Winter Simmer Pot

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Making your home smell amazing with a winter simmer pot gives your home the scents of the season for that cozy aroma.

Who doesn’t love the wonderful scent of the winter season? I know I sure do! But, this time of year, during the winter months, I want my home to have that wonderful smell of baking for the holiday season. So, a nice alternative is to make a winter simmer pot instead of lighting candles!

What is a Winter Simmer Pot?

A simmer pot is made of natural scents, with a combination of ingredients, such as apple slices, citrus peels, and cinnamon sticks, to give your home a pleasant aroma of fresh ingredients. This is a beautiful way to make your house smell delightful without using toxic ingredients. It’s a wonderful way to add that beautiful aroma to your home.

Simmer Pot is customizable!

What is terrific about the stovetop potpourri pot is that it is customizable; you can add different ingredients such as fresh ginger, bay leaves, vanilla, and all-Spice to create your winter scent.

Simmer Pot Ingredients

• 1 Tbls Whole Cloves
• 6 Orange Slices
• 3-4 Cinnamon Sticks
• 4 Apple slices (optional)
• 1 c Fresh Cranberries
• 2-4 Star Anise (optional)
• 2-3 Bay Leaves
• 3-4 Sprigs of Fresh Pine

Note: Either dried or fresh fruit will work in this recipe.

How to make a Winter Simmer Pot?

1. In a large pot or dutch oven, combine all the ingredients.
2. Add Water. The water level should cover the ingredients.
3. Simmer on low heat for as long as you like. Add fresh water as needed.

Note: Never leave the simmering pot unattended.

Can you reuse a simmer pot for a second time?

Drain water from the simmer pot ingredients to reuse your simmer pot again. Once the ingredients are drained and cooled, store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Again, be mindful; this also depends on your ingredients.

How long will the Winter Pot last?

It can last up to 3-4 days.

Slow Cooker Directions for Simmer Pot Recipes

This is the safest way to make a holiday simmer pot, and you won’t have to add water as much.

In the crock pot, add all the ingredients and enough water to cover the ingredients. Set it too high and leave it uncovered. Be sure to check occasionally to see if you need to add more water.

Are there harmful chemicals in a simmer pot?

A simmer pot is made with non-toxic ingredients. Therefore it will make your house smell amazing instead of burning a scented candle.

Can I use essential oils in a simmering pot?

Adding essential oil to your simmering pot is fine, but be mindful that too much heat can cause the oil to evaporate more quickly, making it less effective.

A Winter Simmer Pot Kit Makes a Great Gift!

Do you need a last-minute gift? Create a Winter Simmer Pot kit for family & friends. They also make lovely neighbor gifts too!

Combine ingredients into a mason jar or cellophane bag and attach a card with how-to instructions & a ribbon. You have the perfect gift!

Bonus: I included a free printable to attach to your gift! Download here!

Are homemade simmer pots safe for pets?

 Just keep in mind that cats & dogs have a much more acute sense of smell than we do, and what we think smells nice may not be so pleasant to them. However, using essential oils in your pot may be toxic.

The great thing about customizing your simmer pot differently is that you can’t mess it up. You can experiment with different ingredients to create your own. For example, you can make a simmering pot with leftover apple peels, orange peels, vanilla beans & other natural whole spices.

Have you tried making a Winter Simmer Pot? Let me know in the comments section below!

Have a Happy New Year!

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