My sense of smell is my superpower.
I don’t remember when I wasn’t wondering what is that smell??
Kinda weird, I know.
Also not the best thing during pregnancies. 😉
Because of this affliction, I like to add scent to my home as naturally as possible.
So simmer pots are my jam, and a Christmas simmer pot is my favorite!
What is a simmer pot?
A simmer pot can be anything that will warm a liquid mixture without burning it. Today I am using a 1.5 qt crockpot, but you can also use a pot on the stovetop on simmer for the same results as I did last year with this recipe.
It can be a wonderful alternative to lighting a candle and is less likely to bother people with allergies to synthetic ingredients.
Christmas Simmer Pot Ingredients
My favorite thing about simmer pots is you can truly use whatever you have on hand.
I usually have Star of Anise on hand for other Christmas recipes this time of year, and I love to add it to the pot because it smells divine.
If your grocery store is sold out-as, as mine often is, I order it from Amazon.
- 3 cups of water
- Orange slices- I used mandarin oranges because I had them on hand.
- 2 or 3 cinnamon sticks
- 4 o 5 Star of Anise
- 6-8 whole cloves
- Fresh Rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Extract
Slice your fruits and then add them to the water.
Bring to a boil, then simmer on low.
Easy right?!?!
I add a cup of water when the mixture runs low.
Your simmer pot can last 3 or 4 days, then toss and start over.
Other Simmer Pot Ideas
Mixing up ingredients is part of the fun!
My other favorite ingredients are lemons and limes, apples and pears, and even grapefruit.
Cranberries, bay leaves, and pine needles can instantly add that inviting home for the holidays feel to you.
Play around to find the combination that says warm and cozy to you.
I wish we had scratch-and-sniff blog posts.
It really does smell amazing.
Until next time,
-Libbie
You may also like the following:
DIY Mini Succulent Christmas Tree
A Fresh tabletop Christmas tree
Easy Chai Tea White Russian
I will be making this in the next few days and I can’t wait!
I use a small $10 crockpot for this purpose. But I used to use a real pot on the stove turned as low as I could. The smells are amazing! I never realized Star of Anise was good for a simmer pot but I will give it a try! Pinned!
This must smell amazing! Looks pretty too!
Very much like mine and I use a crock pot too. But I’ve never added star anise to mine. Maybe I’ll have to pick some up and try.
You had me at Rosemary! Thanks for the inspiration. Adding this to new things to add for Christmas. All about the smells of Christmas, too!
Love this idea! I need to try it, nothing like the smell of Christmas!
My sister-in-law used to make something similar. Your blend sounds delightful!