Description
Create a cozy and festive atmosphere with this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar recipe. Filled with dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and fragrant evergreen sprigs, this simmer pot infuses your home with warm, natural holiday aromas. Perfect as a thoughtful handmade gift or a charming centerpiece, it’s simple to assemble and can be simmered on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for hours of comforting fragrance.
Ingredients
Scale
Spices and Aromatics
- 2-3 dried orange slices or orange peels
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon allspice
- 1-2 whole star anise pods
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cardamom pods or a pinch of pumpkin pie spice
Herbs and Greens
- 1-2 sprigs fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen branches (cedar, fir, juniper, or pine work great!)
Additional Color
- 1 small handful of cranberries or goji berries for color
Instructions
- Layer Your Ingredients: Begin by placing the larger items such as dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks into the jar. Follow by layering the cloves, star anise, and the handful of cranberries or goji berries, which add pops of festive color. Finally, tuck in the rosemary or evergreen sprigs to bring a natural, holiday touch to your simmer pot.
- Choose the Right Jar: Select pint-sized or other clear glass jars with lids to hold your simmer pot ingredients. These jars showcase the vibrant, layered ingredients beautifully and make the simmer pot a visually appealing gift.
- Add a Label or Tag: Attach a gift tag or label with simmering instructions for the recipient. Instructions should suggest pouring the jar’s contents into a large pot, stock pot, or slow cooker, adding enough water to cover the ingredients, and simmering on low heat. Remind them to check water levels regularly and replenish as needed while enjoying the cozy aroma.
- Finish with a Decorative Touch: Complete the jar presentation by tying twine or ribbon around the jar lid. Add a decorative sprig of greenery, mini cinnamon stick, or a dried orange slice to enhance the festive look of your simmer pot gift.
Notes
- Always maintain adequate water in the pot during simmering to prevent ingredients from burning; check and add water as needed.
- Dried ingredients provide longer shelf life, but fresh orange slices or rosemary can be used; fresh blends should be used within 1-2 days at room temperature or refrigerated up to a week.
- Customize by substituting lemon peels, apple slices, bay leaves, or cardamom pods. Pumpkin pie spice or vanilla extract can add a dessert-like aroma.
- If using fresh cranberries, refrigerate and use within one week. Dried cranberries offer better longevity in the jar.
- This blend simmers well in a large pot, Dutch oven, small saucepan, or slow cooker. A crock pot on low is ideal for hands-free simmering.
- After simmering, refrigerated cooled mixture can be reused with fresh water but scent fades after 2-3 uses.
- Never leave simmer pot unattended on the stovetop to avoid water evaporation and burning ingredients.
- Fall variations include apple slices and pumpkin pie spice; evergreen sprigs add a wintry Christmas aroma.
- Use leftover citrus peels to reduce waste and add eco-friendly touches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quart jar
- Calories: 10 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
