How to Make a Winter Simmer Pot for Your Holiday Party
The smells of Christmas and winter baking is always warming to the soul during the cold seasons. Although many homes achieve the smells of winter through candles, a winter simmer pot produces a scent unlike many candles. The smell produced by a simmer pot feels authentic and inviting.
Why make a winter 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. A simmer pot can also 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. The best time to use them is when you know guests are coming over. You can also use them anytime you would normally use a candle or air freshener.
Looking for more DIYs for your home? You might also enjoy this homemade spray air freshener or these pure beeswax candles.
Ingredients and Tools
SPICES: 1 Cinnamon stick, 4 Cloves & 4 Allspice – Whole spices are great but ground spices will work just as well if that’s what you have.
1 tsp Vanilla – whether using the leftover beans from vanilla extract to or a few drops of vanilla extract itself.
1 Orange – Whichever variety is in season or available at the store ill work well.
1 tbsp- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar – Any brown sugar works! Even if you use molasses and white sugar, the smell will still be divine!
1/2 cup Cranberries– fresh or dried
6-10 cups Water
A saucepan – I like to use a small or medium sized saucepan.
A heat source – I currently use my electric stovetop but any safe heatsource will work well. During a hosted event, a small crockpot off to the side works great.
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.
Note: If you’re using a crockpot for this, set the heat to low. Be sure to check the water level so it doesn’t boil dry and burn.
Winter Simmer Pot FAQ:
Why make a winter 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. One of my favorite parts about using these is they can double as a tea or seasonal beverage enhancer!
Can I change the spices in this recipe?
You can certainly change the spices used in any simmer pot. If you can’t stand the smell of clove, you don’t have to add it.
When should I 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.
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to know! Tag @missyshomestead on instagram.
