Blackberry Vanilla Bean Milkshakes

This Blackberry Vanilla Bean Milkshake recipe shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SunsOutSpoonsOut #CollectiveBias

As a child we spent many summer weekends exploring the trails and waterfalls around southern Oregon. After a long morning hike, we would head in for lunch or dinner at a little place on the way home called, Munchies. They specialized in big hefty portions and catered to the log truck drivers passing through their rural community as well as hikers and tourists like us, In a tiny unassuming building you could enjoy fresh cut fries and burgers well suited for big appetites."Munchie", the stuffed beaver mascot was always dressed differently, and yes, that is still a vivid childhood memory. You don't soon forget a beaver wearing shades and a sun hat!  I loved several of their menu items but always looked forward to their seasonal blackberry milkshake.

It wasn't just a regular milkshake. No, it was bursting with seaonal Oregon blackberries, had ribbons of thick blackberry syrup and lots of big fresh blackberries in the milkshake cup. The milkshake itself was thick and smooth, just dotted with plump fruit.

It was the stuff childhood dreams are made of...

The nearby burger and sandwich hut has changed hands a few times and gone are the seasonal treats like fresh blackberry milkshakes. *sigh*

But, I still wanted to share the experience with my kids. So this past weekend we jumped in the car and headed to the berry patch to pick fresh blackberries for a special summer treat. Cold milkshakes are one of my favorite parts of summer fun. It has been a scorcher so far in Oregon. We don't typically get this hot, this fast. So both the people and berries have suffered a little. As you can see, picking was a little slim...

But, you promise 3 kids ice cream and then send them out to pick and somehow... they find enough berries for milkshakes.

My daughter is always fashionable, but we all had glasses and hats to stave off the hot weather we have been experiencing.

I know, some of you are more prepared for triple digits during summertime. Here that isn't supposed to be a common occurrence. Oregon is usually a bit cooler... and a whole lot wetter!

My oldest is such a big help when it comes to picking. He is also very good about sampling as he picks. I love the tell-tale berry streaks on his sun-kissed cheeks.

Of course, to make the perfect Blackberry Vanilla Bean Milkshake you need to use the best ice cream. I went with Blue Bunny Vanilla Bean because a milkshake is only as good as the ice cream used in it. It was also an excellent way to motivate my picking crew!

I recently stocked up on several flavors of Blue Bunny Ice Cream because, well... it is summer! There are so many fun ways to enjoy ice cream on a hot summer day. I also picked up regular vanilla and will be using that for a fun bundt cake recipe next week. I love the idea of using ice cream for baking. Stay tuned for all the fun and a new recipe coming soon.

Okay, back to that amazing milkshake!  Nothing is better than a sweet blackberry vanilla bean milkshake at the peak of berry season! And I love Blue Bunny because of it's rich flavor and smooth texture. I also appreciate how easily it scoops.

Let's get started, shall we?

Blackberry Vanilla Bean Milkshakes

You will need:

• 3 c. fresh blackberries, rinsed + a handful for garnishing
• 1/4 c. sugar
• 2 Tbsp. corn starch
• water - enough to dissolve the cornstarch
• 3 large scoops of Blue Bunny Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
• 3 oz. milk

Place 2 cups of fresh blackberries and sugar in a small saucepan. Let the berries come up to a simmer, stir to dissolve the sugar. Add more sugar as necessary for your berries. Add a little water to the cornstarch and dissolve completely with your finger to break up any clumps. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the berry sauce until thickened. Set the pan aside and allow to cool.

In a blender add the Blue Bunny Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and milk, pulse till smooth. Add in 1 cup of fresh berries and pulse slightly to break up the berries.

To serve, add a little milkshake mixture to your cup and then add a heaping spoonful of berry sauce, keep alternating until the glass is full. Top with a fresh blackberry and a straw or spoon.

Enjoy!

I have to admit, a hot day of picking berries is much more enjoyable when it ends with ice cream. I am pretty sure as long as I have Blue Bunny Ice Cream on hand, my kids will help me with all our local farm adventures.

You can find a big selection of Blue Bunny Ice Cream, like Vanilla Bean, at your local Walmart. Also be on the look-out for 4th of July in-store demos with Blue Bunny and Chips Ahoy. Oh, boy! Doesn't that sound amazing? Check the store list to see if there will be a demo coming to a Walmart near you.

Be sure to check out all the flavors at BlueBunny.com. You can also check out all the other great #SunsOutSpoonsOut recipe ideas. I'd love to hear your favorite!