Have you ever heard of a simmer pot? It's a simple way to fill your home with a natural, aromatic scent by simmering water with fragrant ingredients. Think of it as an upgraded, garden-fresh version of stovetop potpourri. Simmer pots are a wonderful, natural alternative to candles and air fresheners, making them perfect for the holiday season.

To make a Christmas simmer pot, combine the peel from 1-2 oranges, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon of whole cloves, a small fresh Christmas tree branch or sprigs of rosemary, and some cranberries (for color, not scent) in a saucepan. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and simmer on low heat. Within 15 minutes, your home will start to smell like the holidays. Check every 2-3 hours to add more water as needed, and you can reuse the same simmer pot for 2-3 days. Tip: this works in a slow cooker, too! And when it’s done and cooled, just throw it into your compost pile!

They’re giftable, too! 

Turn a stovetop simmer pot into a thoughtful, inexpensive gift that everyone will love! Whether it's for a teacher, co-worker, or neighbor, this is a unique, sensory experience that will impress your recipients. Even if they've never heard of a simmer pot, the simple instructions you provide will make it easy and irresistible.

You’ll need a clear cellophane bag or a glass jar with lid for packaging, some twine or ribbon for decorating, and a simple tag or card for instructions.

Ingredient suggestions: dehydrated orange slices, cinnamon sticks, dehydrated apple slices, cranberries, whole cloves, a small Christmas tree branch or rosemary sprigs, star anise, and pinecones. Use dried or shelf-stable ingredients where possible. If not, include a note to "simmer within 2 weeks."     

Place all of the ingredients in the package, and make it festive with a ribbon or bow. Print the instructions on a small card and fasten to the package: To create a simmer pot, simply add the ingredients to a saucepan and cover with 6 cups of water. Simmer on low all day, adding water as needed. Enjoy the cozy holiday scent!

This charming DIY gift is sure to be a hit and fill homes with the festive spirit!

Christmas Cider: the ultimate simmer pot

In a large stock pot, add 10–12 medium apples and 2 oranges, quartered. Add 4 cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon whole cloves, 1 teaspoon whole allspice, 1 whole nutmeg, and 1 inch fresh ginger. Cover with 16 cups water, more or less to cover and turn fire to high heat.

Heat over high heat until contents reach a slow simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the apples are completely soft. Using a potato masher or a wooden spoon, mash all of the apples and oranges against the side of the stockpot to release more of their flavors. Then cover and simmer for 1 more hour. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain out all of the solids (apples, oranges, spices), pressing them against the strainer to release all of their juices. Discard the solids. Sweeten to taste and serve warm. Add beauty to your cider by adding some apple slices, dehydrated fruit slices, or cinnamon sticks to every glass.