The Baked at 420 Full Dining Experience Story
How this wonderful business of creating an exceptional experience came to life...
How this wonderful business of creating an exceptional experience came to life...
My husband Dave and I were sitting on the back porch one evening, he was drinking a beer my daughter had brought over, I was enjoying the effects of the edible dish I had made, and our friend was sipping some wine she had bought at Colorado vineyard. This is when I had one of those “moments,” when everything aligns and a spark of wisdom hits. I thought to myself if people can drink and eat with one another why can’t they enjoy the benefits of getting high during a meal together? Why is getting high limited to an after dinner or backyard experience?
When Colorado passed its medical marijuana legislation in the early 2000's, Dave and I began legally growing plants for our own medicinal use. As we became experienced and knowledgeable cultivators and consumers we realized that there had to be other options beyond traditional smoking of the flower to benefit from the healing properties of this plant. After a lot of research and experimentation we came up with an extraction process that produced a concentrate from the leftover flower material after processing that could be used to create tinctures and edibles as an alternative to smoking. This opened up the perfect avenue for us to have some fun and be creative in developing new and innovative ways to use cannabis to enhance our well being.
Fast forward to 2020 and living in a time of COVID-19. The yoga studios were I was teaching closed down. My career as a Yoga teacher was put on pause and would remain that way until our country turned the corner on this crisis. This was a challenge for me as an educator and instructor so I decided I needed to redefine my purpose during this unusual time and that is when Baked at 420 came to life!
When Colorado passed its medical marijuana legislation in the early 2000's, Dave and I began legally growing plants for our own medicinal use. As we became experienced and knowledgeable cultivators and consumers we realized that there had to be other options beyond traditional smoking of the flower to benefit from the healing properties of this plant. After a lot of research and experimentation we came up with an extraction process that produced a concentrate from the leftover flower material after processing that could be used to create tinctures and edibles as an alternative to smoking. This opened up the perfect avenue for us to have some fun and be creative in developing new and innovative ways to use cannabis to enhance our well being.
Fast forward to 2020 and living in a time of COVID-19. The yoga studios were I was teaching closed down. My career as a Yoga teacher was put on pause and would remain that way until our country turned the corner on this crisis. This was a challenge for me as an educator and instructor so I decided I needed to redefine my purpose during this unusual time and that is when Baked at 420 came to life!
I started small and began sharing recipes online that inspire cooks to add a little extra “something” to their meals. Many began to shelter in place and work from home and restrict their movements to only necessary activities, which for many people led to an increase in anxiety, stress, isolation and depression. Instead of turning to pharmaceuticals, with a laundry list of possible side-effects, the use of cannabis as a safer and more natural remedy is a great alternative that many wanted to explore.
I began experimenting with micro-dosing and infusing some of my meals with a very small amount of canna-butter or canna-oil (my preferred method of consumption) and I discovered that much of my anxiety had diminished. I also didn't feel “high” or foggy-headed. In fact, I felt like I had more clarity, focus and the motivation to get things done. So I decided to keep experimenting with this method of cannabis use and life hasn’t been the same since.
As we moved into 2021, I took Baked at 420 to a whole new level. My goal was to begin hosting cannabis pairing dinners, like wine or whiskey tastings, where the events mix gourmet foods with a variety of cannabis products that cater to both sophisticated pallets and newer canna-interested audiences alike. The movement began to gain interest with people we knew, as we ask them to participate in this experience. Now in 2022, The Full Meal Experience has expanded and developed into a full-time business.
I began to think about how cannabis, from a connoisseur’s standpoint, has the same qualities as wine. In fact, you can treat cannabis just like wine or spirits for that matter. Some people go out and buy boxed wine and that’s great and convenient, but other people like the education and the experience behind their wine tasting and this is where my idea of creating a cannabis infused eating experience came to life.
I began experimenting with micro-dosing and infusing some of my meals with a very small amount of canna-butter or canna-oil (my preferred method of consumption) and I discovered that much of my anxiety had diminished. I also didn't feel “high” or foggy-headed. In fact, I felt like I had more clarity, focus and the motivation to get things done. So I decided to keep experimenting with this method of cannabis use and life hasn’t been the same since.
As we moved into 2021, I took Baked at 420 to a whole new level. My goal was to begin hosting cannabis pairing dinners, like wine or whiskey tastings, where the events mix gourmet foods with a variety of cannabis products that cater to both sophisticated pallets and newer canna-interested audiences alike. The movement began to gain interest with people we knew, as we ask them to participate in this experience. Now in 2022, The Full Meal Experience has expanded and developed into a full-time business.
I began to think about how cannabis, from a connoisseur’s standpoint, has the same qualities as wine. In fact, you can treat cannabis just like wine or spirits for that matter. Some people go out and buy boxed wine and that’s great and convenient, but other people like the education and the experience behind their wine tasting and this is where my idea of creating a cannabis infused eating experience came to life.
The Baked at 420 Experience
The Cannabis Pairing Dinner Experience will most often take place in a host's home or if visiting, tourists hold events in Airbnb rentals. Please check the restrictions and policies of the rentals before deciding to host an event. We can also provide you an outdoor dining experience during the warmer months at several locations. The process begins by contacting the host before the event to find out the location, how many people will be in attendance, and the desired vibe they want to achieve for themselves and their guests.
If the host is interested in learning more about the cannabis strains, I set up an appointment to meet at a local dispensary in the area where I will work with the host and a budtender to select the cannabis flowers to be used for the meal pairings. Budtenders have an intimate knowledge of their strains and inventory and can make recommendations on available products that will best meet our needs. The host and I will purchase samples of the selected strains based on smell, taste, strength, and intended effect. After testing and final approval by the host I will begin creating a menu and plan for the event. Once everything has been finalized with the host the event will be scheduled and the process of bringing it to fruition will be detailed and communicated through all phases leading up to the big day. This step is optional and not required for hosting a dining experience.
If the host is interested in learning more about the cannabis strains, I set up an appointment to meet at a local dispensary in the area where I will work with the host and a budtender to select the cannabis flowers to be used for the meal pairings. Budtenders have an intimate knowledge of their strains and inventory and can make recommendations on available products that will best meet our needs. The host and I will purchase samples of the selected strains based on smell, taste, strength, and intended effect. After testing and final approval by the host I will begin creating a menu and plan for the event. Once everything has been finalized with the host the event will be scheduled and the process of bringing it to fruition will be detailed and communicated through all phases leading up to the big day. This step is optional and not required for hosting a dining experience.
Side Note:
An untrained nose might think all cannabis smells like the wrong end of a skunk. But cannabis, like wine and spirits, has a variety of fragrances and flavors. These aromatic fragrances come from a variety of organic compounds called terpenes.
On a cannabis plant these terpenes are found in the resinous trichrome glands that develop on both the leaves and flowers which look like sugar crystals when the plant is ready for harvesting. There are hundreds to thousands of different terpenes expressed by a cannabis plant and it is these different combination profiles which defines it as a specific strain. Many of these terpenes work in combination with the active compounds of the plant (THC and CBD) in what is called the entourage effect to give it the effect that the strain is known for. When inhaled or ingested these compounds bind to receptors in the brain called cannabinoid receptors and result in a strain effect which can vary from very sedative and calming to uplifting and euphoric.
Understanding the how and why of the medicinal and health benefits of the cannabis plant as a whole and specific strains in particular is the foundation of becoming an educated consumer and what the Baked at 420 experience is all about helping you achieve. Some consumers are fine with just getting high and going no deeper than that experience but for those who are looking to dive deeper and gain a greater knowledge and appreciation for the art and science of this magical gift from Mother Earth we are here to help guide and educate you in your journey.
Next, I begin to create a menu that will harmonize the terpenes of selected cannabis strains with the flavor profiles of the food and drink that I will be serving. For example, a whiff of the peppery Power Plant strain might pair well with lemon-pepper trout while the citrusy Agent Orange strain complements a savory salmon meal.
When guests arrive and sit down for their meal, the first thing I do is familiarize everyone with the cannabis plants of choice. I encourage everyone to smell the cannabis bud, break it apart with their fingers, and examine the qualities of these amazing plants. After their exploration the group takes a ceremonial hit off of their pipe of choice and this commences a beautiful experience.
Some of my gatherings begin with the Sacred Plant Ceremonial inhalation. Though some guests will be experienced smokers, some may not be. I like to walk them through how to take the perfect hit. I encourage them to light the material around the sides of the pipe, rather than torching the whole bowl, in order to preserve some green plant for the next hit. I also teach them the secret to a good inhalation. This is an optional portion of the meal that can bring the group together and explain the purpose for this gathering.
Following the commencement is the cooking demonstration. During a demonstration I share how to infuse each course in the meal with cannabis or how to pair dry cannabis with food and drink of choice. Each meal offers a variety of canna-oils and flavors that will bring the experience of dining with ganja to a whole new level. Each guest can choose the potency they desire and those who don’t partake in cannabis consumption can have their meal served up Plain Jane style.
We are now moving into holiday gatherings, family celebrations, weddings, and other events. Sign up for the Baked at 420 Monthly Newsletter for updates, special events, and new recipes.
When guests arrive and sit down for their meal, the first thing I do is familiarize everyone with the cannabis plants of choice. I encourage everyone to smell the cannabis bud, break it apart with their fingers, and examine the qualities of these amazing plants. After their exploration the group takes a ceremonial hit off of their pipe of choice and this commences a beautiful experience.
Some of my gatherings begin with the Sacred Plant Ceremonial inhalation. Though some guests will be experienced smokers, some may not be. I like to walk them through how to take the perfect hit. I encourage them to light the material around the sides of the pipe, rather than torching the whole bowl, in order to preserve some green plant for the next hit. I also teach them the secret to a good inhalation. This is an optional portion of the meal that can bring the group together and explain the purpose for this gathering.
Following the commencement is the cooking demonstration. During a demonstration I share how to infuse each course in the meal with cannabis or how to pair dry cannabis with food and drink of choice. Each meal offers a variety of canna-oils and flavors that will bring the experience of dining with ganja to a whole new level. Each guest can choose the potency they desire and those who don’t partake in cannabis consumption can have their meal served up Plain Jane style.
We are now moving into holiday gatherings, family celebrations, weddings, and other events. Sign up for the Baked at 420 Monthly Newsletter for updates, special events, and new recipes.
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