Description
This Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar recipe combines a festive blend of dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, rosemary or evergreen branches, star anise, and cranberries to create a warm, natural holiday aroma. Perfect as a cozy gift or for your own seasonal ambiance, this simmer pot fills your home with delightful scents while being easy to prepare and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2-3 dried orange slices or orange peels
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice
Herbs and Spices
- 1-2 sprigs fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen branches (cedar, fir, juniper, or pine)
- 1-2 whole star anise pods
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cardamom pods or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Fruit and Color
- 1 small handful of cranberries or goji berries for color
Instructions
- Layer Your Ingredients: Begin by placing the larger items such as dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks at the bottom of your jar. Next, add the cloves, star anise pods, and cranberries or goji berries for vibrant pops of color. Finally, gently tuck in the rosemary or evergreen branches to give the blend a festive and natural touch.
- Choose the Right Jar: Select pint-sized jars or other clear glass containers with lids. These allow the beautiful mix of ingredients to be visible, making the jar itself a charming gift or decoration.
- Add a Label or Tag: Create a gift tag or label with simmering instructions to accompany the jar. Include directions such as: “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 and add fresh water as needed. Enjoy the cozy, natural aroma!”
- Finish with a Decorative Touch: Tie twine or ribbon around the lid of the jar, adding a sprig of greenery, a mini cinnamon stick, or a dried orange slice for an extra festive and personalized finish.
Notes
- Water Level: Always maintain enough water in your simmer pot to prevent burning the ingredients. Check regularly and add fresh water as necessary.
- Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients: Dried citrus slices and herbs have longer shelf life, but fresh ingredients can be used for a stronger aroma. Fresh blends should be used within 1-2 days at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Customizations: Feel free to substitute or add ingredients such as lemon peels, apple slices, bay leaves, cardamom pods, or pumpkin pie spice. A splash of vanilla extract can add a dessert-like scent.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries should be refrigerated and used within a week. Dried cranberries can be stored for longer periods.
- Simmering Methods: This recipe works well on the stovetop in a large pot, Dutch oven, or small saucepan, and also in a slow cooker on low for hands-free simmering.
- Reusable Ingredients: After simmering, store cooled ingredients in the fridge and reuse with fresh water the next day. The scent potency will lessen after 2-3 uses.
- Safety Tip: Never leave a simmer pot unattended on the stove to avoid water evaporation and burning the mixture.
- Seasonal Variations: For fall, add apple slices and pumpkin pie spice. For winter, include more evergreen sprigs.
- Eco-Friendly Option: Use leftover citrus peels or fruit scraps to minimize waste and add more fragrance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quart jar serving
- Calories: 15
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
