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Ditch the artificial candles and create your own holiday magic with this easy, all-natural Christmas Simmer Pot. Using simple ingredients like oranges, cranberries, and rosemary, you’ll fill your home with the cozy and festive aromas of Christmas in minutes.
Smells Like Christmas Spirit
It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas! With just a few simple, natural ingredients, you can fill your home with the cozy scent of the holidays. Orange and lemon slices, cranberries, herbs, and warm spices come together to create that perfect blend of fresh and festive. The mix of citrus and spice feels so cheerful and comforting, kind of like you’ve been burning a fancy holiday candle all day. When you’re done simmering, don’t toss out those fruits and spices! Simply dry them on a baking sheet to make your own potpourri, which is perfect for gifting in a cute mason jar!
❤️ Kelsey
Table of Contents
What is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot is an all-natural way to create aroma and atmosphere in your home without using a candle. Welcome guests into your home with a delicious scent of warm spices and a small cloud of steam. Typically, you fill the pot with sliced fruits, herbs, and different whole spices to make a soft and subtle scent. Then, you add water and set to a low heat and keep it simmering. It’s so easy – just put your ingredients in fresh water and let simmer for a few hours in a small saucepan. The scent will permeate your home with the most delicious and pleasing scent!
Ingredients for the Perfect Christmas Simmer Pot
- Orange Slices – Brings a bright, sweet citrus aroma that instantly adds cheer and freshness to your home. They also help balance out stronger spice scents.
- Lemon Slices – Adds a clean, zesty note that keeps the overall scent light and refreshing. Lemons pair wonderfully with both herbs and spices.
- Cranberries – These don’t add much scent, but their festive red color adds a pretty pop that feels perfectly Christmas-y.
- Rosemary Sprigs – Provides a fresh, evergreen aroma that’s reminiscent of a Christmas tree. It blends well with citrus and spice notes.
- Cinnamon Sticks – The heart of that “holiday” scent! Cinnamon adds warmth, coziness, and a hint of sweetness that makes your home feel extra inviting.
- Vanilla – Rounds everything out with a soft, cozy sweetness.
Simmer Pot Variations to Customize your Holiday Scent
Simmer pots are so versatile, and you can create all sorts of fun scent variations. Get to creating! To start you off, here are some ideas:
- Classic Simmer Pot– lemon slices, fresh rosemary sprigs, peppercorns, vanilla extract
- Orange Spice Simmer Pot– orange slices, orange peel, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves
- Fall Simmer Pot– sliced apple and peel, sliced orange and peel (or tangerine), cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves
- Christmas Tree Simmer Pot– cinnamon sticks, orange peels, whole cloves, sliced apple and peel, pine, fresh cranberries
- Star of Christmas Simmer Pot– orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise
- Zinger Simmer Pot– limes, ginger, sprigs of mint
- Spicy Spring Simmer Pot– sliced grapefruit, sliced lemon, thyme, vanilla extract, peppercorns
How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot
- Slice up your lemons and oranges, then add them to a pot with the cranberries, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and a splash of vanilla. Fill the pot with water, leaving a few inches at the top so it doesn’t boil over.
- Bring everything to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and let it simmer. Refill with water as needed and enjoy the cozy Christmas scent filling your home for hours!
Recipe Tip
Keep the heat low – the water should just barely be bubbling. At this low temperature, the pot can last about two hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is a great way to make a simmer pot because you don’t have to worry about a flame and you can keep an even, consistent temperature. Check your slow cooker simmer pot periodically to make sure the water hasn’t boiled out or boiled down to an unsafe level.
No. Because you sometimes put in things like essential oils, these liquids are unsafe to drink.
You can reuse the ingredients in your simmer pot one or two times. Another option is to dry everything out and create your own potpourri! This potpourri can be put into jars and made into gifts.
Read Next: Simmer Pot
More Crowd-Pleasing Christmas Recipes
Bring the magic of the holidays to your home with this simple and natural Christmas Simmer Pot! It’s the perfect way to make your space feel warm and inviting all season long. If you try it, we’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and rating below to share your favorite scent combinations! 🎄🥘
Christmas Simmer Pot
Ingredients
- 2 lemons
- 1 orange
- 1 cup cranberries
- 2 rosemary sprigs
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- water
Instructions
- Thinly slice the lemons and oranges.
- Add all ingredients to the pot and then fill the rest of the pot with water. Leave a few inches at the top for boiling.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat and then turn heat to low. Let simmer for up to 2 hours.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
Notes
- If the water level gets low before the two hours is up, then you can add a few more cups of water.
- Experiment with different fruits and herbs to create a blend that is uniquely you!
- Do not leave simmer pot unattended.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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