Clary spoke up hastily. “What’s all the raw meat for?” she asked, indicating the third page of her menu.

“Werewolves,” said Jace. “Though I don’t mind a blody steak myself every once in a while.” He reached across the table and flipped Clary’s menu over. “Human food is on the back.”

She perused the perfectly ordinary menu selections with a feeling of stupefaction. It was all too much. “They have smoothies here?”

“There’s this apricot-plum smoothie with wildflower honey that’s simply divine,” said Isabelle, who had appeared with Simon at her side. “Shove over,” she said to Clary, who scooted so close to the wall that she could feel the cold bricks pressing into her arm. Simon, sliding in next to Isabelle, offered her a half-embarrassed smile that she didn’t return. “You should have one.”

-City of Bones, Book One of the Mortal Instruments series, by Cassandra Clare

Thoughts:

What a delightful summery smoothie, from the “human side” of the menu at Taki’s Diner! The skins of the fruit create a colorful confetti appearance throughout the smoothie, the chia seeds give it a little texture, while the ginger gives it a bit of zing. I used a fizzy elderflower drink, which added a minutely floral component.

If you like, make the mixture a little thick, and top with granola. Just make sure that you’re not using Faerie plums: I hear they can make one go mad! ;)

Apricot-Plum Smoothie

makes 1 large serving, or 2 small

Ingredients:

• 2-3 apricots
• 1 plum
• 2 Tbs. wildflower honey, plus more to top
• 1/2 cup yogurt (vanilla is best)
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 Tbs. chia seeds
• juice, such as white grape, apple, or elderflower
• granola to top (optional)

Combine the fruit, honey, yogurt, ginger, and chia seeds in a blender. Add a splash of juice, and blend. If needed, continue to add juice a small amount at a time until the whole mixture can be easily blended.