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I'm not so sure I'm ready for autumn to be here yet. I'm still hanging on for dear life to whatever warmth might be left here in Wisconsin. Our last winter was just so long and harsh, I'm pretty sure I almost didn't make it through. The Farmer's Almanac is predicting another winter just like last year so I guess I should start preparing. Because our family spends so much time inside during the cold fall and winter months our home needs to be cozy, warm, comfortable and of course smelling absolutely wonderful. That's why today I'm sharing this DIY Simmering Potpourri recipe.
You really can start with whatever ingredients sound good to you. Here's what I threw into my simmer pot:
- 6 cups water
- The peel from 1 orange
- 1 apple cut in half
- 3 cinnamon sticks
For some reason I didn't have any cloves or anise on hand or I would have thrown that in there too!
Did you know that you can also simmer those scented pine cones you find in the stores during the holidays? You can! And if I would have had a couple of those, I would have thrown them in there, too!
The awesome thing about this potpourri is you can make it whatever you want it to be! Throw in ingredients that appeal to you! Closer to winter, I like to throw cinnamon and vanilla together. Yumm! So good.
Once you start simmering this on the stove, you'll just be in heaven. When I started warming mine the kids ran up from downstairs wondering what I was baking. To their dismay, there were no fresh baked goods. Just peels and fruit in a pot on the stove. How disappointing.
Well, disappointing to the kids. Not to me. This potpourri is wonderful and it actually got me feeling a little bit better about fall approaching. Feeling better, but still not totally okay with it. How about you? How do you prepare for the cooler autumn and winter months?
Turenne
hello Sara,
I've been looking at different recipes of this awesome potpourri...
I really like the way you keep it so simple and how you emphasize that we can add our favourite things to suit our particular liking. I'm going to add some Rosemary leaves... one of my very favourite fine herb. I'm looking forward to enjoy this simple and wonderful gift to me and my family... Thanks for this great share!
Sara
Potpourri is all about experimenting with the scents that will make your house a home. The addition of Rosemary sounds heavenly. Thank you for your sweet message!
Turenne
It is a bliss... I can't do without those precious scents that gently fill the home ever...
ainaa
Sorry for asking but we can't drink it right ? Just need to confirm that's all . Thank you
Sara
There's nothing in the potpourri that's harmful, but no, I don't think I would drink it. Stick to enjoying the scent. 🙂
Sandi
Hey- what a great reminder of bringing a little season indoors! Just a thought to add- how about using apple peels and core along with the orange peel, cinnamon stick, or spice of your choice (lemon peel too, or grapefruit for a high note). Save the apple for a pie (you get quite a few peels and cores from a pie, no? ) and eat your orange, juice your lemon for use in some refreshing lemon water. Then your kidlets will be happy as well with a fresh baked pie. If you want to save the simmering pot for another day- freeze the ingredients and just take out and boil as you mentioned. Other great seasonal scents- lavender, thyme, roses, mint, sage, basil, eucalyptus or any scented herbs or flowers in your garden. These can be boiled, filtered and added to bath water for an added bath scent bonus 🙂
Sara
What GREAT ideas, Sandi! Thank you for sharing!
Suzanne Holt
Most recipes like this use peelings - this would certainly be easier to just use the whole fruit. Thanks for sharing your idea. Pinned. 🙂
Kristy
Question? ????? Can you simmer the potpourri more than once? Also I am not a winter person b/c I hate when the roads get bad...but I don't want to complain b/c God has brought us safely through another year......
Sara
Kristy, You are SO right about being thankful ALL the time. As far as the potpourri, I'm not sure I would use the same ingredients the next day. I've usually discarded everything after one day, however, when you use a slow cooker, you can let it simmer ALL day as long as you continue to check on the water level and make sure it never dries out.
lonnie
I have a love hate relationship with Fall. Love the cooler weather and all the colors but hate it because I know what is coming next. I am a Spring, Summer, and Fall person. NOT a Winter person at all. I loved it when I was younger but now that I have "matured" it is no longer on my list of favorite seasons. I will start lighting candles in Fall aromas and start drinking pumpkin tea and pumpkin coffee. To get me through the winter, I will drink holiday teas and this year I am going to start sewing and try crafting. So, my wish for you is to make it through the winter with flying colors and I will be looking forward to the Spring. Have a great day.
Sara
Lonnie, you and I would get along so well! We should maybe think about starting a winter support group! LOL Let's hope winter does fly by and we'll see the sunshine and warmth again before we know it!