Perfectly Paired

Photos by Bruce Wolf

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]I[/dropcap]t’s all about the terps. The more we learn about cannabis, the more clearly we understand the importance of terpenes when choosing a strain. Terpenes are the aromatic oils in the cannabis plant, and, along with cannabinoids and flavonoids, determine the taste, smell and effects of your experience. There are over 100 terpenes in the cannabis plant, and the combination of these compounds will determine whether your experience will be sedative or active, focused or spacey. The following recipes have been created to pair with the prominent terpene in each strain—to complement, contrast or add another layer of flavor.

If these specific strains are not available to you, there is a likelihood that you can find a strain with a similar terpene profile. We’ve included three different strains that are similar to the paired strain in each recipe.

Mini Cherry Orange Scones

paired with Lemon Haze

Serves 8 (16 pieces)

These two-bite treats are infused with Lemon Haze, a delightful strain with the dominant terpene limonene. The sweet, earthy and citrus notes pair with the fruit and ginger in each adorable scone. Strains with limonene are thought to affect the brain more quickly than others. Limonene works well with CBD and is thought to strengthen the body’s cancer-fighting ability. Consumers can anticipate an uplifting, occasionally euphoric experience.

*Similar strains are Lemon Haze, OG Kush and Tangie.

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

6 tablespoons butter, cubed and chilled

2 tablespoons canna-butter, cubed and chilled

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped dried cherries

2 tablespoons chopped candied orange peel

1 tablespoon chopped candied ginger

Powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 340 degrees.
2. In the bowl of a food processor combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pulse to blend.
3. In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream and vanilla extract.
4. Add the butter, cream and vanilla and pulse until the mixture begins to come together.
5. Turn into a bowl and add the cherries, orange and ginger. Gently form into a ball. Chill for 15 minutes.
6. On a lightly floured work surface, form two five-inch circles. Cut each into eight wedges.
7. Bake from 15-17 minutes, until light golden brown. Cool thoroughly. Dust with powdered sugar

Coconut Mango Smoothie

paired with 9 Lb. Hammer

Serves 2

This smoothie is rich in myrcene, a popular terpene, and infused with the strain 9 Lb. Hammer. Myrcene is the main terpene in mango, hence the pairing. This strain is relaxing and sleepy, a stay-at-home kind of strain. Some claim that ingesting mango will speed up the onset of your high.

*Similar strains are Mango Dreams, Blue Dream, Grape Ape and White Widow.

Ingredients:

1/3 cup toasted coconut*

1 cup mango chunks

1 banana, sliced and frozen

1 1/2 cups coconut milk

1-2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons cannabis-infused coconut oil

Toasted shaved coconut garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the toasted coconut on a plate or piece of parchment. Brush the rim of the glass with the honey. Dip the rim in the coconut, turning the rim to cover with coconut. Set aside.
2. In a blender, combine the mango, banana, coconut milk, honey and the oil. Process until smooth. Carefully pour into the glass. Top with shaved coconut if desired.

*In a small skillet, over low heat, cook the coconut, stirring constantly, until golden brown. This should take just a few minutes.

Tacos for Two

Serves 2 (6 tacos total)

paired with GG4

Get ready for Taco Tuesday by pairing your favorite Mexican dish with everyone’s favorite strain, GG4. The strain contains the terpene B-Caryophelene, which has a woody, spicy tone with hints of citrus and coarse black pepper. The spices in the taco mixture work together to create a complex flavor palate that’s earthy and rustic.

* Similar strains are Wedding Cake, Northern Lights, Death Star.

1/2 pound beef cubes, cut in small pieces

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon coarse black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 tablespoon cooking oil

2 teaspoons cannabis-infused oil

6 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed

Optional toppings

1 tablespoon lime juice

Shredded cabbage

Scallion

Shredded cheese

Sour cream

Salsa, your favorite recipe or the one below*

Avocado, peeled and cut in pieces, toss with lime juice

1. In a medium bowl, combine the beef with the garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, paprika, black pepper and clove. Allow to marinate for at least several hours, overnight is even better.
2. In a large sauté pan, heat the oils. Add the meat and sauté until browned, stirring frequently, 6-8 minutes.
3. Place the tacos on two serving plates. Top with the optional ingredients.

Salsa*

2 medium ripe tomatoes, stems removed

1/2 red onion, peeled and cut in large chunks

2 serrano chiles, stems, ribs and seeds removed

1 garlic clove, peeled

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Pinch oregano

Pinch cumin

Juice of one lime

Salt and pepper to taste

1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine all the ingredients. Pulse until the ingredients are approximately the same size.

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