"The Gilded Oyster" - Cannabis-Infused Champagne Mignonette & Ossetra Caviar

"The Gilded Oyster" - Cannabis-Infused Champagne Mignonette & Ossetra Caviar

Suggested Dosage: This recipe prepares the mignonette for 6 oysters. Each dressed oyster contains approximately 8-12mg THC (based on 1.5g premium cannabis at 22% THC). This is a luxurious, opening-act dose.

Terpene Pairing Suggestion: Choose a Pinene and Limonene-dominant strain. Pinene’s crisp, oceanic aroma will complement the oyster’s brininess, while Limonene’s bright citrus will lift the champagne and shallot, creating an alert, euphoric, and palate-cleansing start.

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Step 1: The Decarboxylation (Activating Your Cannabis)

Ingredients:

· 1.5 grams of a premium, high-terpene cannabis flower (Pinene/Limonene dominant).

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). This lower temperature preserves delicate terpenes crucial for the flavor profile.
2. Gently break the cannabis flower into small, even pieces by hand—avoid grinding, which can vaporize terpenes.
3. Spread the cannabis in a single layer on a piece of unbleached parchment paper on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, gently shaking the tray every 10 minutes. The cannabis should be dry and slightly golden, not browned. It will smell deeply aromatic.
5. Remove and let cool completely in a clean, glass dish.

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Step 2: The Cannabis-Infused Champagne Elixir

Ingredients:

· All of your decarboxylated cannabis
· 1/3 cup of a high-quality, dry Champagne or Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine.

Method:

1. Pour the Champagne into a small, immaculately clean saucepan. Add the decarboxylated cannabis.
2. Place the saucepan over the lowest possible heat. Your goal is to warm it to approximately 140-160°F (60-71°C). Use a thermometer. Do not simmer or boil, as this will destroy the alcohol, terpenes, and cannabinoids.
3. Warm gently for 20 minutes, stirring slowly with a glass rod or spoon every 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and immediately strain through a fine-mesh stainless steel sieve lined with an unbleached coffee filter into a chilled crystal glass. Do not press the cannabis; let it drip for clarity and purity of flavor.
5. You now have your Cannabis-Infused Champagne Elixir. Cover and refrigerate until needed (up to 2 hours before serving).

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Step 3: The Opulent Assembly

Ingredients:

· 6 fresh, chilled oysters (e.g., Kumamoto, Fine de Claire), professionally shucked, liquor retained, on a bed of crystal ice or black salt.
· 2 tablespoons of your Cannabis-Infused Champagne Elixir
· 1 tablespoon premium champagne vinegar
· 1 small shallot, minced into an impossibly fine brunoise (about 1 tablespoon)
· 1 ounce (30g) fresh Ossetra caviar, kept chilled in its tin over ice
· Edible gold leaf flakes
· Freshly cracked white Tellicherry pepper

Method:

1. Prepare the Mignonette: In a small dish of mother-of-pearl, crystal, or porcelain, combine the 2 tablespoons of Infused Champagne Elixir, the champagne vinegar, and the minced shallot. Stir once to combine.
2. The Presentation: Present the oysters on their bed of ice on a sterling tray or slab of black marble. Place the mignonette dish, the tin of caviar (resting on its bed of ice), a small brush for the gold leaf, and a pepper mill beside it.
3. The Ritual of Dressing: This is an act for your partner. Instruct them to:
   · Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of the infused mignonette over each oyster.
   · Using the mother-of-pearl spoon from the caviar tin, place a generous 1 teaspoon of Ossetra caviar onto each oyster.
   · With the dry brush, apply a single, delicate flake of edible gold leaf to the center of the caviar on each oyster.
   · Finish with one delicate turn of the white pepper mill over the entire platter.
4. Serve Immediately. Provide small, chilled sterling silver forks or instruct to lift the shell to the lips.

Consumption Note: The THC is concentrated in the mignonette liquid. Consuming the oyster, its liquor, the mignonette, and caviar in one sip ensures the full experience. The effects will be uplifting, clear-headed, and sensually enhancing—the perfect prelude to an opulent evening.