Aromatic Stovetop Simmer Pots For The Holidays

Sometimes called stovetop potpourri, a simmer pot usually contains a blend of citrus, spices, and other things to make your house smell amazing! Create your own signature blend using some of the ideas listed below!

Spices for Simmer Pots

Whole spices look prettier simmering in the pan, but you can also use ground spices if that’s all you have.

·  cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon

·  pumpkin pie spice

·  nutmeg

·  vanilla beans or extract

·  cloves

·  allspice

·  star anise

·  fresh or ground ginger

Fresh Herbs to use in Simmer Pots

If you’ve ever cooked with fresh herbs, then you know how amazing they make your kitchen smell. They do work best for simmering pots, but dried could be used.

·  rosemary

·  lavender

·  thyme

·  bay leaf

·  sage leaf

Natural Materials

Any fragrant natural material, fresh or dried, can be used. Forage your yard, with an eye and nose for things that are pretty and smell good!

- cedar

- eucalyptus

- pine cones

- rosehip

- pine needles

- bark

Fruits to Simmer on the Stovetop

Save the peels from citrus fruit to use in simmer pots, or add fruit slices to the simmering water. Other fruits, like cranberries, can be used whole. You can use dried or fresh fruits.

·   sliced oranges or orange rinds

·   cranberries

·   apples

·   sliced pears

·   sliced lemons and limes or just rinds

·   pomegranate

·   dried fruit

 Reusing leftover simmer pot ingredients-

Once you’re finished with your stovetop potpourri for the day, you don’t have to throw it away. Drain the solids and pour off the water, and store the leftovers in a jar or another airtight container in the refrigerator. You should be able to reuse the leftovers to make another simmer pot the next day, and add more spices or fruit if necessary.

 How to Make a Stovetop Simmer

1.  Slice fruits, leaving the rinds intact, and place into a medium-sized sauce pan.

2.  Add herbs and spices and cover with water.

3.  Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce heat and simmer uncovered.

4.  Don’t leave the simmer pot unattended and check periodically, every 30 minutes or so to ensure water remains in the pan. Add more water as necessary.

*Instead of cooking on the stovetop, you could also fill a small crock pot or slow cooker with water and your desired ingredients.