Do you remember potpourri? My mother used to keep a tiny crock-pot that she would add potpourri to, then plug in to keep the house smelling yummy.
Simmer pots are similar to potpourri, but even better! The scent permeates through the entire house more efficiently than candles AND without the toxic fragrances that unfortunately come along with candles and plug-ins.
You don’t really even need a “recipe” to create a simmer pot! Peeling an apple for that picky kid, or *ahem* adult? Toss the peels in a pot with a cinnamon stick, add water and simmer away! It really is that simple. If you don’t have whole spices on hand, the ground versions work just as well.
Here are some of my favorite simmer pot recipes!
Apple Pie Simmer
to a pot of water, add……
* apple slices or peels
* cinnamon sticks
* whole cloves
* splash of vanilla
Bay Leaf Simmer
to a pot of water, add……
* a few bay leaves
* whole cloves
* cinnamon sticks
Creamsicle Simmer
to a pot of water, add……
* orange slices or peels
* splash of vanilla
Pumpkin Pie Spice Simmer
to a pot of water, add…..
* splash of apple cider
* generous sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice
* cinnamon sticks
* whole cloves
* ground nutmeg
* splash of vanilla
Christmas Cranberry Simmer
to a pot of water, add…..
* orange slices
* cinnamon sticks
* handful of fresh cranberries
* whole cloves
* a couple of evergreen clippings
Go ahead! Put on a simmer pot and be prepared for neighbors popping in and asking what smells so good.