Cherry Limeade Juice and Decadent Cherry Chocolate Oatmeal

I normally make juices with a bunch of greens, or go with the standard carrot-apple-beet combo (see my post on CAB juice).  Juicing is a fantastic way to get the nutrients from lots of veggies when you would not otherwise eat an enormous plate of veggies right then ie for breakfast.  However, every once in a while, I want a purely fruit juice, and this cherry limeade is a sweet, refreshing way to go.  Plus, this is a somewhat nostalgic juice for me.  Circa the time when my older sister got her driving license, we used to ride up to the Sonic drive in during their happy hour and get limeades, one of them being a cherry limeade.  This juice brings back those fun memories and is a healthy version – no sugar added!  Makes 2 glasses

Cherry Limeade Juice

Ingredients

• 1 bag of cherries (about 40), pitted
• 1 lime peeled
• 1/2 cucumber
• 2 mint leaves for garnish

Directions

Remove pits from the cherries.  Slice ingredients so they are small enough to fit in your juice.  Toss all ingredients in the juicer. Pour juice over 2 glasses of crushed ice.  Garnish with mint leaf.

Decadent Cherry Chocolate Oatmeal aka how I used the leftover cherry pulp

I try to find ways to use the pulp leftover after juicing for two reasons: 1. I don’t want to waste food and 2. I enjoy trying to come up with ways to use unusual ingredients – in this case – cherry pulp.  When I can’t think of ways to use it or don’t have time, I give the pulp to my dog.  He really likes the pulp from cucumbers, carrots, and beets.  My dog is used to having plant foods mixed in with his food and he is accustomed to trying new foods.  If your dog isn’t used to that, you may want to slowly get him accustomed to eating different things to avoid an upset stomach.  I also don’t give my dog the pulp that I think will be too harsh on his stomach, such as citrus rind and the pulp from most greens.  *Disclaimer* – I am no veterinarian and these comments are purely based on my experience.  Find what works best for you and your pup!

After making the cherry limeade, I did have an idea for how to use the pulp in human food… mix it into oatmeal!  I added dried coconut, agave, and dark chocolate chips to make this oatmeal into a decadent treat! I have an Omega 8004 juicer, and the leftover cherry pulp was still rather soft and moist and finely grated.  The consistency of the pulp will likely vary by juicer.  Makes 1 large bowl but could easily be shared between 2, if you are so inclined 🙂 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cups rolled oats
• 1/4 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
• 1 T unsweetened dried coconut
• 1/3 cup cherry pulp (the pulp from about 40 cherries – (all of the pulp leftover from the above cherry limeade recipe))
• 1 T light agave
• 3/4 cup plain soymilk

Directions

Combine all ingredients in microwave safe bowl and heat for 3 minutes, stirring once halfway through.  Eat while warm and enjoy!