# Smashed Potato Salad: The Ideal Summer Blend

Tangy salad, crunchy potatoes, and rich ranch – this smashed potato salad is the quintessential summer recipe that melds enjoyable textures and tastes. It presents a refreshing take on classic potato salad, making it ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a light meal.

## What Makes This Salad Unique

For those who cherish the traditional Midwestern combination of a shreddy salad, crispy fries, and homemade ranch dressing, this smashed potato salad strikes all the right chords. It delivers a distinctive mix of crunchy smashed potatoes and a lively salad, rendering it both filling and refreshing. The addition of crisp lettuce and zesty pickles enhances the dish, guaranteeing that every bite is a pleasurable experience.

### Taste Profile

This salad offers a tangy and bold experience, while still upholding a lightness that makes it appealing even during the hottest summer days. The crunchy potatoes deliver a satisfying bite, while the creamy ranch dressing integrates everything seamlessly. For anyone wanting to boost the protein content, adding tuna or grilled chicken can enrich the dish without overshadowing its core flavors.

## Ingredients

### For the Crunchy Smashed Potatoes:
– Potatoes (Yukon Gold or small potatoes are ideal)
– Avocado oil
– Seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)

### For the Salad:
– Chopped romaine lettuce
– Diced pickles
– Thinly sliced red onion

### For the Dressing:
– Mayonnaise
– Buttermilk
– Ranch seasoning mix
– Fresh herbs (optional)

## Directions

1. **Prepare the Potatoes**: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes and cook until fork-tender, around 15-25 minutes depending on their size.

2. **Chop the Veggies**: While the potatoes cook, chop the romaine lettuce, pickles, and red onion.

3. **Create the Dressing**: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, and any fresh herbs you prefer.

4. **Smash the Potatoes**: After the potatoes are cooked and cool enough to handle, use a flat item (like the bottom of a glass) to gently smash each potato to about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thickness.

5. **Roast the Potatoes**: Place the smashed potatoes in an air fryer or on a baking sheet. Spray with avocado oil and season. Air fry at 375°F for approximately 15 minutes, or until golden and crunchy.

6. **Assemble the Salad**: In a large bowl, mix the chopped romaine, pickles, and red onion with the dressing. Incorporate half of the crispy potatoes into the salad, breaking them into smaller pieces if needed, and save the remaining ones to sprinkle on top prior to serving.

## Serving Recommendations

Present this salad as a side dish or a light main dish. It pairs excellently with grilled meats or can be savored alone for a fulfilling meal. The mix of textures and flavors makes it a highlight dish at any summer event.

## Final Thoughts

This smashed potato salad is more than merely a side dish; it’s a tribute to summer flavors and textures. With its crunchy potatoes, fresh salad elements, and creamy ranch dressing, it’s a preparation that brings delight with each bite. Perfect for any summer gathering, this salad is bound to become a favorite in your collection of recipes. Enjoy!

# I Am Passionate about Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam: A Starbucks Imitation Recipe for Home

If you adore the seasonal pumpkin spice phenomenon, you’ve probably relished the exquisite Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam from Starbucks. This smooth, luxurious topping is not just a delight for your palate but also a visual treat as it elegantly rests above your preferred coffee. Nonetheless, with increasing prices at cafes, many individuals are opting for homemade alternatives to fulfill their desires. Here’s how to recreate this scrumptious beverage at home.

## What is Cold Foam?

Cold foam is a whipped non-fat milk that settles atop cold coffee, producing a light and fluffy texture. Starbucks employs a unique blender to whip the milk into microbubbles, imparting that distinctive silky sensation. When flavored, cold foam usually combines non-fat milk, heavy cream, and flavored syrup.

## What is Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam?

Pumpkin cream cold foam is a decadent mix of sweetened heavy cream, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin sauce, whipped to a thick yet pourable state. Unlike whipped cream, its texture is reminiscent of a thick, melted ice cream, making it an ideal complement to your autumn beverages.

## Why Cold Foam?

The charm of cold foam lies in its capability to elevate the coffee-drinking experience. As it descends into your drink, it forms a delightful contrast between the sweet, creamy foam and the unsweetened coffee below. The tiny bubbles within the foam contribute to a luxurious mouthfeel, making every sip feel indulgent.

## Two Approaches to Create Pumpkin Cold Foam

### Simple Method

1. **Combine**: In a glass measuring cup, mix heavy cream, milk, pumpkin purée, vanilla syrup, and pumpkin pie spice.
2. **Whip**: Utilize a milk frother to beat the mixture until it becomes thick and creamy.
3. **Serve**: Fill a tall glass with ice-cold brew and gently pour the pumpkin cream on top. Sprinkle with additional pumpkin spice for decoration.
4. **Relish**: Sip slowly and enjoy the autumn flavors.

### Advanced Method

1. **Prepare Vanilla Sweet Cream**: Mix 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1 1/4 cups milk, and 3/4 cups vanilla syrup. Keep it in the refrigerator.
2. **Create Pumpkin Sauce**: In a pot, blend 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, 2/3 cup pumpkin purée, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 1 tsp pumpkin spice, and 1/4 tsp salt. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved, then let it cool.
3. **Prepare the Cold Foam**: In a measuring cup, combine 1/2 cup of the cold vanilla sweet cream with 2 tbsp of pumpkin sauce. Froth until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency.
4. **Present**: Pour cold brew over ice and crown it with the pumpkin cream, finishing off with a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.

## The Ideal Frother for Cold Foam

A hand milk frother is perfect for crafting small quantities of cold foam. They are budget-friendly and versatile, suitable for whipping cream or creating various whipped drinks. Alternatively, a Nespresso milk frother with a cold setting can also yield fantastic results.

## Pumpkin Cream Cold Foam Components

– **Heavy Cream**: Offers thickness and a smooth texture.
– **Vanilla Syrup**: Introduces sweetness and flavor.
– **Pumpkin Purée**: The essential element for that pumpkin taste.
– **Sugar**: Sweetens the pumpkin sauce.
– **Sweetened Condensed Milk**: Boosts creaminess.
– **Pumpkin Spice**: The iconic autumn spice blend.

## What Complements Pumpkin Cream?

Pumpkin cream cold foam pairs wonderfully with an array of beverages, such as iced coffee, cold brew, hot coffee, espresso, lattes, and even iced tea. It can also be drizzled over desserts like ice cream or cake for an extra special indulgence.

Embrace the pumpkin spice experience with this homemade pumpkin cream cold foam recipe, and infuse your kitchen with the flavors of fall!

### Teriyaki Salmon: A Tasty Weeknight Meal

Fresh, tender salmon fillets make a wonderful selection for a fast and healthful weeknight dinner. When pan-seared and finished with a sweet-savory teriyaki glaze, they transform into a delicious focal point that complements rice and steamed vegetables perfectly. This meal is not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor, ideal for hectic evenings.

#### Flavor Profile

The teriyaki glaze combines savory soy sauce and garlic, harmonized with the sweetness of brown sugar and ginger. Finished with toasted sesame seeds, this dish presents a pleasing crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the overall dining experience.

#### Preparation Tips

– **Toasting Sesame Seeds**: Gently toast sesame seeds in a dry pan beforehand to boost their flavor.
– **Using a Meat Thermometer**: To prevent overcooking the salmon, a meat thermometer can verify that the fish achieves the ideal internal temperature of 145°F.
– **Time-Saving**: To speed up the cooking process, think about utilizing store-bought teriyaki sauce instead of preparing it from scratch.

### Ingredient Tips for Teriyaki Salmon

1. **Salmon**: Opt for firm, vividly colored salmon fillets free from tears or discolorations. If using frozen fillets, make sure they are completely thawed and patted dry prior to cooking.
2. **Soy Sauce**: Reduced-sodium soy sauce is advisable for a healthier choice, although regular soy sauce is equally effective.
3. **Ginger & Garlic**: Fresh ingredients deliver the best flavors, but you can use paste or powder if needed. Store ginger in the freezer for convenient grating.
4. **Brown Sugar**: This component imparts the distinctive sweetness to the teriyaki sauce. Honey can serve as an alternative.
5. **Garnish**: Incorporate chopped green onions in both the sauce and as a topping. Sesame seeds provide a unique nutty flavor.

### How to Prepare Teriyaki Salmon

1. **Prepare the Sauce**: In a small saucepan, mix soy sauce, water, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and mustard. Whisk and bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat.
2. **Thicken the Sauce**: Combine cornstarch with cold water and slowly add it to the simmering sauce until it reaches the desired thickness. Stir in sesame seeds and green onions, then set aside.
3. **Sear the Salmon**: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then place them skin-side down. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side until they flake easily.
4. **Serve**: Remove from heat, drizzle the teriyaki sauce over the salmon, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve alongside rice or noodles.

### Cooking Tips

– **Avoid Overcooking**: Tailor cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets. The fish should flake with a fork and remain slightly translucent in the center.
– **Flavor Variations**: For a twist, substitute half of the water in the sauce with orange or pineapple juice. If using pre-made sauce, add citrus juice for added brightness.

### Enjoy the Flavor

Leftover teriyaki salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The glaze can also serve as a marinade for chicken, pork, or shrimp, making it a flexible addition to your weeknight recipes.

### Nutrition Information

– **Calories**: 116
– **Carbohydrates**: 10g
– **Protein**: 2g
– **Fat**: 8g
– **Sodium**: 578mg

This teriyaki salmon recipe is a superb way to relish a delicious and health-conscious meal that the entire family will appreciate. Savor the richness of flavors and the simplicity of preparation, establishing it as a staple recipe for busy nights!

# Instant Pot Spaghetti: A Family Favorite

Instant Pot Spaghetti has turned into a cherished meal in numerous homes, and for very good reason. This recipe is not only simple to make but also yields a smooth, tasty pasta that adheres beautifully to the sauce. It’s a dish that even children can assist in preparing, making it an ideal option for family dinners.

## Why This Recipe Works

The charm of Instant Pot Spaghetti lies in its ease and the practicality of using a single pot. Here are a few reasons why this recipe is popular:

– **Single Pot Cooking**: Everything is prepared in the Instant Pot, which means less cleanup afterward.
– **No Boiling Water**: There’s no requirement to boil water on its own, which streamlines the cooking process.
– **Kid-Friendly**: The taller sides of the pot minimize splattering, making it safer for children to help in the kitchen.
– **Flavorful and Comforting**: The mix of meat, sauce, and pasta results in a comforting dish that pleases the entire family.

## Ingredients

To prepare Instant Pot Spaghetti, you will need:

– Ground meat (beef, turkey, or Italian sausage)
– Spaghetti noodles (broken in half to fit)
– Your preferred pasta sauce
– Water
– Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt)
– Optional: Parmesan cheese for garnishing

## Instructions

1. **Sauté the Meat**: Utilize the sauté function on your Instant Pot. Add oil and ground meat along with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and salt. Cook until the meat is browned.

2. **Add Sauce and Noodles**: Pour in the pasta sauce and water, then add the broken spaghetti noodles. Ensure the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid.

3. **Pressure Cook**: Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

4. **Release Steam**: Carefully release the steam right away to avoid overcooking the noodles.

5. **Rest and Stir**: After lifting the lid, let the spaghetti sit for 10 minutes. This allows the noodles to soak up the sauce, enhancing flavor and texture.

6. **Serve**: Stir in butter until melted and creamy. Serve with Parmesan cheese and your preferred sides, like garlic bread and a simple salad.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Can you make this on the stove instead of in the Instant Pot?**
Yes, you can prepare this as a one-pot spaghetti on the stove. Just simmer covered until the noodles are cooked, stirring occasionally.

**What other meat can you use?**
While ground beef is typical, Italian sausage adds extra flavor, and ground turkey is a healthier option.

**What if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon?**
You can replace it with 1/2 teaspoon of salt or use chicken broth instead of water.

**Can you make this vegetarian?**
Absolutely! Just omit the meat and slightly reduce the water to prevent an overly saucy dish.

## Conclusion

Instant Pot Spaghetti is an excellent meal choice that unites families in the kitchen. Its simplicity in prep and delightful results make it a staple recipe for hectic weeknights. Whether your children are lending a hand or you’re creating it solo, this dish is bound to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy your cooking!