Holiday Potpourri Simmer Pot
User Reviews
5
Holiday Potpourri Simmer Pot
Description
The Holiday Potpourri Simmer Pot blends fresh cranberries, thinly sliced orange and lemon, whole cinnamon sticks, cloves, rosemary sprigs, and vanilla extract simmered in water. Heating this medley slowly releases the natural fragrances of whole spices and fresh ingredients to create a pleasant seasonal scent. It can be heated on the stovetop by bringing to a boil then reducing to a gentle simmer or prepared in a slow cooker with a warm setting for hours.
The resulting steam produces a continuous aromatic presence ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday comfort during cooler months. The potpourri typically lasts about 6 to 8 hours of simmering, with the strongest scent in the first several hours. Adding water as needed maintains simmering. Reheating the same ingredients another day is possible though the scent diminishes with reuse.
Since this preparation is for scent, not eating, care should be taken to maintain water levels and to avoid unattended stovetop simmering for safety. Placing on a back burner away from activity helps reduce accidental contact during extended heating.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberries fresh preferred but frozen are fine
- 1 orange sliced thin, large
- 1 lemon sliced thin, large
- 4 to 5 cinnamon stick 1 to 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon may be substituted
- 1 tablespoon clove 1 to 2 teaspoons ground cloves may be substituted, whole
- 2 to 3 rosemary 1 teaspoon dried rosemary may be substituted, fresh sprigs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract using essential oils is also an idea here
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Stovetop - Add all ingredients to the pot, cover with water, bring to a boil uncovered over high heat, and once boiling, reduce the heat to low so that it just barely simmers enough to create steam which is what creates the aroma. Tips - Make sure to remember to turn off your stove if you're leaving the house. I also like to place this on a back burner that's far from anyone's hands who may be in and out of the kitchen since it'll be there for hours. If the water level drops, add additional water, as needed.
- Slow Cooker - Add all ingredients to your slow cooker insert, place the lid on top, and slow cook on HIGH heat for 1 hour. Crack the lid (or remove it completely if you want the steam to escape more rapidly), turn the heat to LOW and let it simmer for 6-8 hours, or as desired. Tips - The keep WARM setting may also be useful, all slow cookers vary, so you'll need to be the judge if it's warm enough, or if low is better. If the water level drops, add additional water, as needed.
- Discard - Discard the liquid and ingredients after you're done with your simmer pot. Do not consume them.
Notes
- The simmer pot maintains fragrant aroma for about 6 to 8 hours but can be stopped earlier as desired.
- To extend use, ingredients can be saved and reheated the next day though the scent will weaken.
- Monitor water levels during simmering and add more water when low to avoid burning.
- For safety, do not leave simmer pot unattended if using the stovetop method.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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