Simmer Pots (My Three Favorite)
Simmer pots are a fantastic way to fill your home with delightful scents without the use of artificial air fresheners. They’re simple to make and can be customized to suit your preferences. Here’s how to create your own healthy simmer pot.
What is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot is essentially a pot filled with water and aromatic ingredients that you heat on the stove. As the water simmers, it releases the natural fragrances of the ingredients into the air, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Choosing Ingredients
When selecting ingredients for your simmer pot, focus on natural and healthy options. Here are some ideas:
- Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and limes add a fresh, clean scent.
- Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and mint can provide a refreshing aroma.
- Spices: Cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise offer warm, spicy notes.
- Flowers: Lavender and rose petals can add a subtle floral fragrance.
How to Make a Simmer Pot
- Fill a Pot with Water: Start by filling a medium-sized pot about halfway with water.
- Add Ingredients: Choose a combination of ingredients based on your preference. There’s no right or wrong way to do this, so feel free to experiment.
- Simmer on Low Heat: Place the pot on the stove and bring it to a simmer over low heat. Keep an eye on the water level and add more as needed.
- Enjoy the Aroma: Let the pot simmer for as long as you like, enjoying the natural scents that fill your home.
Tips for a Great Simmer Pot
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients will provide the best scent.
- Experiment with Combinations: Try different combinations to find what works best for you.
- Reuse Ingredients: You can often reuse the same ingredients for a few days. Just add more water and reheat.
Simmer pots are an easy and eco-friendly way to enhance your home’s atmosphere. With a little creativity, you can create a unique scent that reflects your personal style. Enjoy the process and the delightful aromas that come with it!
Simmer Pot Recipes (My Three Favorite)
Ingredients
Classic Holiday Simmer Pot
- – 4 cups of water
- – 3 cinnamon sticks
- – 2 whole star anise
- – 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- – 1 orange sliced or dried
- – 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- – 1 sprig of fresh rosemary optional, for a woodsy touch
- Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a pot.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Alternatively, you can simmer in a crockpot on low.
- Let it simmer adding more water as needed to keep the ingredients submerged.
Spiced Berry Bliss Simmer Pot.
- – 4 cups of water
- – 2 cinnamon sticks
- – 2 whole star anise
- – 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- – 1 apple sliced
- – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- – 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg or ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a pot.
- Simmer on low heat Alternatively, you can simmer in a crockpot on low.
- Add water as needed to maintain the simmer.
Zesty Citrus Spice Simmer Pot
- – 4 cups of water
- – 3 cinnamon sticks
- – 2 whole star anise
- – 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- – 1 lemon sliced or dried
- – 1 lime sliced or dried
- – 1 tablespoon dried orange peel or zest from one orange or dried orange
- – A few fresh mint leaves optional, for a refreshing twist
- Instructions:
- Place all ingredients in a pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Alternatively, you can simmer in a crockpot on low.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer adding more water as necessary.
Notes
– Replenish water periodically to avoid burning the ingredients.
– You can reuse simmer pots for a day or two by storing the cooled mixture in the refrigerator and reheating.
– Feel free to customize with other aromatic herbs or spices!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
