With so much drama in the holidays, it’s hard not to be reading Snoop D-O-Double-G, somehow some way, to help whip up some tasty treats for like every single day…
With two previous chart-topping cookbooks and the launch of a new book this season, Snoop Dogg has achieved Martha Stewart-level baking status. With recipes ranging from extremely simple to somewhat complex, there is something in this book for every level of canna-sseur foodie. Follow along as I re-create and review some of the recipes from Snoop Dogg’s Treats to Eat: Baking With (or Without) Weed.
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From Death Row to Making Dough
A legend living in our own timeline, Snoop Dogg breaks all the molds and sets himself apart from others as a figure and a brand that’s recognizable internationally. With almost too many accolades to count, Snoop Dogg, or Calvin Broadus Jr., is an acclaimed rapper, CEO of Death Row Records, Gin and Juice alcohol mogul, Dr. Bombay Ice cream entrepreneur, Olympic Coach and Correspondent, and, as I covered during their launch, owner and operator of S.W.E.D. Dispensary (Smoke Weed Every Day).
On top of all those things, Snoop somehow finds the time to be an acclaimed author of multiple NY Times best-selling cookbooks, including From Crook to Cook, which launched his chef-like love of cooking to number one on the charts. Following up from that, he released Goon with a Spoon, which was a collaboration with another famed rapper and icon, E-40. With two best sellers under his belt, he could have rested on his laurels, but instead, Snoop decided to launch maybe his most ambitious title yet, Treats to Eat: Baking with (or Without) Weed.
Drop It Like It’s Hot (and Fresh): Inside the Treats to Eat Launch
Held at Peacock Grill on the beloved Universal Studios lot, the book launch was nothing short of a magical moment. With Snoop Dogg in attendance, this was an exclusive event with invited guests and media present. Every table was set up with copies of Treats to Eat, and the overall ambience was that of both class and grass. As guests lined up to have their copies of the book signed, restaurant staff circulated with bite-sized treats made from the book’s recipes.
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Snoop Dogg was a total gentleman, interacting and answering questions for both guests and staff who had also lined up for their turn to meet the legend himself. In celebration of the launch, a sheet cake was brought out with the book cover across the top, and the Doggfather took the time to slice and serve pieces. Ensuring everyone in attendance received a signed copy of the book was a priority for him, you could tell. After everything calmed down, we were able to get some one-on-one time with Uncle Snoop in his trailer to answer some hard-hitting questions.
Ain’t No Fun If the Oven Don’t Run
When asking Snoop Dogg himself what recipes he most enjoyed making and eating from this book, his answer was all of them with a big smile. Following up, he clarified that he especially liked the muffins, which I can definitely get behind. While mingling with other staff and personnel during the signing, I also learned that the Death Row Records team preferred the red velvet cake. Leaving the event, I knew I had to re-create at least both of these favorites, maybe more, and a couple of infused cocktails as well.
Following the recipe for the Lemon Poppy Seed Pot Muffins was both shockingly easy and delicious. The not-overly-sweet muffin helps mask the distinct cannabutter flavor, and the addition of a lemon glaze sets your salivary glands in full citrus terp mode. The Red Velvet Blundt Cake was a bit more complex, with specific techniques like creaming the sugar and the need to come correct with a buttered and floured bundt pan. Be prepared with some napkins because the cream cheese frosting is legit (and a little messy), and takes what is already a tasty treat into something out of this world.
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While most recipes in this book lean toward the sweeter side, a handful of savory recipes are included as well. I couldn’t resist making the Pigs in a Grass Blanket, a medicated take on a classic with some savory twists. Dipped in some brown mustard just the way the Dogg himself enjoys, you can’t go wrong. While I didn’t try everything this round, you can bet on follow-up baking adventures. I will be sure to try even more recipes, both sweet and savory.
Butter, Tinctures, and Technique
I’ll be honest with you, I have not made cannabis butter or tinctures in a minute… or maybe decades. It was just something I had not messed with in a long time due to a combination of factors, but the primary reason is that I just wasn’t very good at it. I just dumped everything in a pan and hoped for the best, while wishing my weed a fond farewell.
When I reviewed the book’s sections on decarboxylation and the processes for creating the butter and tincture, I knew I had only previously attempted to make these products, but this time, with Snoop’s help, I was going to succeed.
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Decarboxylation is the process of converting the THC that’s in the flower you would normally inhale into something that your body can ingest either orally or topically. Not wanting to make this too scientific, without doing these steps, your butter, like my previous batches, just won’t have the potency that you are looking for. Following the recipe for the cannabutter and Black Lightning, a cannabis grain alcohol tincture, I made sure to have the following on deck and ready: some Death Row Flower, a pressure cooker, a double boiler, grain alcohol, and some unsalted butter.
Sippin’ Snoop Style
One thing I definitely wanted answered from the Doggfather himself was: How do you feel about getting crossfaded at the holiday meals? His answer: Every day is the holidays for Snoop Dogg, and worthy of getting crossfaded. Truer words have not been spoken, and so I couldn’t resist making a couple of infused cocktails to round out the mix. These drinks can easily be made without alcohol, as mocktails, or with alcohol-free liquor options as well.
The Hot Buttered Rum was undoubtedly simple to make, especially after all the baking. Creaming the cannabutter with a handful of holiday spices makes for the perfect infusion. Mixing both whipped holiday cannabutter, rum or substitute, and hot water for a soothing drink best savoured next to a fire or glimmering tree.
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Rum not your thing? A more straightforward option is the iconic and often cited, Gin and Juice. The combination of Snoop’s own Still Gin pairs perfectly with almost any juice of your choosing, and in this case, Passionfruit was my pick. With a few dashes of the cannabis tincture, this one drink will keep you sipping and have you laid back, with your mind on the taste and the flavor on your mind.
From the Kitchen to the Afterparty
With all the current festivities coming up, there is no better time to get in the kitchen and make something special. I was blown away by the easy-to-follow instructions and crowd-pleasing results from each recipe I tried. From cookies to cakes, blondies to brownies, cocktails to mocktails, both savory and sweet, do yourself a flavor and definitely check out Treats to Eat. Whether it be medicated or not, that’s up to you, but with the help of Snoop Dogg, you too can be cultivating flavors that be captivating your friends and family.
*This article was submitted by an unpaid guest contributor. The opinions or statements within do not necessarily reflect those of GreenState or HNP. The author is solely responsible for the content.