Description
Create a cozy, festive aroma with this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar recipe, a perfect natural air freshener that fills your home with seasonal scents like orange, cinnamon, cloves, and evergreen. This easy, non-cooking simmer pot can be gifted or reused to bring warmth and holiday spirit into any space.
Ingredients
Scale
Simmer Pot Ingredients
- 2-3 dried orange slices or orange peels
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1-2 sprigs fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen branches (cedar, fir, juniper, or pine)
- 1-2 whole star anise pods
- 1 small handful of cranberries or goji berries for color
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cardamom pods or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Layer Your Ingredients: Begin by placing the larger aromatic ingredients such as the orange slices and cinnamon sticks at the bottom of your pint-sized clear glass jar. Next, add the whole cloves, star anise pods, and scatter the cranberries or goji berries for a burst of color. Finally, tuck in fresh or dried rosemary or your choice of evergreen branches to complete the festive look.
- Choose the Right Jar: Select pint-sized clear glass jars with lids to showcase the beautiful layering of fragrant ingredients. The transparency of the jar turns it into a ready-made gift that looks as inviting as it smells.
- Add a Label or Tag: Attach a decorative gift tag or label with simmering instructions for the recipient or yourself: “Pour the contents of the jar into a large pot, stock pot, or slow cooker. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and simmer on low heat. Keep an eye on the water level, adding fresh water as needed. Enjoy the cozy, natural aroma!”
- Finish with a Decorative Touch: Tie twine or ribbon around the jar lid and embellish with a sprig of greenery, a mini cinnamon stick, or a dried orange slice. This final step adds charm and makes your simmer pot jar a beautiful holiday gift or display for your home.
Notes
- Water Level: Ensure there is always enough water covering the ingredients while simmering to prevent burning. Check periodically and replenish water as necessary.
- Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients: Dried citrus and herbs last longer in storage, but if using fresh, consume the simmer pot blend within 1-2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Customizations: Substitute or add lemon peels, apple slices, bay leaves, cardamom pods, a pinch of pumpkin pie spice, or a splash of vanilla extract for varying aromas.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries should be refrigerated and used within a week, though dried cranberries offer a longer shelf life.
- Simmering Methods: Use a large pot, Dutch oven, small saucepan, or slow cooker. For convenience, a small crock pot on low heat allows hands-free simmering.
- Reusable Ingredients: You can reuse the cooled mixture by refrigerating it and adding fresh water, though scent potency diminishes after 2-3 uses.
- Safety Tip: Never leave the simmer pot unattended on the stovetop due to risk of water evaporation and ingredient burning.
- Seasonal Variations: Alter seasonal ingredients like adding apple slices and pumpkin pie spice for fall, or more evergreen sprigs for winter.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Use leftover citrus peels from other recipes to reduce waste and add vibrant aroma to your simmer pot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quart pot
- Calories: Approximately 15 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
