Recipe: Date & Nut THC Pinwheel Cookies

Finding a cookie format that had the perfect filling to cookie ratio in this date pinwheel took three different variations. Although the steps are somewhat more complicated than a traditional drop cookie, this hearty treat is satisfying as well as pretty. You can use the same dough, however, to make a number of variations. Date-filled raviolis were quite a hit one Wednesday night, but have a tendency to explode in the oven. Because the dough needs to chill for at least six hours, start a day ahead.

Ingredients:

• 10 oz chopped dates
• 4 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 4 tbsp preserved citron peel (or the zest and juice of one lemon)
• 3/4 cup sugar, divided
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 tsp salt, divided
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup THC-infused butter, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda

Directions:

Dough

Beat 1/2 cup sugar, both softened butters, and brown sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

Add egg and vanilla, beating until blended. Gradually add remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, flour, and baking soda. Beat until blended. Cover and chill for at least six hours, preferably overnight.

Filling

Stir together dates, citrus peel, ginger, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a saucepan.

Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce heat and simmer three to five minutes.

Remove from heat; stir in pecans, and set aside to cool.

Construction

Pulse filling in a food processor until texture is one of a chunky paste – like chunky peanut butter.

Turn dough out onto floured wax paper, and roll into an 18- x 12-inch rectangle. Spread date mixture evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border.

Cut roll into 1/4-inch-thick slices and place on lightly-greased or parchment-lined baking sheets.

Bake, in batches, at 325° for 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool cookies 2 to 3 minutes on baking sheets, and remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Yield: 24 cookies

Preparing THC-Oils

THC is oil (and not water) soluble. Because THC escapes at temperatures higher than 325 degrees Fahrenheit, recipes must never bring food to higher temperatures, i.e., no deep-fry.

There are two main methods that i recommend for preparing THC oil: The Slow-Cooker and the Double-Boiler method. Other preparations tend to burn either the oil or the marijuana and are not recommended.

Slow-Cooker Method

Place 5g of vaped-marijuana or 2.5g fresh marijuana for every 1/2 cup oil in a slow cooker. Turn on slow cooker at low setting and let sit for 24 hrs, stirring occasionally. Strain through a cheesecloth or fine strainer into a mason jar. Store in the fridge.

Double-Boiler Method

Same as slow-cooker method, but using a double-boiler set to low. Check water levels regularly. Please, do not leave the house with an unattended element or burner on.

Yield: About 1/3 cup oil for every 1/2 cup originally added