Description
Create a festive and aromatic Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar using dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and other fragrant spices. This simmer pot blend fills your home with cozy, natural holiday scents and makes a thoughtful gift. Simply add the jar contents to a pot with water and simmer gently to release the warm aromas.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices and Citrus
- 2-3 dried orange slices or orange peels
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1-2 whole star anise pods
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cardamom pods or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Herbs and Fruits
- 1-2 sprigs fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen branches (cedar, fir, juniper, or pine work great!)
- 1 small handful of cranberries or goji berries for color
Instructions
- Layer Your Ingredients: Begin by placing the larger items like dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks at the bottom of the jar. Then layer in the cloves, allspice, star anise, and cranberries for visual appeal. Finally, tuck in the rosemary or evergreen branches to add a festive, natural aroma and decorative touch.
- Choose the Right Jar: Use pint-sized or other clear glass jars with lids to showcase the colorful and fragrant ingredients. Glass allows the beautiful blend to shine through, making the jar itself a charming gift.
- Add a Label or Tag: Attach a gift tag or label with simmering instructions: “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!”
- Simmer and Enjoy: When ready to use, pour the ingredients into a large pot or slow cooker, cover with water, and simmer on low heat for hours. Replenish water to prevent burning and enjoy the warm seasonal scents filling your home.
- Finish with a Decorative Touch: Tie twine or ribbon around the jar lid and adorn with a sprig of greenery, a mini cinnamon stick, or a dried orange slice to complete the festive presentation.
Notes
- Water Level: Always maintain enough water in the pot to prevent the ingredients from burning. Check and add water periodically.
- Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients: Dried citrus and herbs extend shelf life, while fresh ingredients should be used within 1-2 days at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Customizations: Substitute or add lemon peels, apple slices, bay leaves, cardamom pods, pumpkin pie spice, or vanilla extract to vary the aroma.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries should be refrigerated and used within a week; dried cranberries last longer in jars.
- Simmering Methods: Suitable for stovetop simmering in stock pots, Dutch ovens, or slow cookers set on low for hands-free use.
- Reusable Ingredients: Store cooled mixtures refrigerated and reuse with fresh water up to 2-3 times before scent diminishes.
- Safety Tip: Never leave the simmer pot unattended on the stove to prevent water evaporation and burning.
- Seasonal Variations: Add apple slices and pumpkin pie spice for fall, or evergreen sprigs for winter aromas.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Use leftover fruit scraps like orange or lemon peels to reduce waste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quart jar contents simmered with water
- Calories: 5 kcal
- 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
