Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar
A festive blend of dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, fresh rosemary, and star anise—this Christmas Simmer Pot captures the warm, cozy scents of the holiday season. Perfect for filling your home with natural aromas or gifting to loved ones in a beautifully layered jar.
Ingredients
- 2-3 dried orange slices or orange peels
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1-2 sprigs fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen branches cedar, fir, juniper, or pine work great!
- 1-2 whole star anise pods
- 1 small handful of cranberries or goji berries for color
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cardamom pods or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Layer Your Ingredients: Begin with the larger items like orange slices and cinnamon sticks, then layer in the cloves, star anise, and cranberries for pops of color. Finally, tuck in the rosemary or evergreen branches for a festive, natural touch.
Choose the Right Jar: Pint-sized jars or other clear glass jars with lids work best. They allow the beautiful ingredients to shine through, making the jar a gift in itself.
Add a Label or Tag: Use a gift tag or label with simmering instructions:“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, adding fresh water as needed. Enjoy the cozy, natural aroma!”
Finish with a Decorative Touch: Tie twine or ribbon around the jar lid, and add a sprig of greenery, a mini cinnamon stick, or a dried orange slice to complete the look.
Notes
Water Level: Always keep enough water in the pot while simmering to prevent the ingredients from burning. Check periodically and add fresh water as needed.
Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients: While dried citrus slices and herbs have a longer shelf life, you can also use fresh ingredients like orange slices or rosemary. If using fresh ingredients, the simmer pot blend should be used within 1-2 days if stored at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a week.
Customizations: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on what you have. Lemon peels, apple slices, bay leaves, or cardamom pods make great additions. You can also sprinkle in a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or add a splash of vanilla extract for a more dessert-like aroma.
Cranberries: If using fresh cranberries, note they should be refrigerated to keep them fresh and used within a week. Dried cranberries are a great alternative for longer-lasting jars.
Simmering Methods: This blend works well in a large pot, Dutch oven, small saucepan, or slow cooker. For hands-free simmering, a small crock pot set to the lowest heat setting is ideal.
Reusable Ingredients: After simmering, you can store the cooled mixture in the refrigerator and reuse it the next day by adding fresh water. However, the scent will gradually fade after 2-3 uses.
Safety Tip: Never leave a simmer pot unattended on the stovetop, as the water can evaporate quickly and cause the ingredients to burn.
Seasonal Variations: Customize the blend for the fall season with apple slices and pumpkin pie spice, or add evergreen sprigs for a wintry Christmas-time aroma.
Eco-Friendly Option: If you have leftover fruit scraps like orange peels or lemon peels, they’re a fantastic addition to a simmer pot and a great way to reduce waste.