Description
Create a festive and aromatic Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar with a blend of dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise, cranberries, and fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen sprigs. This simmer pot recipe fills your home with a warm, natural holiday scent that can be easily prepared as a decorative gift. Simply simmer the ingredients in water on low heat for hours, adding water as needed to maintain the fragrance and ambiance.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2-3 dried orange slices or orange peels
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1-2 whole star anise pods
Herbal and Color Accents
- 1-2 sprigs fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen branches (cedar, fir, juniper, or pine)
- 1 small handful of cranberries or goji berries for color
Optional Spices
- 1 teaspoon cardamom pods or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Layer Your Ingredients: Begin by placing the larger items such as dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks at the bottom of your jar. Follow by layering in the whole cloves, star anise pods, and cranberries or goji berries to add attractive pops of color. Finally, tuck in the rosemary or evergreen sprigs to add a fresh, festive touch.
- Choose the Right Jar: Use a pint-sized or any clear glass jar with a lid. These jars showcase the beautiful layers of ingredients, making the jar visually pleasing and gift-ready.
- Add a Label or Tag: Attach a gift tag or label with simmering instructions. Advise to pour the contents into a large pot, stock pot, or slow cooker, add enough water to cover the ingredients, and simmer on low heat. Remind to watch the water level and add fresh water to keep the aroma alive.
- Simmer and Enjoy: Transfer the jar’s contents into a simmering vessel such as a large pot or slow cooker, add water to cover everything, and gently simmer on low heat for up to 5 hours. Keep an eye on the water and replenish as needed to avoid burning the ingredients and to maintain a cozy scent.
- Finish with Decorative Touches: Tie twine or ribbon around the jar’s lid. Add a sprig of greenery, a small cinnamon stick, or a dried orange slice to complete the festive presentation for gifting or displaying.
Notes
- Always maintain sufficient water in the pot when simmering to prevent the ingredients from burning; check water levels regularly and add fresh water as needed.
- Dried citrus and herbs last longer, but fresh alternatives like orange slices or rosemary are possible; use fresh blends within 1-2 days at room temperature or up to one week refrigerated.
- Feel free to customize by substituting with lemon peels, apple slices, bay leaves, or sprinkle in pumpkin pie spice or a splash of vanilla extract for a dessert-like aroma.
- Use fresh cranberries refrigerated and consumed within a week; dried cranberries extend shelf life for long-lasting jars.
- Simmering can be done in various vessels including a large pot, Dutch oven, small saucepan, or slow cooker; a small crock pot on low setting offers hands-free simmering.
- Store and reuse the cooled simmer mixture up to 2-3 times with fresh water added each time; scent fades after repeated uses.
- Do not leave the simmer pot unattended on the stovetop to avoid water evaporation and burning.
- Seasonal variations include fall blends with apple slices and pumpkin pie spice or winter blends with evergreen sprigs.
- Use leftover citrus peels like orange or lemon to reduce waste and add fragrance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quart jar (non-edible aromatic mixture)
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
