Cooking with a Buz: Cannabis-Infused Cranberry Walnut Brie

December is all about indulgence, comfort, and celebrating the warmth of togetherness. This time of year, I love creating something special that isn't just delicious but also stands out from the usual fare you see at holiday gatherings. As a cannabis chef, I enjoy experimenting with flavors that reflect the holiday season, and I want to share a recipe that combines the richness of baked brie with a festive twist: a Cannabis-Infused Cranberry Walnut Brie. This Cannabis-Infused Cranberry Walnut Brie stands out because it’s a sophisticated yet simple dish that brings together flavors perfect for the holiday season. The cranberries add a festive tartness, the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch, and the cannabis-infused honey adds an earthy sweetness that ties everything together. Unlike typical cannabis edibles, which tend to lean heavily towards sweets like brownies or cookies, this savory appetizer feels elevated and fits seamlessly into a holiday spread. So grab a bag of your favorite herb, twist one up and let’s get Cooking with a Buz!

Disclaimer: This recipe contains cannabis and is intended for use where cannabis consumption is legal. Please dose responsibly and keep the infused dish out of reach of children.

The Inspiration

The inspiration behind this dish came from the holidays I spent in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. I remember those cold winter nights where friends and family would gather around, and the table would be covered with an array of snacks—cheese boards, nuts, fresh fruits, and all kinds of holiday treats. The simplicity of baked brie, with its gooey texture and bold flavors, has always been a favorite, but adding a cannabis twist makes it truly unique and memorable. The tartness of cranberries, the crunch of walnuts, and the smoothness of brie come together in a dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Chef's Tips

• Choosing Your Brie: A good quality brie will make all the difference. Look for a brie that's creamy with a slight earthy aroma—this will pair perfectly with the cannabis-infused honey and toppings.

• Infused Honey Consistency: Make sure your cannabis-infused honey is evenly mixed before adding it to the topping. This helps ensure even distribution of potency.

• Balance the Sweetness: If you find the mixture too sweet, you can add a pinch of sea salt to the topping mix. The salt will enhance the flavors and bring out the depth of the brie.

• Baking Time: Keep an eye on the brie as it bakes. You want it soft but not completely liquified. If it starts to get too runny, it’s time to take it out.

• Pairing Suggestions: Serve this brie with a dry sparkling wine or a crisp apple cider. The acidity will cut through the richness of the cheese and enhance the flavors.

• Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with the topping—try adding pomegranate seeds for extra tartness or use pecans instead of walnuts for a different kind of crunch.

  
  

Cannabis-Infused Cranberry Walnut Brie

Ingredients

• 1 round brie cheese (about 8 ounces)

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

• 2 tablespoons cannabis-infused honey (adjust potency as needed)

• 1 tablespoon regular honey

• 1 tablespoon orange zest

• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)

• Crackers or sliced baguette for serving

  
  

Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, go ahead and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks. Now, grab your brie and place it on the baking sheet. Take a sharp knife and score the top by making shallow cuts in a crosshatch pattern—this helps the flavors really sink into the cheese as it bakes.

Next, mix the topping. In a small bowl, combine the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, cannabis-infused honey, regular honey, and orange zest. Stir everything up until well combined. You want every bite to have a little bit of everything. Spoon that cranberry-walnut mixture evenly over the top of the brie, making sure to cover the entire surface so each bite of cheese is topped with this flavorful mix. Don’t worry about being too neat—rustic is perfect here.

Pop the brie into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be soft and just starting to ooze, but not completely melted into a puddle. The topping should be golden and fragrant by the time it's ready. Once you take it out of the oven, give it about 5 minutes to cool down a bit—it’ll still be warm and gooey. If you like, add some fresh thyme sprigs for a bit of color and extra aroma. Then, serve it up with crackers or sliced baguette, and let everyone dig in while it’s still nice and warm.

Dosing Tips

• The potency of this dish will depend on the strength of your cannabis-infused honey. Be mindful of the dosage, and adjust the amount of infused honey to suit your desired effects.

• Remember that edibles can take longer to kick in, usually between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Encourage guests to start with a small portion and wait before having more.

• Keep the dish clearly labeled if you’re serving it alongside non-infused foods to avoid any accidental consumption.