A Simmer Pot is a simple way to make your home smell amazing, without having to light a candle or other fragrance. Also called Stovetop Potpourri, just add some fruit and spices to simmering water and the smell will fill your home.
Making a simmer pot is the perfect option for your next party. Have one going on the stove (or in the slow cooker, see variations!) and serve up your favorite appetizers - like these puff pastry bites with brie, fruit charcuterie board, or cranberry jalapeño dip.
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⭐Why I Love It
- All Natural 'Fragrance' - If you're sensitive to fragrances, like in candles or fragrance diffusers, then this is a great option!
- Smells Amazing - You'll be able to start smelling it after just a few minutes.
- Easy to Do - Doesn't get much easier than adding everything to a pot with some water. you can top up with more water, as needed.
🥘Ingredients
- Whole Orange
- Whole Apple - You can use any variety of apple! It's a great way to use up an apple or two that is close to past its prime
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Whole Cloves
📖Variations
What else can I add? Have fun experimenting with different combinations! Some other things I like to use are:
- Other fruits - pears, cranberries, lemon
- Chunk of fresh ginger
- Small splash of vanilla extract
Make in the Slow Cooker - You can put this covered in a slow cooker on high for hours. The lid helps prevent evaporation so you shouldn't need to add more water. If you leave the lid off, you may need to add more water occasionally. Set it and forget it! This is a great option for a holiday party.
🍎How to Make a Simmer Pot
- Prepare fruit. Start by quartering the fresh fruit - leave the peels on!
- Add Ingredients to Pot. Add ingredients to a pot of water. You want at least 2 inches of room at the top so it doesn't simmer over.
- Bring to a Simmer. Heat pot over medium heat until water comes to a simmer, lower heat to maintain a simmer. Do not boil, just a gentle simmer. It can simmer for hours, if desired. You can leave a lid on halfway to slow down evaporation and keep adding water, as needed.
🎁Gift Idea! Simmer Pot Kits
A super easy gift idea (such as for a hostess gift!) is to package up the ingredients for the simmer pot (whole fruit and whole spices) in a clear cellophane bag or even jar. Tie a tag telling the recipient what to do with it and that's it!
👩🍳Recipe FAQs
I wouldn't. You could remove the cinnamon sticks and reuse but I would use fresh fruit. You'll notice that the apples and oranges become very soft and cooked after simmering for so long.
Hours! You'll notice the smell just minutes after the simmering starts and the aroma will spread over time. But you can leave the pot on the stove for hours (attended of course, for safety). Just keep adding water as needed!
Absolutely! This is a great no food waste option. As long as the fruit isn't rotten (that wouldn't smell good..), it's fine to use! It's a great option for bruised or dry fruits that you may have trouble getting your family to eat.
🥨Related Party Recipes
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PrintRecipe
Simmer Pot (Apple Orange Stovetop Potpourri)
A Simmer Pot is a simple way to make your home smell amazing, without having to light a candle or other fragrance. Also called Stovetop Potpourri, just add some fruit and spices to simmering water and the smell will fill your home.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 pot
- Category: Potpourri
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 orange, quartered
- 1 apple, quartered
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
Instructions
- Prepare fruit. Quarter the orange and apple. No peeling necessary.
- Add Ingredients to Pot. Add ingredients to a pot of water (pot no smaller than 2 quarts). You want at least 2 inches of room at the top so it doesn't simmer over.
- Bring to a Simmer. Heat pot over medium heat until water comes to a simmer, lower heat to maintain a simmer. Do not boil, just a gentle simmer. It can simmer for hours, if desired. Just add water as it evaporates. Enjoy the aroma!
Notes
Slow Cooker: You can also use your slow cooker. Add water ingredients to your crock pot, put the lid on, and turn to High. It can be left on High for hours. The lid will help keep the water from evaporating.
Katie says
This made my house smell so good!