With the weather being so pleasant lately, my puppy Enzo and I have been enjoying the outdoors. We’ve begun increasing our activity and the intensity of our walks into jogs. However, Enzo and I are learning that we have a difference in opinion.
This dog doesn’t like to run. How in the world did I get a lab (presumably the only one ever) that doesn’t love running? As I start to jog, he moves just enough to keep up and will not move any faster than he has to. He lags behind and isn’t excited about moving quickly. After a few minutes of this, he is ready to hang out, sniff around and lounge in the shade. He’s more about the relaxing kind of stuff.
Part of it could it be the heat on his little black coat. Part of it could be that he’s got ample lounge spots at home. Part of it could be that he’s just plain lazy.
So when your pup is feeling lazy and the afternoon walk/jog ends earlier than you’d planned, lemonade is a good way to spend the time. Nothing says “leisure” than that freshly squeezed citrus fruit! If you’re lucky enough to live in a climate where lemons grow freely in your yard the size of melons (my sister Holly happens to be one of them, lucky girl), then this could be your perfect excuse to use up the biggest, juiciest ones you can find. It’s time for a lovely lemonade with something special added.
I saved the best, over-sized lemons I had specifically for this fresh lemonade. I happened to have fresh mint leaves lying around so I added a few of those sweet greens to the mix to really intensify that rejuvenation factor. It was a good decision. Just picture it – lemonade, fresh mint, (maybe a puppy!) and a warm afternoon. Perfection is happening. Enjoy!
Naturally Sweet Mint Lemonade (vegan & gluten-free!)
1/2 cup Xylitol
4 1/2 cups Water
Juice of 8 Large Lemons
1/4 cup Fresh Mint Leaves, plus more for garnish
1/4 teaspoon Stevia Extract
Combine the xylitol and 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a low simmer and stir until the xylitol has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add the mint. Let the mixture cool. In a pitcher, stir the remaining 4 cups water, with ice if desired and the fresh lemon juice. Add the xylitol water and stevia and mix well. Refrigerate to chill. Garnish with more mint leaves and serve.
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Gaynell says
Just curious, but how would you substitute stevia for the Xylitol? I’ve made a yummy lemonade with xagave, but I’d like to try this one too. ;)
Annie says
Gaynell, we haven’t tried this with stevia, but 1/2 teaspoon of stevia plus a little more water would probably be a great substitute. You can always add more stevia to your liking and taste. Thanks!
Sandy Woods says
This is just what I was looking for , can’t wait to try it. Very informative and saves me alot of hit and miss. Thanks, keep up the good work.