Description
Create a festive and aromatic Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar, perfect for filling your home with warm, cozy holiday scents. This simple recipe layers dried or fresh citrus, spices, and herbs in a clear jar, transforming into a delightful simmer pot gift. Use on the stovetop or in a slow cooker to gently infuse your home with seasonal fragrances.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2-3 dried orange slices or orange peels
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1-2 whole star anise pods
- 1 small handful of cranberries or goji berries for color
- 1-2 sprigs fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen branches (cedar, fir, juniper, or pine work great!)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cardamom pods
- A pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Layer Your Ingredients: Begin with the larger items like dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks at the bottom of a clear pint-sized jar. Layer cloves, star anise, and cranberries next for color and fragrance. Finally, tuck in rosemary or evergreen sprigs for a festive, natural touch that enhances the aroma.
- Choose the Right Jar: Use a pint-sized or similar clear glass jar with a lid, so the vibrant ingredients are visible, making it an attractive gift or decoration.
- Add a Label or Tag: Attach a gift tag or label that includes simmering instructions: “Pour the contents of the jar into a large pot, stockpot, 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!”
- Simmer the Pot: Transfer the ingredients to a large pot, Dutch oven, small saucepan, or slow cooker. Add water to cover and simmer on low heat for several hours. This releases the fragrances slowly, filling your space with holiday scents.
- Finish with a Decorative Touch: Tie twine or ribbon around the jar lid and add a sprig of greenery, mini cinnamon stick, or dried orange slice to complete the charming presentation.
Notes
- Water Level: Always maintain enough water in the pot while simmering to prevent ingredients from burning. Check regularly and add water as needed.
- Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients: Dried items last longer, but fresh orange slices or rosemary can be used. Fresh blends should be used within 1-2 days at room temp or refrigerated up to a week.
- Customizations: Substitute lemon peels, apple slices, or bay leaves. Add pumpkin pie spice or vanilla extract for a dessert-like aroma.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries should be refrigerated and used within a week; dried cranberries are longer-lasting.
- Simmering Methods: Works well in pots or slow cookers. Slow cooker on low is ideal for hands-free simmering.
- Reusable Ingredients: Cool and refrigerate leftover mixture to reuse the next day with fresh water; scent fades after 2-3 uses.
- Safety Tip: Never leave simmer pot unattended on stovetop to avoid evaporation and burning.
- Seasonal Variations: Add apple slices and pumpkin spice for fall or evergreen sprigs for a Christmas aroma.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Use leftover citrus peels to reduce waste and enrich aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quart jar (contents for simmering, not for eating)
- Calories: Negligible
- Sugar: Negligible
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Negligible
- Fiber: Negligible
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
