Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Christmas Simmering Pot Potpourri

I love the smell of Christmas. Cookies baking. Oranges. Fresh cut pine. All of these scents remind me of the Christmas season.

Have you ever tried a stovetop potpourri? I was introduced to them when we first got married. A friend gave us a bag with half an orange, half a lemon and some spices, with instructions to put it all in a pot of water and let it simmer away. I've been hooked ever since and always have a simmering pot going during the Christmas season.

Last year, my neighbor gave us a different combination. Oranges, cranberries and spices all in a mason jar. It smells so good too!

Christmas Simmering Pot Potpourri







It's Day 8 and we are sharing Christmas In A Jar Ideas!


Christmas Simmering Pot Potpourri

Christmas simmering pot potpourri

You can use stovetop potpourri for several days, refilling the water as it gets low. The aroma it creates is amazing! Once the scent weakens, begin again with fresh ingredients.

These make a great {and super easy} gift for friends and neighbors. Place the ingredients in a jar {wide-mouth jars are best to fit the orange}, add a tag and a ribbon and that's it!

Need a tag: Try these darling reindeer tags or these stovetop potpourri tags

Today I'll share my two favorite recipes for a simmering pot.

Citrus Spice Blend Simmering Pot Recipe


1/2 orange
1/2 lemon
2 cinnamon sticks
2 bay leaves
1 t. whole cloves

Place in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer. Refill water as needed.

Orange/Cranberry Blend Stovetop Potpourri Recipe


1 orange, sliced
1 c. cranberries (fresh are best)
2 cinnamon sticks
1 T. whole cloves
1 t. nutmeg
2-3 sprigs of rosemary

Place in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then lower heat to a simmer. Refill water as needed.

Note: I originally tried pine needles (that's what's in the pictures) but I found I didn't care for that smell. Replace with rosemary, or just omit  the pine needles all together.

Christmas Simmering Pot Potpourri


11 comments :

  1. I've always wanted to try a simmering potpourri. I wish I could smell it! What a thoughtful and sweet idea. Love it!

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  2. I always have a mini crockpot simmering during the holidays so I'll definitely be trying your potpourri blend. Thanks for the recipe!

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  3. I can almost smell it from here! How festive and fun!

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  4. I have never tried stove top potpourri. It is so easy and makes such a nice gift.

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  5. What a fun gift! I love that you included two recipes for yummy smells!

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  6. I'll bet this smells amazing!! An easy gift to put together at the last minute too for those unexpected gift needs.

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  7. I cannot wait to run out to the yard and grab a few pine needles for your Orange/Cranberry Blend. I love simmering potpourri... it's like I get a great smelling house while keeping us all from getting all dried out from the wood heat! Thank you so much.

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  8. Do the pine boughs or needles leave sap in your pan or crock pot?

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    1. I didn't notice any sap residue. I decided I wasn't a fan of the scent - maybe it was the type of pine needles I used. I just leave it out now.

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    2. Lovely! Could you please recommend a version that can be sent afar through the mail?

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    3. The cranberries would probably get smashed in transit.

      Try this: Add a whole orange and lemon to the jar. Add in a couple cinnamon sticks and a 1-2 tablespoons of cloves. Instruct the recipient to slice the orange and lemon and add them as well as the cinnamon sticks and cloves to a pot and cover with water and simmer.

      I think the orange and lemon would fair ok in the mail, just make sure to package the jar with plenty of cushion to keep it from breaking.

      Hope that helps.

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