Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe: Make Your House Smell Like the Holidays

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A Christmas simmer pot is the easiest way to make your whole house smell like the holidays: oranges, cranberries, cinnamon and evergreen gently simmering on the stove. Here is our favorite Christmas simmer pot recipe, three variations, and the pretty pots and jars to make (and gift) it.

Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe

• 1 orange, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 3 to 4 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 3 star anise
• 2 to 3 sprigs of rosemary or a few pine or fir clippings
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Water to cover

1. Add everything to a small pot or Dutch oven and cover with water by an inch or two.
2. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to the lowest setting.
3. Let it simmer uncovered and top it up with water every 30 minutes or so.
4. Never leave it unattended or let it boil dry. Turn it off when you leave the room for long.
5. Cool, refrigerate and reuse it for two or three days.

Three Simmer Pot Variations

Sugar Cookie

Vanilla extract, almond extract, a cinnamon stick and a few apple slices.

Evergreen Forest

Pine or fir clippings, rosemary, bay leaves and a few slices of lemon.

Mulled Cider

Apple slices, orange peel, mulling spices and a splash of apple cider.

The Best Pots for a Simmer Pot

A small saucepan or Dutch oven works best: enough room for the fruit and spices, and pretty enough to leave on the stove all day.

Make It a Gift: Simmer Pot in a Jar

Layer dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise and dried cranberries in a glass jar, tie it with ribbon and add a tag with the instructions. It is one of the easiest homemade hostess gifts.

Product images: retailers.

Christmas Simmer Pot FAQ

How long does a simmer pot last?

Kept in the fridge between uses, a simmer pot lasts two to three days. Toss it once the fruit looks cloudy or soft.

Can I make a simmer pot in a slow cooker?

Yes. Add everything with water, set it to low and leave the lid off or cracked so the scent fills the room.