Cherries and chocolate are a classic pairing.

Here, Calbom uses it as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant treat. Dark cherries, she said, help with joint pain and inflammation, and are good for those suffering from gout.

“Sometimes, you want something sweet, but you don’t want something decadent,” Calbom said. “This could work for that.”

It’s also a good compromise for people making a transition to healthful eating. “They wouldn’t right away go for green juice, but they would go for this. Who doesn’t like cherries and chocolate? But you have to sweeten it up. It’s pretty tart.”

Calbom recommends sweeteners such as coconut nectar, raw and local honey, agave or stevia. She doesn’t recommend sugar. “Sugar has been highly implicated in inflammation,” she said. “I’m trying to get people away from sugar and learn to use alternative sweeteners.”

Chocolate-Cherry Shake

From “The Juice Lady’s Anti-Inflammation Diet” by Cherie Calbom and Chef Abby Fammartino

1 tablespoon unsweetened, unprocessed cocoa powder

½ frozen dark cherries, pitted

1 cup coconut, almond or flax milk

½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Several drops of liquid stevia, to taste

Ice cubes, as desired

Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.