Hello friends! There’s no place quite like Michigan in the fall. The air gets crisp, the leaves turn a breathtaking riot of red, orange, and gold, and everywhere you look, there’s a reminder of nature’s beauty. It’s my favorite time of the year.
Fall isn’t just about the beauty outside, though—it’s also about bringing a cozy, feeling indoors. One of my favorite ways to add cozy vibes to my home is with scent. There’s something magical about filling your space with a fragrance that makes you feel instantly warm and at ease.
That’s why I’m so excited to share my recipe for this Cinnamon Toast Fall Simmer Pot. It’s more than just a scent; it’s a memory. It takes me right back to my childhood, to those chilly mornings when my mom would make me homemade cinnamon toast for breakfast. The smell of cinnamon and sugar toasting was like a warm hug to start the day. This fall simmer pot captures all those “fall feels” in a pot. I hope you love it as much as I do!
* This post contains affilate links
Cinnamon Toast Simmer Pot For Fall
As the second-largest apple producer in the country, our state is absolutely overflowing with apples this time of year. I’m lucky enough to live right next to a large apple orchard, and the sweet, fresh scent of apples seems to be a constant presence in my life from late August through October. I am always looking to mix apples and cinnamon for fall. An Autumn simmer pot is the perfect answer.
What is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot, also known as stovetop potpourri, is used to naturally infuse a home with a fresh, cozy, and pleasant scent using water and natural ingredients like fruits, herbs, and spices. Stovetop potpourri is an all-natural, chemical-free alternative to synthetic air fresheners and scented candles, and provides aromatherapy benefits and humidifying the air by releasing fragrant steam.
Ingredients List for Fall Simmering Pot
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced (optional, but I like the sweetness it adds to the scent)
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp whole cloves
- 1 tbsp star of anise
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 cups of water, or enough to fill your pot about three-quarters full
Instructions for a simmer pot.
A simmer pot (or simmering potpourri) can be made in a regular saucepan, a dutch oven or even a slow cooker. I am using a glass simmer pot that was a gift last Christmas. I like that it looks pretty as it makes my home smell amazing. You could also use a candle warmer (you can see mine here). Choose whatever you have on hand.
I prefer to make this in small batches so that smells fresh.
Combine your ingredients:
- Add water to your pot. Add enough to cover two thirds of the container
- Slice your apples and oranges add them to your pot
- Add your spices
- Bring the ingredients to a boil over medium-high heat, then as soon as it begins to boil turn the stove to simmer.
- Gently stir the ingredients.
- Next up add the Vanilla. The vanilla is what gives this Fall simmer pot its delicious toasted cinnamon scent. I am very liberal when adding it. 🙂
- Enjoy! Your simmer pot can simmer for as long as you like. I keep an eye on mine and add water as the water evaporates.
Tips for a Natural Fall Simmer Pot:
For safety, never leave a hot pot on the stove unattended. The water can evaporate completely, causing a fire hazard.
Don’t overfill the pot: Start with the pot about half to three-quarters full of water to leave room for the ingredients and to allow the fragrance to disperse without being diluted.
When possible opt for whole spice ingredients. Whole spices release their fragrance slower and for longer than their ground or dried counterparts.
If you use a slow cooker leave the lid cracked.
Cleaning up:
Cleaning burnt pots: It happens! If your pot accidentally runs dry and scorches, add water and simmer it gently to help loosen the debris. You can also try boiling a mixture of water and baking soda to help lift the burnt-on residue.
You can compost your fall simmer pot ingredients: The simmer pot ingredients are biodegradable, so once you’re finished with them, they can be added to your compost bin. WIN! WIN!
FAQ’s about Simmer Pots.
- How long will a simmer post last? Your simmer pot will last for 2-3 days. Don’t forget to periodically add more water as the simmer pot evaporates, but most ingredients will remain fragrant for a lot longer than you’d think.
- Can you make a mistake with a simmering pot? Not really. Just remember to keep your eyes on it. As for ingredients-have fun with them, there is no right or wrong way to make a simmer pot recipe.
Other Combinations for a Fall Simmering Pot
Combine sliced apples (or just peels and cores), whole cinnamon sticks, and a tablespoon of whole cloves for a warm, fresh from the backery scent.
If Apple pie is your love language try mixing apple slices, orange peels, a splash of vanilla extract, and some nutmeg to create the fragrance of a freshly baked pie. Yum!
Spiced Cranberry-Orange: A simple blend of fresh or dried cranberries, sliced oranges, and a few cinnamon sticks is a foolproof combination.
Chai Spice: Use cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and slices of fresh ginger for an exotic, spicy fragrance.
And there you have it—an easy way to make your home feel like a warm, cozy fall embrace. This simmer pot is more than just a scent; it’s an experience that brings all the best parts of the season indoors. I hope this little pot of cinnamon toast magic fills your home with as much warmth and joy as it does mine. Happy simmering!
Until next time,
-Libbie
You may also enjoy:
Simple Simmer Pot Recipes for Spring and Summer
Simple Simmering Stovetop Potpourri-Smells like Christmas!
Let’s make a Citrus Simmer Pot for Spring!
