Raisin Relish

Pickled Pine Nut and Raisin Relish 1 cup cannabis apple cider vinegar ½ cup pine nuts ¼ cup sugar ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 bay leaf ½ cup golden raisins ½ cup shallots, minced ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced ¼ cup grapeseed...

Creamy Cashew Sauce

Creamy Cashew Sauce ½ cup cashew butter 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon CBG-infused toasted sesame oil* 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (domestic, not imported) 1 tablespoon tamari 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 2-3 tablespoons hot water, as needed Salt to taste In...

3 Ways to Infuse Vinegar

3 Ways to Infuse Vinegar Carosi’s tried-and-true DIY infusions For a basic infused vinegar, each method calls for 56 grams cannabis and 4 cups vinegar. Crock-Pot Method Decarboxylate your cannabis using a standard oven, canning jar or specialty machine method. Place...

Zhug

Photography by Eva KolenkoZhug Best with rib roast, lamb and fish. 1 bunch cilantro, roughly chopped 1 bunch parsley, roughly chopped 6½ tablespoons olive oil 5½ tablespoons cannabis olive oil 1 to 2 jalapenos, halved and seeded 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed...

Spicy Vietnamese Peanut Sauce

Photography by Eva KolenkoSpicy Vietnamese Peanut Sauce Best with game hen, capon/goose and pork. 1 cup cooked sweet (glutinous) rice 5 tablespoons cannabis vegetable oil ½ cup roasted peanuts ¼ cup hoisin sauce 3 tablespoons raw sugar 3 tablespoons soy sauce or...