Christmas Simmer Pot

Christmas simmer pot

Create a holiday home with this Christmas simmer pot blend. This safe and toxic-free stovetop potpourri will infuse the air with a warming and festive December scent. You can use this Christmas simmer pot every day for several days.

Type: tea, simmer pot

Keywords: christmas simmer pot, simmer pot, holiday pot, potpourri,

Recipe Yield: 1

Calories: 12

Preparation Time: 5

Cooking Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Recipe Video Name: Christmas simmer pot

Recipe Video Description: Create a holiday home with this Christmas simmer pot blend. This safe and toxic-free stovetop potpourri will infuse the air with a warming and festive December scent. You can use this Christmas simmer pot every day for several days.

Recipe Ingredients:

  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 apple, cored and sliced
  • 1/2 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • 3 star anise
  • 2 cups water (enough to fill your pot with ½ half)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Recipe Instructions: Begin by slicing the oranges and apples into slices. Combine the sliced oranges, sliced apples, whole cloves, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, and star anise in a medium-sized pot. Pour in 2 cups of water, making sure that the ingredients are mostly submerged in the water. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pot to enhance the aromatic profile. Place the pot on the stove on low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Be careful not to let it boil; a low simmer is sufficient to release the fragrances slowly. Once the pot is simmering, reduce the heat to the lowest setting to maintain a steady fragrance release. Keep an eye on the water level and add more water as needed to prevent it from drying out. Allow the simmer pot to infuse your home with the delightful scents of oranges, apples, cloves, cranberries, cinnamon, rosemary, and star anise. Enjoy and feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities based on your preference.

Editor's Rating:
5

Create a holiday home with this Christmas simmer pot blend. This safe and toxic-free stovetop potpourri will infuse the air with a warming and festive scent, making your home smell like a cozy Christmas movie this December. You can use this Christmas simmer pot for several days.

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🎄 What is a Christmas Simmer Pot

A Christmas simmer pot, also known as a holiday simmering pot or potpourri, is a mixture of aromatic ingredients simmered on the stove or in a potpourri burner to release a warming scent and create a festive atmosphere in your home.

The ingredients typically include a combination of fruits, spices, herbs, and other fragrant elements, which, when heated, release their natural essences into the air.

A Christmas simmer pot is a popular DIY to add a cozy and inviting ambiance during the holiday season. Common ingredients include citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, cloves, pine needles, and herbs like rosemary. The simmer pot can be a natural alternative to artificial air fresheners.

Christmas simmer pot in a glass pot on a stove.

🌟 Why You Will Love A Christmas Simmer Pot

  • I prefer using a simmer pot over diffusing essential oils because it lasts longer and allows me to control the overall scent.
  • A simmer pot is a non-toxic alternative to air fresheners or scented candles without artificial chemicals or additives.
  • This Christmas simmer pot is the ultimate and most natural way to make your home smell like Christmas.
  • A simmer post lasts long and is budget-friendly.
  • And finally, a simmer pot is super easy to make.

Christmas simmer pot in a glass pot on a black backdrop.

🍊 Ingredients Christmas Simmer Pot 

Ingredients for Christmas simmer pot on a white marble backdrop with descriptive labels.

The best thing about a Christmas stovetop potpourri is that you probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry and fridge. It’s also very easy to modify this recipe or refresh a single ingredient when needed after a few days.

  • Apples: Apples introduce a subtle fruity and sweet essence.
  • Oranges: Oranges are amazing for their citrusy aroma, adding a refreshing and festive scent to the mix.
  • Cloves: Whole cloves add a deep, warm aroma. They also add a rich and spicy fragrance that will remind you of the cozy and comforting scents associated with holiday baking.
  • Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are a vibrant addition to any Christmas simmer pot, not just for their lively red color but also for their zesty and festive aroma.
  • Cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon sticks are the aromatic wizards of Christmas simmer pots, conjuring up the irresistible essence of freshly baked cookies. Their spicy warmth weaves through the air, transforming your house into a festive holiday cheer.
  • Rosemary sprigs: Rosemary isn’t just about the smell—it’s like inviting a bit of the great outdoors to your simmer pot. It’s a true evergreen scent.
  • Star anise: Star anise introduces a touch of mild licorice in the air. 
  • Water: Water is what makes your Christmas pot simmer. Fill it at least halfway or more and refill it when it gets too low. 
  • Vanilla essence: Vanilla brings a sweet and comforting note, infusing the air with a familiar warmth that feels like a cozy hug during the holiday season.

Christmas simmer pot in a glass pot on a stove with water being poured in the pot.

🍋 Optional ingredients

  • Lemons in Christmas simmer pots add a zesty burst and also a refreshing and invigorating citrus twist.
  • Nutmeg, with its rich and earthy aroma, contributes a warm and comforting essence, which smells like memories of freshly baked holiday treats.
  • Cardamom pods introduce a hint of exotic spice to the mix, enhancing the complexity of the simmering pot with their warm and aromatic character.
  • Grapefruit, a citrusy powerhouse, brings a bright and uplifting energy to Christmas simmer pots, infusing the air with a lively and cheerful scent.

Feel free to use dried lavender or apple juice/cider instead of water.

Sliced oranges and apples on a white marble backdrop.

🗒️ Tips

  • While a stovetop simmer potpourri can be used for several days by simply refilling the pot with water, it should always be supervised and on a simmer with enough water. Make sure you are at home while heating your simmer pot, and always fill the pot at least halfway.
  • Feel free to use old fruits or peels instead of the whole fruit in your holiday simmer pot.
  • Dried fruits are also a great addition to your Christmas simmer pot. They also make a beautiful gift—a combination of dried orange slices and dried cranberries, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, and fresh rosemary sprigs could make a cute little bundle that can be wrapped nicely as a holiday gift. 

Christmas simmer pot in a glass pot on a stove with a blue spatula stirring the ingredients.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

Do simmer pots clear the air?

Simmer pots are not designed to purify the air like air purifiers do. Instead, they enhance the air with pleasant fragrances, making your space smell inviting and festive.

Do simmer pots work? 

Yes, simmer pots work effectively to release delightful scents into the air. They provide a natural and customizable way to create a pleasant and aromatic ambiance in your home.

How long does a stovetop potpourri last?

The duration a stovetop potpourri lasts depends on factors like the ingredients used, their freshness, and the water level. Generally, a well-maintained simmer pot can last 2-3 days or more with daily water refreshing and occasional ingredient replacement.

Is a Christmas simmer pot drinkable? 

Generally speaking, the contents of a Christmas simmer pot are not for consumption. However, this recipe is safe for consumption and you could drink it as a tea.

Are simmer pots safe for pets?

Simmer pots are generally safe for pets if the ingredients are pet-friendly. However, it’s essential to be cautious with specific scents and oils, as some animals may be sensitive to strong fragrances.

How long can I leave the simmer pot on the stove?

You can leave the simmer pot on the stove for up to 2-3 hours at a time, but it’s important to make sure there’s enough water and avoid leaving it unattended for a long time. You can turn it off for a longer-lasting fragrance and reheat it later when needed.

Can I reuse the ingredients for another batch?

Yes, you can reuse the ingredients for another batch of simmer pot. After using them, allow the ingredients to cool, and then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to create a new batch. Keep in mind that the potency of the ingredients may diminish with each use, so you may need to replace some ingredients after about 2 times of reusing them.

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🌲 Simmer Pot Recipe

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Christmas simmer pot in a glass pot on a black backdrop with decorative elements.

Christmas Simmer Pot

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  • Author: Bianca
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1.5 liter pot 1x
  • Category: simmer pot / tea
  • Method: stovetop
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Create a holiday home with this Christmas simmer pot blend. This safe and toxic-free stovetop potpourri will infuse the air with a warming and festive December scent. You can use this Christmas simmer pot for several days.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 apple, sliced
  • 1/2 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • 3 star anise
  • 2 cups water (enough to fill your pot 3/4 with water)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Begin by slicing the oranges and apples into slices.
  2. Combine the sliced oranges, sliced apples, whole cloves, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, and star anise in a medium-sized pot.
  3. Pour in 2 cups of water, making sure that the ingredients are mostly submerged in the water.
  4. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pot.
  5. Place the pot on the stove on low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Be careful not to let it boil; a low simmer is sufficient to release the fragrances slowly.
  6. Once the pot is simmering, reduce the heat to the lowest setting to maintain a steady fragrance release.
  7. Keep an eye on the water level and add more water as needed to prevent it from drying out.
  8. Allow the simmer pot to infuse your home with the delightful scents of oranges, apples, cloves, cranberries, cinnamon, rosemary, and star anise.
  9. Enjoy and feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities based on your preference.

Notes

  • This simmer pot will last about 5 days.
  • Keep an eye on the water level, and add water as necessary to maintain the fragrance and avoid the ingredients from burning.
  • Once simmering for a few hours, let it cool, cover the pot, and allow it to sit on the turned-off stove until the following day. Uncover, bring it to a simmer again, and replenish with fresh water as necessary.
  • For a longer-lasting simmer pot experience, refrigerate the pot of ingredients (after the liquid cools) between uses, adding fresh ingredients and water as needed, for up to 7 days.
  • When you are done with the simmer pot, strain out the liquid and dispose or compost the used ingredients.
  • Double or triple the recipe for a bigger simmer pot.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 12
  • Sugar: 4 gr
  • Sodium: 0
  • Fat: 0
  • Saturated Fat: 0
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 0
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 0
  • Cholesterol: 0

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