DIY Simmer Pot Blends for Every Season
If you’re looking for a natural way to make your home smell amazing all year round, DIY simmer pot blends are a great idea! Using simple ingredients like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and orange peels, you can create your own home fragrance that beats artificial scents. Plus, it’s a fun and easy recipe to try each season. Whether it’s the cozy fall scents or the fresh aromas of summer, there’s a simmer pot blend for every time of year.
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What Is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot is one of the best ways to fill your home with a beautiful scent. You combine fresh ingredients, spices, and water in a large pot, stock pot, or small saucepan, and let it simmer on low heat. This allows the natural ingredients to release their fragrance, creating a scented potpourri that beats any store-bought air fresheners. It’s a great alternative to room sprays or a scented candle.
How to Make the Perfect Simmer Pot
The great thing about simmer pots is how flexible they are. You can customize the blend to match your favorite smells or the season. Use whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and star anise for warm, comforting scents. Or brighten things up with fresh fruits like apple slices, lemon peels, and fresh cranberries. Whether you prefer a low simmer on the stove-top or using a slow cooker, the following ingredients will give you plenty of ideas.
Before you get started, remember to keep the water level in check—add fresh water when needed so the pot doesn’t dry out. Here are some of the best simmer pot recipes for each season.
Fall Stovetop Potpourri Recipe
This fall stovetop potpourri recipe is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season. It’s a great way to fill your home with those classic fall scents, like cinnamon sticks and apple slices.
Ingredients
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 fresh orange, sliced
- 1/2 cup of cranberries
- Apple peels from one apple
- 4 whole cloves
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 4 cups water
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients in a small crock pot or stock pot, and simmer on the lowest setting. Make sure to keep the water level in check by adding more fresh water as needed.
Winter Christmas Simmer Pot
During the winter months, this Christmas simmer pot is a great way to make your home smell like the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 star anise
- Fresh orange slices (from 1 orange)
- 1 cup of fresh cranberries
- 2 bay leaves
- Pine needles (a few sprigs)
- 6 cups water
Instructions
Add all the ingredients to a large pot or Dutch oven and simmer on low heat. This will fill your home with the perfect Christmas time scent.
Bright Citrus Summer Simmer Pot
For a summer refresh, this combination of ingredients is a nice alternative to artificial scents and brings a bright citrusy scent to your home.
Ingredients
- 2 fresh lemons, sliced
- 2 dehydrated oranges
- 1 vanilla bean
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- 4 cups of water
Instructions
Simmer everything on low heat in a small pot or Dutch oven. Keep the water level in check and enjoy the refreshing scent.
Spring Floral and Herb Simmer Pot
Spring is the perfect time to fill your home with fresh and floral scents. This simmer pot blend is full of herbs and flowers that remind you of blooming gardens.
Ingredients
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Fresh orange peels
- 1 cup water
- 2 vanilla extract drops
- Fresh bay leaves
- Essential oils: 5 drops of lavender or lemon
Instructions
In a small crock pot or stove-top simmer pot, combine these fresh ingredients and simmer on the lowest setting. The essential oils add an extra layer of fragrance.
Hot Apple Cider Simmer Pot
This is one of the best simmer pot recipes if you love the scent of hot apple cider filling your home.
Ingredients
- Apple slices from 2 apples
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves (5-6)
- Fresh orange peels
- 6 cups of water
Instructions
Simmer on low heat in a stock pot or slow cooker, and enjoy the smell of hot apple cider throughout your home.
How to Dehydrate Simmer Pot Ingredients for Gifts
Dehydrating simmer pot ingredients is a great way to extend their shelf life and create a beautiful, natural gift that can be enjoyed at any time of year. Here’s how you can dehydrate and package them for gifting.
Citrus Slices (Orange, Lemon, Lime)
Slice your citrus fruits (orange slices, lemon peels, etc.) about ¼ inch thick. Lay them on a dehydrator tray or an oven rack and dry at 135°F (57°C) for 6-12 hours or until fully dry. If using an oven, set it to the lowest setting and prop the door open slightly.
Apple Slices
Slice apples thinly and remove any seeds. Dehydrate them at 135°F for 6-8 hours.
Fresh Cranberries
Blanch cranberries in boiling water for 1-2 minutes to soften their skins, then dehydrate at 135°F for 10-12 hours.
Herbs (Rosemary, Bay Leaves)
Lay fresh rosemary sprigs or bay leaves on the tray and dehydrate at 95°F for 2-4 hours, or until crisp.
Spices (Cinnamon Sticks, Whole Cloves, Star Anise, etc.)
Whole spices do not need dehydration but can be added as-is to your blends.
How to Assemble Dehydrated Simmer Pot Gift Packs
Create Simmer Pot Gift Bags
- Choose clear cellophane bags, brown bags with a window or small glass jars as containers for your gift. Layer the dehydrated orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and herbs like rosemary for a visually appealing look.
- Include a small recipe card with instructions on how to use the simmer pot blend: “Add the contents to a pot of water (about 4-6 cups) and simmer on low heat to enjoy the aromas.”
Why Dehydrated Simmer Pot Gifts are a Great Idea
Dehydrated simmer pot blends are a wonderful natural alternative to store-bought air fresheners, room sprays, or artificial scents. They make great gifts during the holiday season, but they’re also a thoughtful gesture for any time of year. Plus, they’re easy to customize with natural ingredients and whole spices, making them perfect for the DIY lover.
Final Thoughts
Next time you’re looking for an easy way to refresh your home, try making one of these simmer pot blends. Using simple ingredients like cinnamon sticks, whole spices, and fresh fruits, you can avoid artificial scents and create something unique to your own home. Whether you’re using a simmering pot during the holiday season or in the summer, these recipes will help keep your home smelling great all year long.