Description
Create a festive and aromatic Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar using dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and other warm spices. This simmer pot blend fills your home with cozy seasonal scents and makes a beautiful homemade gift. Simply layer the fragrant ingredients in a jar, then simmer in water on the stove or slow cooker to release their natural aromas throughout the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary 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 cranberries or goji berries for color
Optional Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cardamom pods
- Pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Layer Your Ingredients: Begin by placing the larger items such as dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks at the bottom of the jar. Then layer in the cloves, star anise pods, and cranberries which add decorative pops of color. Finally, tuck in the rosemary or evergreen branches to bring a fresh and festive natural aroma.
- Choose the Right Jar: Use pint-sized or clear glass jars with lids that showcase the beautiful layered ingredients inside. These jars not only hold the mixture but also make for attractive holiday gifts.
- Add a Label or Tag: Attach a gift tag or label with simmering instructions to guide recipients. The instructions should say: “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!”
- Finish with a Decorative Touch: Tie twine or ribbon around the jar lid and add a sprig of greenery, a mini cinnamon stick, or a dried orange slice to complete the festive look and make it gift-ready.
Notes
- Water Level: Always maintain enough water in the pot during simmering to prevent burning. Check periodically and add fresh water as needed.
- Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients: Dried citrus and herbs last longer, but fresh oranges or rosemary can be used if consumed within 1-2 days at room temperature or refrigerated up to a week.
- Customizations: Substitute with lemon peels, apple slices, bay leaves, or cardamom pods. 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 a longer-lasting option.
- Simmering Methods: Works well in a large pot, Dutch oven, saucepan, or slow cooker (crock pot on low heat for hands-free simmering).
- Reusable Ingredients: Store cooled mixture in the refrigerator to reuse by adding fresh water, but scent fades after 2-3 uses.
- Safety Tip: Never leave simmer pots unattended on stovetop to avoid evaporation and burning.
- Seasonal Variations: Use apple slices and pumpkin pie spice for fall, or evergreen sprigs for a winter holiday aroma.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Add leftover fruit scraps like orange or lemon peels to reduce waste and enhance scent.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quart jar
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
