11 simple homemade stovetop simmer pot potpourri recipes
Food photography + a recipe
Welcome to a series where I like to show off some of my food photography work, but also share a recipe for you to enjoy.
Years ago, I used to throw big holiday open house parties and I always set the mood with a simmering pot of mulled wine or cider full of warm spices on the stove. Not only was it delicious, it was the first thing guests would smell before they even got inside the house.
Unfortunately, today’s post isn’t about mulled wine. (Another time perhaps?) But it is what got me thinking about the thing that makes a home feel warm and cozy come holiday time: intoxicatingly delicious aromas.
I used to reach for scented candles and air-fresheners, but those have mostly gotten the boot as I eliminate chemicals from my home. And this is what got me thinking about that mulled wine and cider again… What better way to get all cozy, comfy and festive at home than to have something delicious simmering in a pot on the stove?
Stovetop simmer pot potpourri is such an easy, instant way to create a festive, holiday mood.
Now, before you get all up in my business, I know that stovetop potpourri is nothing new. But if you’re anything like me, you just need a few ideas to get you started. Don’t worry sister, I’ve got ya covered- to the tune of a whopping 11 simmer pot recipes! Once you try a few of these simmer pot potpourri brews, you’ll never go back. Promise.
To make, just put 3-4 cups of water in a pot on your stove or in a small crockpot, add one of the combos from below, and simmer on low. That’s it!
If the water gets low, just add some more. I usually simmer my ingredients on the stove or in a crockpot all day long before discarding.
You can also gather the ingredients together, and package them up as fun housewarming or hostess gifts like I did.
And now, the recipe ideas.
Juniper Berry, Rosemary, Lemon
Clove, Orange, Cinnamon Sticks, vanilla, 2-4 drops cedarwood essential oil. (If gifting, omit the oil)
Rosemary, Clove, Lemon, Cranberry
Apple, Cinnamon Sticks, Thyme, Vanilla
Cranberry, Orange, Ginger, Vanilla
Star Anise, Juniper Berry, Lemon, Ginger
Juniper Berry, Pink Peppercorn, Cardamom, Rosemary
Coffee beans, Cardamom, vanilla, allspice
Pine needles (or other evergreen), clove, apples, nutmeg
Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lemon
Juniper berry, Pine needles (or other evergreen), Mint
Some notes:
I don’t measure anything out. I just add about 1-1 ½ cups dried ingredients and then add the water. Don’t sweat the details, you legit can’t mess this up.
If gifting fruit or citrus like apple, lemon or orange, slice thinly then dry on a baking rack in a 170-degree oven
You can use 1-2 whole bean vanilla pods or 1-2 tsp of extract in recipes that call for it.
Use fresh sliced ginger or if gifting substitute candied ginger.
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