Can You Decarb Cream? Yes, But Here's a Better Way

Ingredients

For the Dish:

• 1 oz dried morel mushrooms

• 1 cup very hot water

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1¾ tsp kosher salt, divided

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1 tbsp cannabutter (see infusion method below)

• 1 medium shallot, minced

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• ½ cup dry white wine (optional, or replace with chicken broth)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (plus more for garnish)

For Homemade Cannabutter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter

• 7 grams (¼ oz) decarbed cannabis (around 15% THC)

• Use the ECRU Decarboxylator for foolproof decarb and infusion

Let’s Talk Decarb – Can You Decarb Cream?

You can, technically, decarb directly into cream. But let’s pause here.

Cannabis decarboxylation (a fancy word for “activating THC”) needs precise heat: about 240°F (115°C) for THC. Cream is a poor choice for this process – it scorches easily, separates, and doesn't evenly retain cannabinoids. Cream boils at around 180°F, and THC won’t fully activate unless you decarb your cannabis separately before mixing it in.

Infusion Method

Step 1 – Decarb:

• Add 7 grams of cannabis into your ECRU container

• Press "Decarb" (THC cycle, 30 minutes)

• Let it cool

Step 2 – Infuse:

• Add 1 cup butter

• Press "Infuse" (4-hour cycle)

• Strain out plant material

• Store your cannabutter in the fridge (good for up to 2 months)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Morels

Soak dried mushrooms in 1 cup hot water for 15–20 minutes. Strain to remove grit. Set mushrooms and soaking liquid aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

Sprinkle chicken breasts with 1¼ tsp salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp cannabutter over medium heat. Sear chicken gently—1 to 2 minutes per side, just until lightly golden. Set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Add minced shallot to the pan, cook for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle flour and whisk to form a roux. Deglaze with white wine (or broth), stirring constantly.

Step 4: Mushroom Love

Whisk in 1 cup of the mushroom soaking liquid. Return chicken and morels to skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Finish with Cream & Tarragon

Remove chicken. Add heavy cream, remaining ½ tsp salt, and chopped tarragon to the sauce. Stir well.

Step 6: Plate It

Place chicken on warmed plates. Ladle over that silky, cannabis-infused morel cream sauce. Garnish with fresh tarragon.

Dosing & Safety

Each tablespoon of your cannabutter will contain ~10mg THC if made from 1 cup butter + 7g (15% THC) cannabis.For this recipe, we’re using 1 tablespoon total, split over 6 servings — that’s a gentle 10mg per serving. A good beginner-friendly, dinner-party-safe dosage.

Tips:

• New to edibles? Start with half a portion (5mg)

• Effects begin in 30–90 mins, peak around 2 hours

• Don’t re-dose until 2 hours have passed

• Store leftovers in the fridge—yes, potency holds up for days

Pairings & Serving Ideas

• Wine Substitute: If skipping wine for infusion purposes, use a squeeze of lemon + chicken broth for acid.

• Pair With: Garlic mashed potatoes, French green beans, or buttery egg noodles.

• Mood: Candlelight, Nina Simone, and conversation that drifts into giggles.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

As someone who fell in love with cannabis through food, I find this dish deeply grounding. The morels bring earthiness, the tarragon whispers springtime, and that cannabutter adds just enough lift to feel like you’re in your own French countryside kitchen—even if you’re just in your socks at home.

Craig Claiborne once said, “Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love.” I couldn’t agree more—and infusing it with cannabis makes it all the more intimate, intentional, and joyful.