"I love the idea of incorporating cannabis into a wholesome diet," Willie Nelson writes in his new book, Willie & Annie Nelson's Cannabis Cookbook. "I've been a champion for its legalization since the stone ages. I couldn't be happier that the arguments advocating the many uses of the plant have finally prevailed. Over a lifetime of study, I've learned that pot is more than pleasure. Its postive properties are unlimited. It's a blessing and a blast. It's good fuel."
The book, pieced together by Nelson, his wife Annie, cannabis chef Andrea Drummer, biographer David Ritz and Mia Tangredi, is a hardcover that contains 85 recipes, from Chili Huevo Rancheros with Roasted Garlic and Charred Onion to Southern Hoe Cakes with Calabrian Honey Butter, and amusing anecdotes on life and food from the 91-year-old country-music legend. In full color with bold type and layouts, it's a feast for the eyes. Follow the recipes and it's a feast for stomachs as well.
Willie Nelson: "I like the basics: beans and cornbread, tacos, bacon and eggs, waffles."
The Nelsons mix it up with something for everybody though Willie, who's from the Longhorn State of Texas, admits, "I never converted to vegetarianism. Probably would have, but the way I was raised formed my culinary habits early on. And my taste for a pork chop or good steak never went away."
Still, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options like Vegan Cannabis Butter, Vegan Carrot Lox, Vegan Butter Pecan Ice Cream, Vegan Beer Battered Fish Sandwiches, Vegan Fried Chicken Sandwiches, Southwest Vegan Lobster Rolls, Kale Soup amnd Sundried Tomatoes, Green Smoothie Bowls and my favorite, Rocky Mountain "Soysters."
But the bulk of the book is for carnivores. "When it comes to food, I like the basics: beans and cornbread, tacos, bacon and eggs, waffles," Nelson notes. "The simple things always bring me the most happiness. I love watching a good short-order cook scrambling eggs with one hand and flipping flapjacks with the other. It's like watching a good drummer. Never misses a beat."
The recipes are infused with cannabis, usually in the form of oil or ghee. One particular strain, MAC, with 22% THC, is used. Drummer explains: "On average the legal single dose of THC equates to 10 milligrams per serving. Dosages in the recipes range from 8% THC to 46% THC per serving," adding: "Be patient and get to know the dosage that suits you best."
Here are more Nelson nuggets that illuminate his love of cannabis and food:
On Farm-to-Table
Eat with gusto. Eat food that hasn't been tainted with chemicals. Farm-to-table food that tastes real and right.
On Cannabis
Cannabis is food, it's medicine, it's energy, it's health.
Without weed, I'd probably be dead decades ago. With weed, I'm still striving and thriving and creating new music.
There were, in truth, a couple of decidedly unpleasant busts. Overall though, cannabis turned my mean to mellow. It helped me find the groove in the grind of a hectic but beautiful life creating music.
On the Munchies
I delight in the munchies. It fun to all of a sudden get an urgent message from your belly saying, "Feed me something good and feed me now!"
On Chili Rice
In our Hawaii home, chili rice is a staple.
On Bananas and Other Fruits
I love bananas. My favorites are the tiny ice cream bananas that grow on Maui... Bananas are good for you, Bananas are always available.
When it comes to food sensuality, I think of fruit. Sweet grapes. Tart apples. Ripe avocados. Slice open a juicy peach or fig. Get down with a mass of mangoes.
On Coffee
When it comes to coffee, for the most of my life I've been a traditionalist. Fancified coffee has never been my thing.
On Juicing
Every so often my buddy Woody Harrelson goes on a juice cleanse. He calls it a "clean up" and sometimes I join in.
On Chicken Soup
Annie's Lemon Chicken Soup is a healing soup – for our family, friends and neighbors.
On Eggs and Waffles
Egg dishes can be prepared 15 million ways. I like eggs sunny-side up.
I especially like the waffles I ate in Belgium. Hands down, the world's best waffles.
On Pork
Pork is tasty. It's a flavorful meat with an attitude all its own.
On Dumplings
I consider dumplings comfort food. Soul food,
On Vegetables
I have a good feeling for lettuce. Iceberg. Romaine, Butter. I love tomatoes. Love cucumbers and onions. Love anything that takes me back to the garden of my childhood. We can look at life like it's a big salad.
On Bread
We always have good bread in the house. Good bread can warm your soul.
On Annie
I'm happier than I ever was. Much credit for that happiness goes to my wife Annie, who has shown me how eating healthy food has boosted my energy and enriched the quality of my life, even in my 90s.
More Book Reviews
• Willie Nelson's Letters to America (2021)
• Willie Nelson's It's a Long Story: My Life (2015)
• Anthony Bourdain's World Tour (2021)
