Christmas Simmer pots are one of the easiest ways to bring the feeling of holiday warmth into your home. Simmer pots also known as ”stove top potpourri” are creative, quick and an affordable way to create loving memories during the holiday. In this blog I will outline 12 wonderful recipes Ideas you can use to make your home smell of holiday cheer!
What Is a Simmer Pot?
According to Souffle Bombay – It is “a pot filled with water, fruits, spices and or herbs that gently simmers creating a wonderful smell.” Simmer pots are often referred to as stovetop potpourri. Its function is similar. But its quicker and easier to make. These pots of boiling fruit and spices are a simple and quick to make.
Why Make it?
You may be thinking, this sounds nice and all, but why would I want to make one?
You may have inadvertently been making it all along without realizing it. In my home in the Bahamas when I was younger. Guava duff was a staple on Christmas day. Its a boiled pastry stiffed with fruit, traditionally guavas. My mummy would boil slices guava and vanilla and nutmeg with the intention of putting it in a dough. The house smelt of this fragrance all through Christmas Eve and in the Christmas morning. It was glorious. Below you can find the
A Non toxic way to fragrance your home
Its becoming more and more important to create a home that’s not only clean but non toxic. If your someone with allergies, a sensitive nose or if your mindful about what chemicals your loved ones are breathing in. Then Simmer pots are great alternative to plug ins or candles.
A Creative And Affordable Christmas Gift
I believe thoughtful gifts are the absolute best. The contents of the pots can be gifted in dried form to others. Simply slice them and dry them in a dehydrator. Package them and allow the giftee to boil at their leisure. You can also soak the fruit in oil and put in a jar to gift to others as well.
A Fun and Bonding Mini Project to do with The Kids
Nothing makes kids happier than projects that they can do with their family during the holidays. This project, creates whimsy and excitement for the holiday season in children. It teaches them how to follow instructions, how to use kitchen tools safely. It teaches them how to express creativity and its a loving memory they can take with them throughout their life. Consider this as a family holiday tradition!
Jump to Recipe
What Can I Add to My Christmas Simmer Pot?
This is where the funs starts. You can add any fruit or spice that you want! Allow your little ones to pick their favorite fruits. Consider fruits or scents that are traditional and common in your region or country. For me I would make mine with Guavas as an ode to the Bahamian dish Guava Duff, lovingly eaten on Christmas in the Bahamas as mentioned earlier.
You can opt for traditional options as well such as cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla , pine tree ect. Be creative.
What Kind of Pot is needed?
You can use the pot of your choice. If you are going to use none edible ingredients than feel free to use a separate pot and store it separately. This is just my personal preference.
How long Will the Fragrance Last?
Generally this can last at least a day or two. For guaranteed freshness I would store in a container in the fridge and reheat when necessary.
Can I Drink The Water From the Christmas Simmer Pot?
Feel free to drink this if you use all edible ingredients. Ingredients like Pine should not be consumed. And even some spices may cause adverse affects if you are taking medication. So do your due diligence before dringing the spimmer potbre that has a strong combination of spices in it.
How Many Times Can I Reuse Simmer Pots?
I think its good for up to three days, with reheating occasionally.
Instructions
How to make A Christmas Simmer Pot
Equipment
- 1 Pot Use pot of choice!
- 1 Knife Knife will be used to slice fruit
- 1 Cutting Board
Instructions
- Fill a pot with water. ( Size depending on how long you want the brew to last!)
- Slice fruit of choice ( Lemons, Oranges, Tangerines, ect)
- Add in your aromatics as suggested above or try various add-ins like, bay leaves, lemon, nutmeg, cardamom, lavender, apples, star anise, cloves. Use anything you want really! be creative!
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and allow it to simmer for 2-3 hours.
- Set a time to check on pot. Remember not to leave on without monitoring!
Recipe Ideas
– Cranberry and Pine
-Apple Cinnamon
-Peppermint Vanilla
-Spiced Coffee (Cloves, Coffee beans, Vanilla Stick, cardamon)
-Cinnamon, cardamon and tangerine
-Grapefruit and Vanilla
-Ginger , Honey, Nutmeg, Star Anise
-Orange and Cloves
-Mulled Wine with Orange and spices
-Pomegranate, mint
-Guava, Vanilla Stick, Cinnamon, Allspice
About the Author
De’Shante’ Grant – Parris
De’Shante’ is a Lifestyle and Wellness blogger with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. De’Shante’s love for living a life in balance was heightened through her experiences watching people in her life lose themselves to the rat race of life. De ‘Shante believes unbearable stress and neglect can lead to many preventable illnesses. She is an advocate for a life of wellness and self-care as top priority in our human experience.
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