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Fill your home with the festive scents of the season with a Christmas simmer pot. This easy recipe is perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere throughout the holiday season.
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Early Holiday Inspiration Blog Hop
There is something truly magical about the holiday season. And while it may seem early to start thinking about Christmas in October, getting a head start now can help ensure a stress-free and joyful season, without the last-minute rushing.
To help you get into the holiday spirit I’ve teamed up with some friends to share 10 different DIY and decor ideas to inspire you for the Christmas season.
Thank you to my good friend Pasha from Pasha Is Home for hosting and coordinating this holiday hop.
Like this post? Subscribe now to see more and get all of the latest updates sent straight to your inbox!
And welcome to those of you who are stopping by from Shawna at Willow Bloom Home.
All of the posts are linked at the bottom of the page, so be sure to take time to visit each blogger for all of the Christmas inspiration.
Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe For A Cozy Holiday
The holiday season is a time for festive gatherings and cozy nights spent at home snuggled up by the fire enjoying Christmas movies with your favorite holiday snacks.
One of the best ways to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere in your home for the holidays is to make a simple 6-ingredient Christmas simmer pot.
What Is A Christmas Simmer Pot?
A simple, homemade stovetop potpourri, this Christmas simmer pot recipe is perfect for the holiday season.
And making a Christmas simmer pot is surprisingly easy. Even if you’ve never made one before!
Just simmer a pot of water with seasonal ingredients like cinnamon sticks, oranges, cranberries, cloves, and sprigs of rosemary to fill your home with the cozy and festive scents of the holiday season.
Ingredients To Make A Christmas Simmer Pot
To create your own festive Christmas simmer pot, here is a list of ingredients you’ll need:
- 4 cups water
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 springs of rosemary
Directions To Make A Christmas Simmer Pot On The Stovetop
Step 1: Fill Your Pot With Water
Start by filling a large stock pot or Dutch oven with four cups of water, or enough to fill your pot at least halfway.
I like to use an enameled cast iron Dutch oven, but any large, non-reactive pot will work for this holiday simmer recipe.
Step 2: Add The Ingredients To Your Pot
Slice one large orange. Next, add your orange slices to the pot of water along with one cup of cranberries, and a teaspoon of whole cloves.
Then add 2-3 cinnamon sticks and 2 springs of fresh rosemary to the mixture.
Step 3: Stir And Simmer
Turn the heat on low and let your Christmas potpourri simmer on the stovetop for 2-3 hours.
As the mixture simmers, you’ll start to notice hints of cinnamon and citrus filling your home with the wonderful smell of Christmas.
Step 4: Add Water As Needed
And finally, be sure to add additional water as needed to keep the pot from boiling dry.
(You don’t want burnt-on oranges and cranberries stuck to the bottom of your pan!)
DIY Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe Tips:
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when creating your homemade Christmas simmer pot:
- For a stronger scent, use more ingredients or add a few drops of essential oils to the stock pot.
- For a more festive look, add some fresh pine stems
- If you don’t have all of the ingredients listed, don’t worry! Get creative and use whatever seasonal ingredients you have on hand.
- You can experiment with other fresh fruits like pears or apples. Or try different spices such as star anise or nutmeg.
Directions To Make A Christmas Simmer Pot In The Crock Pot
You can make this festive holiday recipe in a crock pot too!
Simply dump all your ingredients in a medium-sized slow cooker. Then cover, set it to low heat, and let the crock pot do the rest of the work.
The Benefits Of Using A Simmer Pot
There are many benefits to using a holiday simmer pot. Besides making your home smell amazing, it’s a natural way to freshen the air and reduce odors.
It’s also a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit, and it’s safer than burning a candle or heating wax melts.
An Easy Homemade Christmas Gift On A Budget
You can easily turn this cozy simmer pot recipe into an affordable gift that everyone will love. It’s the perfect present for friends, neighbors, and coworkers, or bring it as a hostess gift to a holiday party!
Carefully fill a 2-quart mason jar with all the ingredients. Then tie a festive ribbon and gift tag around the lid of the jar. (Don’t forget to write the instructions on the back of the tag!)
BONUS: Save money and make your own holiday gift tags at home. Get my free printable Christmas gift tags HERE.
Since this is made with fresh produce, it’s best to put the jar together the day before you give it away and store it in the fridge until then.
Be sure to tell the person you’re gifting it to to use it within two days and keep it in the fridge until they’re ready to use it.
Common Christmas Simmer Pot Questions:
Q: Can you use ground cinnamon?
A: Yes, if you don’t have cinnamon sticks,you can use some ground cinnamon in its place. 1 cinnamon stick is equal to about 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Q: Can you use frozen cranberries in a Christmas simmer pot?
A: Fresh cranberries are best, but frozen cranberries will work in a pinch or if you are unable to find any fresh ones.
Q: Can you reuse a simmer pot the next day?
A: Depending on what ingredients you’ve used in your simmer pot,you can reuse the same one for several days! Simply continue to replace the water as needed.
Other Holiday Simmer Pot Recipes
- Cranberry rosemary simmer pot:This simple simmer pot is made with cranberries, rosemary sprigs, and water. It has a fresh and fruity scent that is perfect for the holidays.
- Gingerbread simmer pot:This simmer pot is made with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It has a warm and spicy scent that is perfect for filling your home with the smell of gingerbread.
- Apple cider simmer pot:This simmer pot is made with apple cider, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. It has a sweet and spicy scent that is perfect for the holiday season.
- Pine needle simmer pot:This simmer pot is made with pine needles, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. It has a fresh and piney scent that is perfect for filling your home with the smell of the forest.
No matter what ingredients you choose, a holiday simmer pot is a great way to make your home smell amazing and get into the holiday spirit.
So gather up your favorite seasonal ingredients and give it a try!
More Holiday Inspiration from Midwest Life and Style
If you love this Christmas simmer pot, you might also like these holiday DIYs and recipes.
How To Make A Gingerbread Snow Globe Centerpiece
Cozy Hot Cocoa Bar With Free Printable Tags
How To Make Hot Cocoa Bombs: 6 Different Recipes
More Holiday DIY And Decor Ideas
Next, go visit Melanie at Southern Crush at Home to see her tutorial for making a beautiful red bird Christmas wreath.
Then don’t forget to visit all the holiday posts linked below for even more festive Christmas decor and DIY ideas.
Thanks for stopping by today! Wishing you a joyous and magical holiday season.
Xo,
Click on each of the links below to see more Christmas ideas and inspiration.
How to Make an Easy Red Bird Christmas Wreath // Southern Crush at Home
Simple and Neutral French Country Christmas Decor Ideas // Robyn’s French Nest
12 Creative DIY Christmas Tree Stand Ideas to Try This Year // WM Design House
Simple Ideas for Christmas Decorating on a Budget // Shiplap and Shells
Mesh and Ribbon Christmas Wreath: A Stunning Holiday Decoration // White Lilac Farmhouse
DIY Tartan Plaid Photo Frame: A Pottery Barn Look Alike for Less // Cottage in the Mitten
Items to Get You Excited to Decorate for the Holidays // Pasha is Home
How To Set Up A Beautiful Seasonal Beverage Station // A Stroll Through Life
Easy Greenery Christmas Wreath // Willow Bloom Home
Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe For A Cozy Holiday // Midwest Life and Style
Recipe for a Christmas Simmer Pot
Pin Recipe
5
Christmas Simmer Pot
Fill your home with the festive scents of the season with a Christmas simmer pot. This easy recipe is perfect for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere throughout the holiday season.
Print Recipe
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time2 hours hrs
Servings: 1 simmer pot
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1 large orange, sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
Fill a large pot with 4 cups of water.
Add the cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and rosemary to the pot and stir.
Cover and simmer on low for 2-3 hours.Add more water, as needed, to prevent the simmer pot from drying out.
Notes
This recipe can be adapted to a crock pot. Follow the directions as listed, and heat all ingredients on low.
Your simmer pot can be reused for several days! Simply let cool and then place your pot in the fridge. Continue to replace the water and fresh ingredients as needed.
I would love to see what you make! If you try any of my recipes, be sure to tag me in your photos!
IG: @midwestlifeandstyle + #midwestlifeandstyle
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