Fried Sage & Cannabis Gnocchi

Ingredients:

Method:

• Set a 4-6 quart stockpot of water on the stove to boil.

• Meanwhile, in a small skillet heat the 1⁄4 cup of olive oil over medium heat until it is shimmering. Drop a small cannabis leaf in to the oil to check the temperature; if it is hot, it will curl and cook up very quickly, versus getting soggy in oil that is not quite ready. Also be sure that your cannabis and sage leaves are very dry, to avoid any extra popping or spurting when the leaves hit the oil. Work carefully.

• Line a plate with a few paper towels. Fry your cannabis leaves and a few of the small sage leaves in the oil, cooking only a few at a time and pulling them out with tongs directly onto the paper towel to drain. Remove oil from heat and set aside fried leaves, for garnish.

• Chop the remaining sage leaves, and a few extra cannabis leaves if you have them. Set a medium skillet on the stove, turning it on to medium heat once you start cooking the gnocchi.

• When the water has come up to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt and cook gnocchi according to package directions, slightly undercooking since they will continue to cook in the butter sauce. They typically cook quickly, so once you drop them in the water (or even slightly before), begin the butter sauce:

• Heat the skillet to medium-high and add the butter. Once it is melted and beginning to foam, add the canna-butter, chopped herbs, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper, stirring constantly. Using a “spider” or other hand-held strainer, scoop the gnocchi right in to the hot pan and stir gently, folding to coat gnocchi pillows with the herb and butter sauce. Any extra liquid should cook off quickly or be absorbed as part of the sauce. You can continue to cook a little longer on medium heat, to get some toastiness on the gnocchi, or serve immediately while it is still a bit saucier.

• Divide gnocchi into bowls and garnish generously with freshly-grated parmesan cheese. At this point you can also drizzle with more canna-oil, if you are looking for a stronger dose. Finish with a few grinds of black pepper, a few of the fried leaves, and a pinch of chile flakes if you like it hot!