Epic. It’s my new favorite word. I can’t stop saying it. And I’m sure everyone around me can’t stand hearing it. It’s just stuck in my head and currently living on the edge of my tongue.
I used the word WAY too many times yesterday. Once, when describing the epic “blackberry honey-hole” I found during my walk around the meadow. Then again when I mentioned the epic nachos I was making for dinner. And yet another time when I said I needed to go on this epic diet, after I ate the epic nachos and this epic shake. Oy. I guess I need a new word. I think it’s going to be pariah. Don’t ask me why.
So here’s one of the reasons this shake is epic. First of all, when I buy buttermilk, I always buy the Bulgarian version. You see, buttermilk in its natural state is low-fat. It’s the thin liquid left over after you churn butter from cream. Commercially-made buttermilk is created by adding bacteria cultures to milk, then heating the mixture to give it that tart, slightly fermented taste.
BUT, the Bulgarian version is a type of cultured buttermilk in which cream cultures are supplemented or replaced by yogurt cultures and fermented at higher temperatures for higher acidity. It can be more tart and thicker than cultured buttermilk. This is why it’s epic. It’s the only buttermilk I ever buy. And it is thicker and yummier and makes everything taste great. I hope you have it at your market. And I wish I knew why this process makes it “Bulgarian”. Anyone?
I also used Apple Pie Spice, which is just an awesome little thing to have around for convenience. It gets used a lot this time of year.
Reason number three this shake is epic…I used real apple, sauteed in butter, sugar and cinnamon. It gave the shake a very authentic apple pie taste. Let’s face it, this shake is dinner party worthy. So, if you are bad at making pie crust, just whip this up instead. Trust me, no one will mind.
Serve the shakes in mason jars. Don’t forget the cute straws!
If you want to save some calories, you could serve these sans the whipped cream…
But why would you?
Epic Apple Pie-Buttermilk Shake
Ingredients
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (I used Honeycrisp)
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 cups premium vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup Bulgarian buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice, more for garnish
- whipped cream
Directions
- In a large nonstick pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, sugar and cinnamon. Saute until very soft, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool to room temperature.
- Once apples are cooled, add them to blender with ice cream, buttermilk and apple pie spice. Blend until fully combined. Serve in chilled cups topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with more apple pie spice.
One Year Ago: Sip, Bite, Blog (Day 2)
Karly says
I have a sudden urge to go check every grocery store around for Bulgarian buttermilk! Sounds amazing.
Love your milkshake!
Cathy says
It shouldn’t be hard to find! Good luck!
Jen @ Savory Simple says
I have never heard of Bulgarian buttermilk! You have totally sold me, I must get my hands on some so I can try this shake.
Cathy says
You will love it.
John Bales says
It’s good stuff, mulch better than the thin-bodied buttermilk you get from the Elsie the Cow brand of culture buttermilk. Thicker, tangy, I just finished two full classes of it and plan to by more tomorrow to make a Buttermilk Pie!
Kristina says
I love epic. I was on an epic kick for a while, had to wean myself from it… đŸ˜‰
and this??? oooh YUM, just when I thought I had seen everything with an apple. Mmm I want!!
Lea Ann (Cooking on The Ranch) says
I have to find some of that buttermilk. I really have had no idea how buttermilk is made at all. Thanks for the info. And by the way, that polka dot spatula is incredibly epic.
Cathy says
It shouldn’t be hard to find, it has always been at the grocery store I have shopped at both here and in California.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Mmmm so yummy looking!
Cathy says
Thx!
Meghan says
I must get my hands on that buttermilk! This shake looks incredible!
Kirsten@ My Kitchen in the Rockies says
I purchase LOTS of Bulgarian yogurt, but (like Lea Ann) have never seen the buttermilk. Have to keep an eye out.
The shake looks incredible.
Cathy says
Funny, I have never seen the Bulgarian yogurt, now I am going to have to look for that. I’m sure it’s good.
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
I’ve never heard of Bulgarian buttermilk, but will now keep my eyes open for it, thanks for the tip! And this shake looks awesome. Epic, in fact!
Cathy says
Thank you!
Becky says
oh wow!! Cathy, this looks amazing. I’m a sucker for milkshakes though I try not to have them as much as I’d like đŸ™‚ This one would be very hard to turn down. Probably impossible to turn down!!
Cathy says
It would be impossible:).
Brandie @ Spoon & Saucer says
Holy epic shake. Wait…. đŸ™‚ I’m so making this. Soon. Maybe this afternoon. Do you think yogurt (the runnier… is that a word?… version) would work in place of the buttermilk if the Bulgarian version isn’t available?
Cathy says
I mean it could work but I think you’ll miss the tangyness the buttermilk brings to the table.
Brandie @ Spoon and Saucer says
Good point. I’ll look harder!
Gail says
I was thinking of making “adult” shakes by adding a splash of spiced rum perhaps? Has anyone tried something like this?