Description
Create a festive and aromatic Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar with dried oranges, cinnamon, cloves, and fragrant evergreens. This simmer pot keeps your home cozy with natural holiday scents and makes a thoughtful, beautiful gift.
Ingredients
Scale
Simmer Pot Ingredients
- 2-3 dried orange slices or orange peels
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1-2 sprigs fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen branches (cedar, fir, juniper, or pine)
- 1-2 whole star anise pods
- 1 small handful of cranberries or goji berries for color
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cardamom pods or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Layer Your Ingredients: Begin with the larger items like dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks, placing them at the bottom or center of your jar. Layer in the cloves, star anise pods, and cranberries next to add pops of festive color. Finally, tuck sprigs of rosemary or evergreen branches among the other ingredients for a natural, aromatic touch.
- Choose the Right Jar: Use pint-sized or similar clear glass jars with lids so the colorful ingredients are visible, making the jar visually appealing and gift-worthy. Ensure the jar is clean and dry before layering.
- Add a Label or Tag: Attach a gift tag or label with simmering instructions. Write: “Pour the contents of the jar into a large pot, stock pot, 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!” This helps the recipient use the simmer pot safely and effectively.
- Finish with a Decorative Touch: Tie twine, ribbon, or festive string around the jar lid to give it a charming holiday look. Add a sprig of greenery, a mini cinnamon stick, or a dried orange slice to the top for an extra decorative flourish.
Notes
- Water Level: Always maintain enough water in your simmer pot to prevent the ingredients from burning. Check periodically and add fresh water as needed when simmering.
- Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients: Dried orange slices and herbs last longer but fresh orange slices and rosemary can be used. If using fresh, consume or use the simmer pot within 1-2 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.
- Customizations: Consider swapping ingredients like lemon peels, apple slices, or bay leaves. Adding cardamom pods, pumpkin pie spice, or a splash of vanilla extract can make the aroma more dessert-like.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries should be refrigerated and used within one week while dried cranberries help extend shelf life in your jar.
- Simmering Methods: This blend works well in a large pot, Dutch oven, small saucepan, or slow cooker. A small crock pot on low is ideal for hands-free simmering.
- Reusable Ingredients: After simmering, cool and refrigerate the potpourri mixture. Reuse by adding fresh water the next day. The scent typically fades after 2-3 uses.
- Safety Tip: Never leave a simmer pot unattended on the stovetop because evaporation can cause burning.
- Seasonal Variations: For fall, add apple slices and pumpkin pie spice. For Christmas, include evergreen sprigs to deepen the festive aroma.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Leftover citrus peels like orange or lemon scraps are excellent additions to reduce waste and boost fragrance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quart simmer pot
- Calories: 10
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
