Elevate these classic Michigan recipes with a festive cannabis twist

We’ll pass on your aunt’s green bean casserole; pass the pot-infused provisions instead.

MICHIGAN—The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to celebrate with family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. We take pride in our tried and true holiday recipes here in Michigan, but why not take things up a notch this year? 

Say goodbye to boring casseroles and lackluster side dishes that have been picked over for generations. It’s time to infuse a little cannabis into the mix and bring a whole new level of excitement to your festive feast. 

No more settling for the same old dishes—let us show you how to elevate Michigan’s traditional holiday recipes with a kick that will leave your guests craving more.

Get ready to embrace a new level of holiday cheer with these elevated cannabis-infused delights.

Sipping on some cider

As the holiday season approaches, there is nothing quite like savoring a tall glass of apple cider made from fresh Michigan mills. The crisp, refreshing taste of the apples combined with the warm spices is a delightful marriage of flavors that invites you to slow down and fully embrace the festivities. 

With each sip, you can feel the essence of autumn as the distinct tang of the apples dances on your tongue, and THC tingles your brain. Not to mention that familiar aroma—which always brings us a cozy fireside feeling. 

Take this traditional and tasty beverage to new heights for a magical seasonal experience.

Quick view:

Preparation time: A quick 15 minutes

Cooking time: A cozy 2 hours

Servings: Enough for 6 happy sippers

Classic ‘Gander ingredients:

– Plenty of Michigan apple cider

– A cinnamon stick

– A handful of whole cloves

– 1 orange, sliced up

– A tablespoon of honey (if you like it sweet)

– A teaspoon of allspice (for extra warmth and aroma, if you fancy)

– 1-2 grams of finely ground Michigan-grown cannabis (add more or less to your liking)

– Cheesecloth or a trusty tea infuser

– Whipped cream (because why not?)

Easy-peasy instructions:

1. Get the cider party started: Pour the Michigan apple cider into a saucepan and let it simmer gently over a not-too-hot fire.
2. Spice things up: Drop in the cinnamon stick, cloves, and the orange slices. If you’re feeling like adding a touch of sweetness and an extra kick, toss in a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of allspice.
3. Infuse the magic: While your cider simmers, let’s prep the cannabis. Spread the finely ground Michigan-grown herb on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop it in a preheated oven at 240°F (115°C) for around 30 to 40 minutes. This step activates its magical properties. Then, slowly sprinkle the decarboxylated cannabis into your simmering cider and stir it gently to blend everything together.
4. Let it simmer, let it simmer: Allow the cannabis-infused cider to simmer away on low heat for a good 1 to 2 hours. Stir occasionally to make sure it’s not overly baked.
5. Time to strain: Once you’re content with the infusion time, it’s time to strain out the solids. Grab your trusty cheesecloth or tea infuser, and strain the cider to separate the cannabis and other bits. Squeeze that cheesecloth or infuser for all the liquid gold!
6. Cool and serve: Let the cider cool down a bit, but not too much! Grab your favorite mugs, pour that warm cannabis-infused Michigan apple cider in, and get ready to indulge. Want to take it to the next level? Add a dollop of whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra touch of yum.
7. Sip with pure bliss: Time to sip and savor the heavenly blend of Michigan apple cider infused with cannabis. Enjoy the delightful flavors and potential therapeutic benefits, all in one cozy cup.

The mac and cheese bake-off

(Photo via Canva)

When it comes to the holidays, one side dish reigns supreme and steals the show: Mac and cheese. 

This beloved comfort food has a reputation for satisfying even the pickiest eaters and bringing joy to the dinner table. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and golden breadcrumbs, mac and cheese is a timeless classic that never fails to please. Whether it’s baked in the oven or made on the stovetop, everyone has their favorite recipe, and conversations about the best version are bound to ignite. From variations like bacon and jalapeno to lobster and truffle, the possibilities are endless – even with cannabis. 

Plus, the dish always sparks friendly competition among friends and family, as each person proudly shares their tried-and-true recipe while boasting about its irresistible deliciousness. So, if you want to generate excitement and make your holiday meal a topic of conversation, serve up a piping hot dish of baked mac and cheese and watch as the table buzzes with talk of the best recipes around.

Quick view:

Prep: 20 mins

Cooking time: 30 mins

Servings: 6 happy cannabis connoisseurs

Classic ‘Gander ingredients:

– 8 oz elbow macaroni

– 4 tbsp cannabis-infused butter

– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

– 2 cups whole milk

– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

– 1/2 tsp salt

– 1/4 tsp black pepper

– 1/4 tsp paprika

– 1/4 tsp garlic powder

– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Easy-peasy instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. Cook macaroni slightly undercooked according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt cannabis-infused butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir for 1-2 minutes until golden brown, creating a roux.
4. Gradually pour milk into the saucepan, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
6. Season cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well.
7. Remove from heat and add cooked macaroni, stirring until well coated.
8. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
9. Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
12. Serve this cheesy and elevated cannabis-infused baked mac and cheese as a main course or side dish. Pair it with a salad or veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy the cheesy goodness with an elevated twist!

The most wonderful fudge of the year

(Photo via Frédéric Dupont on Unsplash)

When it comes to sweet treats, nothing quite compares to the delectable indulgence of Mackinac Island Fudge. The rich, creamy texture and luscious flavors have made it a beloved favorite among locals and visitors alike. 

But imagine taking this already tempting fudge idea to the next level with a special touch of THC. By infusing this traditional delight with a bit of cannabis, you can elevate the experience and unlock a whole new level of enjoyment. 

Whether you’re craving a unique holiday gift or simply want to indulge yourself, this recipe for cannabis-infused Mackinac Island-inspired fudge is sure to bring an extra layer of magic to your taste buds.

Quick view:

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Chilling time: 3 hours

Servings: 12 pieces

Classic ‘Gander ingredients:

– 1 cup of butter

– 1 cup of granulated sugar

– 1 cup of brown sugar

– 2/3 cup of evaporated milk

– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

– 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips

– 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)

– 1-2 grams of finely ground cannabis (adjust according to preference)

Easy-peasy instructions:

1. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, ensuring that there is enough overhang for easy removal later. Set it aside for later use.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until fully melted.
3. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and evaporated milk to the melted butter. Stir well until the sugars are dissolved, and the mixture becomes smooth.
4. Gradually sprinkle the finely ground cannabis into the mixture, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes to allow the cannabinoids to infuse. Be sure to maintain the low heat to prevent overheating and preserve the potency of the cannabis.
5. Increase the heat to medium-low and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Allow it to boil for 5 minutes while stirring continuously.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts (if desired). Stir until the chocolate chips have completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
7. Pour the cannabis-infused fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Let the fudge cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 3 hours, or until the fudge has set.
9. Once chilled and firm, use the parchment paper or aluminum foil overhang to lift the fudge out of the baking dish. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into 12 equal pieces.
10. Serve and savor the cannabis-infused Michigan-style fudge, enjoying the rich, chocolaty flavors with the added benefits of cannabis.

Brews and bud are a must-try

(Photo via Patrick Fore on Unsplash)

When it comes to hosting a holiday party in Michigan, there is one party favor that is a guaranteed hit: beer. 

Michiganders know that beer is a staple of any gathering, providing a festive and convivial atmosphere that is hard to beat. With Michigan’s booming craft beer scene, there is now a wide variety of options to suit every taste and preference. 

From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, crisp lagers to refreshing wheat beers—Beer brings people together, sparks conversations, and adds a touch of merriment to any holiday gathering. 

So, whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a lively friends’ get-together, having a selection of Michigan beers on hand is a surefire way to spread holiday cheer and create unforgettable memories. Raise a glass, toast to the season, and let the buzz flow.

Classic ‘Gander ingredients:

– 1 can of your favorite Michigan beer

– 1-2 grams of finely ground cannabis (adjust to your preference)

– A trusty infuser or cheesecloth

– Optional: A splash of citrus juice or fruit slices for garnish

Easy-peasy instructions:

1. Crack open a cold one: Grab a can of your favorite Michigan beer and pour it into a glass. Cheers!
2. Time to infuse: Spread the finely ground cannabis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pop it in a preheated oven at 240°F (115°C) for about 30-40 minutes. This step activates its magical properties. 
3. Brew the buzz: While the cannabis bakes, place your trusty infuser or cheesecloth in the glass with the beer. This will help infuse the cannabis into the drink.
4. Add the magic touch: Once the cannabis is ready, sprinkle it into the glass with the beer. Give it a gentle stir to blend everything together.
5. Let it sit and sip: Allow the cannabis to infuse into the beer for about 10-15 minutes. Take this time to relax and enjoy the aroma.
6. Optional garnish: If you’re feeling fancy, add a splash of citrus juice or a couple of fruit slices to enhance the flavor and presentation.
7. Sip, relax, and enjoy: Now that your cannabis-infused Michigan beer cocktail is ready, take a sip and let the buzz wash over you. Cheers to a unique and elevated drinking experience!

Pass the ganja gravy, grandma

(Photo via Canva)

In Michigan tradition, gravy holds a special place on the holiday table as the topping that brings all the dishes together; a well-made gravy can elevate flavors and transform a simple meal into a delicacy. 

This version can be poured generously over golden roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and even the green bean casserole, effortlessly binding all the individual flavors into a harmonious symphony of taste and THC-infused festivities.

Grab the big serving spoon for this one.

Classic ‘Gander ingredients:

– 1/4 cup cannabis-infused butter

– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper, to taste

Easy-peasy instructions:

1. In a saucepan, melt the cannabis-infused butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour until smooth and no lumps remain. Cook the butter and flour mixture, known as a roux, for about 2 minutes, until it starts to lightly brown.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure to whisk continuously to avoid any lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the infused butter already contains cannabis, so adjust the amount of seasoning accordingly.
5. Simmer the gravy over low heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of additional broth.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the gravy cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help it thicken slightly.
7. Serve the cannabis-infused gravy hot alongside your favorite dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted meats, or vegetables.