Fall Simmer Pot: Your New Favorite Autumn Air Refresher
The smells of fall at the end of a long summer always warms my soul and makes me excited for the seasons ahead. Although many homes achieve the smells of fall through candles, I’ve come to prefer using simmer pots. Unlike many candles, the smell produced by a simmer pot feels more authentic and inviting.
Why make a simmer pot?
A simmer pot uses edible ingredients to fill your living space with the scents of your choosing. Since all of the ingredients are edible, the scent that is created by your simmer pot is a low to no toxin alternative to candles and room sprays. By making a simmer pot with all edible ingredients, the remaining liquid can double as a tea or seasonal beverage enhancer!
Another benefit of making simmer pots is that you can choose exactly which ingredients to use for your desired scent. You can either use the same ingredients every time or change it from one use to the next.
When to use a simmer pot
There are many times in which you may choose to use a simmer pot. I typically use them when I know guests are coming over but it can be used for the same reasons you would use a candle or air freshener.
Ingredients and Tools
SPICES: Cinnamon, Cardamom, Clove & Allspice – Whole spices are great but ground spices will work just as well if that’s what you have. If you don’t have local access to whole spices, any online resources like Azure Standard, Mountain Rose Herbs, Frontier Co-Op, and Starwest Botanicals are great places to search for spices
Apple slices – Any kind of apple works well so use your favorite variety.
Lemon – Either a few lemon slices, a squeeze of a lemon or a bit of bottled lemon juice will work.
Brown Sugar – Any brown sugar works well. Don’t have any brown sugar? See here how to make brown sugar at home.
Water – I prefer to use filtered water but tap water works well.
A saucepan – I like to use a small or medium sized saucepan.
A heat source – I currently use my electric stovetop or crockpot but any safe heat source will work well. A small crockpot off to the side works great during a hosted event.
Stovetop Directions
- Add all ingredients to your saucepan.
- Add saucepan to your stovetop and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer the pot for 30 minutes.
- If you want to keep the scent going for longer, add more water and continue to simmer.
- Once done simmering, remove from heat and either save remaining liquid for later use or discard liquid and compost solids.
Crockpot Directions
- Add all ingredients to your crockpot insert.
- Bring the liquid to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
- Keep the heat on low for the desired amount of time. Be sure to periodically check the water level to be sure the contents don’t boil dry and burn
- Once done simmering, remove from heat and either save remaining liquid for later use or discard liquid and compost solids.
FAQ:
When should I use a simmer pot?
There are many times in which you may choose to use a simmer pot. They are most often used when guests are coming over for a party or gathering but it can be used for the same reasons you would use a candle or air freshener.
Why should I use a simmer pot?
A simmer pot uses edible ingredients to fill your living space with the scents of your choosing. Since all of the ingredients are edible, the scent that is created by your simmer pot is a low to no toxin alternative to candles and room sprays. The edible ingredients also make the remaining liquid double as a tea or seasonal beverage enhancer!
Another benefit of making simmer pots is that you can choose exactly which ingredients to use for your desired scent. You can either use the same ingredients every time or change it from one use to the next.
Did you try this? Share your creations in the comments or by tagging @MissysHomestead on Instagram.