Ok I have to report my findings. First, a big shout out to jeffp. Dude, your method of cold infusion worked like a charm and I didn't have to worry about using a crockpot outside on my deck in the middle of the night to get it done (kids and neighbors). Bravo!
I had been saving my mid grade Blue Dream ABV for about a year and I ended up with 61 grams to play with. I took that 61g and water purified it over 5 days. When I was done I was left with 23 grams (shocking). I knew there would be a big loss of finished plant matter, but I didn't expect my stash to drop by almost 2/3s!
Anyway, I took 14 grams and ground it down to a powder, and then dropped it in a mason jar with a 1/2 cup of canola oil, a pinch of salt, and a tsp of organic apple cider vinegar. I put it in my desk drawer for 4.5 days, stirring once or twice a day as directed.
When the oil was ready, I made a Ghirardelli Walnut brownie mix and added Creme De Menthe chips (in moderation). The recipe called for a 1/3 cup of canola oil but I dropped in the full 1/2 cup (DID NOT strain) and mixed everything in an electric mixing bowl. I baked at 320 for about 40 mins. All told I got 12 brownies and the taste and texture is outstanding.
But most importantly, THIS SHIT WORKS. I tried a small brownie after one day of freezing and it gave me a nice body high. However, after a week of freezing I think the potency changed. A buddy and I split one brownie Sat night and I was definitely feeling it. But he was decimated. Now it's true that he hasn't smoked in a long time, information I wish I had before I gave him the half brownie, but he was full on can't feel his hands have to go home couch lock down fuct up. We had tickets to a show and couldn't go.
I apologize for my long winded post, but I spent a lot of time lurking and absorbing info from here so I wanted to share. Conclusions:
1. Water purification had a major impact on potency and smoothness.
2. Cold infusion works as directed.
3. Do add Creme De Menthe chips. The mintiness acts as a cover for the weed smell and adds useful texture and flavor.
4. Be careful with edibles.
Cheers!