One of the best ways to make your home smell like the holidays, other than baking, is by making a pot of simmering potpourri.
With so many possible combinations you can make your home smell like anything you want.
If you like oranges, add oranges, if you love the smell of cinnamon add a few sticks.
Simmering Potpourri is just that, placing your ingredients in a slow cooker or saucepan with water and simmering your ingredients. As some of you are not familiar with this method of making your home smell delicious, I'm going to give you a few starter recipes that you can use, or as I like to call it, make them your own.
There is not going to be a specific amount of each ingredient this way you can add more of what you like.
Recipe #1
Orange Clove
Orange slicesCranberriesCinnamon sticksVanilla extract ClovesNutmegWater
Recipe #2
Cranberry Evergreen
Orange slicesClovesApple slicesCinnamon sticksVanilla extractEvergreen sprigsCranberriesWater
Recipe #3
Lime Mint Evergreen
Lime slices Mint Leaves Cinnamon sticksVanilla extractEvergreen sprigsWater
Recipe #4
Lemon Rosemary
Lemon slicesRosemary sprigsGrapefruit slicesVanilla extractWater
There isn't much more to it. You decide the amounts of each ingredient and fill your home with the smells of the season.
You can drink your concoction as long as you start with a clean pot or slow cooker, and are adding pure, fresh, ingredients you enjoy. Just filter the mixture before pouring it into a pitcher or your cup.
What are you waiting for? Gather your list and head to the garden or your favorite store to pick up a basketful of fruits, spices, and herbs. Your home is waiting to be enchanted as you start the season off rights!
-Heather Earles
