Simmer Pots
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, simmer pots are a handful of fresh ingredients placed in water that are then very gently heated to release their fresh and familiar scents. They are a natural and much healthier alternative to candles or plug-in air fresheners, which release a whole plethora of volatile organic chemicals. Simmer pots can be curated for just about any season by the careful selection of their ingredients. Here are some of our favourites for the end of the year:
The Classic Holiday
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup of cranberries
- 1/2 orange, sliced
- 1/2 lemon, sliced
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 sprigs of evergreen (pine, spruce, fir etc.)
- 2 allspice berries
- 1 tablespoon whole
Freshly Baked Gingerbread
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoons molasses
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 and 1/2 inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
Refreshing Peppermint & Eucalyptus
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup fresh peppermint leaves or 2-3 peppermint tea bags
- 1 candy cane
- 2 sprigs of fresh evergreen (pine, fir, spruce etc.)
- 3 sprigs fresh eucalyptus
- 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
A note from Julie – While any kind of pot or saucepan can be used, I love using a clear vessel. In fact, there are simmer pots that can be purchased (essentially just glass), or thrifted for this exact purpose. For a non-traditional approach (or even for the reasons of what is available to you), candle warmer lamps or even crock pots also work well.
Giving the Gift of Simmer Pots
If you love creating them in your own home, consider giving the gift of a simmer pot. It is an inexpensive and thoughtful present that can be put together in a pinch. Perfect for teachers, friends and neighbors, a little gift that is sweet and easy. Our recipes above feature several fresh additions (like ginger or oranges), but when gifting, we recommend working with dried ingredients only. Here’s what you’ll need:
Giftable Simmer Pot
- 3 dried orange slices
- 2 dried lemon slices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4-6 whole cloves
- 1 star anise
- 1 whole nutmeg seed
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
To put it together:
- A small mason jar or clear gift wrap
- Handwritten note, we like to list the ingredients on one side and a “how-to” on the other
- Twine or ribbon for embellishment
Add all your ingredients into the jar/gift wrap, tie with ribbon or twine and then attach your handwritten note.
May your homes be filled with lovely scents, and cheer and merriment abundant. From all of us here at Emerson Wild, we wish you a wonderful holiday season. For more reading on all things home, garden and lifestyle, peruse the Wild Blog . And, if you don’t already, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
