15 Autumn Simmer Pot Recipes to Make Your Home Smell Delicious

There’s nothing quite like walking into a home filled with the comforting and inviting aroma of natural fragrances. One of the most effective and natural ways to achieve this is through simmer pot recipes. In this guide, we’ll delve into what simmer pots are, the equipment you’ll need, how to use them, and how long to let them work their magic.

What are Simmer Pots?

Simmer pot recipes, often referred to as stovetop potpourri, are a blend of natural ingredients like fruits, herbs, spices, and sometimes essential oils, simmered in water. As they heat, they release their fragrant oils into the air, filling your home with a delightful aroma. Not only do they make your space smell wonderful, but they also add a touch of humidity, which can be especially beneficial during drier months.

Equipment Needed

1. A Pot or Saucepan: Any regular saucepan or pot will do. I like using cast iron for easy cleanup. Depending on the size of your pot, you might need to adjust the quantity of the ingredients.
2. Stove: A regular kitchen stove is perfect for simmer pots. If you don’t want to occupy your stove for hours, a slow cooker or Crock-Pot can also be used.
3. Water: Fresh tap or distilled water to fill up your pot.
4. Ingredients: This is where you can get creative! Common ingredients include citrus peels, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, rosemary sprigs, and more.

How to Use a Simmer Pot

1. Choose Your Ingredients: Decide on the aroma you want to fill your home with. Whether it’s the spicy scent of autumn with cinnamon and cloves or a refreshing summer blend of citrus and mint, the choice is yours.
2. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice or chop any fruits, and gather herbs or spices. If you’re using essential oils, have them on hand.
3. Fill the Pot: Add your ingredients to the pot and fill it with water. The water should cover the ingredients but leave some space at the top to prevent boiling over.
4. Heat: Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to medium-high until the water begins to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer.
5. Monitor: Keep an eye on your simmer pot. As the water evaporates, you’ll need to add more to prevent the ingredients from burning.

How Long to Use Simmer Pot

A simmer pot can be used for several hours, depending on the longevity of your ingredients and how strong you want the aroma to be. Typically, a simmer pot can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Remember to keep adding water as it evaporates. Once done, you can store the ingredients in the refrigerator and reuse them for up to a week.

What To Do With Ingredients When Done

After using a simmer pot, there are several options for disposing of the ingredients. Here are some quick and easy tips on what to do with simmer pot ingredients when you’re done:

1. Compost: Pour the broth into a compost bin. This is a great way to recycle the ingredients and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
2. Store: Store the ingredients in an airtight container like an upcycled jar. You can reuse the ingredients the next day, then compost them once they’ve lost their scent.
3. Reuse: It is also possible to refrigerate the ingredients for a few days and reuse them for simmering a second time.
4. Dispose: Chuck it in the bin, grind it in the disposal, or compost it, whatever works best for you1.
5. Use in potpourri: You can dry out the ingredients and store them in an airtight container to be used in potpourri.

Overall, there are several ways to dispose of simmer pot ingredients, and the best option depends on personal preference and the type of ingredients used. Composting is a great way to recycle the ingredients and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden, while storing and reusing the ingredients can help reduce waste.

15 Autumn Simmer Pot Recipes

Absolutely! Here are 15 original simmer pot recipes inspired by the cozy and aromatic scents of fall:

Golden Autumn:

• Slices of 1 apple
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A pinch of ground turmeric

Spiced Pear Delight:

• Slices of 1 pear
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 star anise
• A sprinkle of brown sugar

Crisp Morning:

• Peels from 1 orange
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 2 drops of cedarwood essential oil
• 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns

Maple Woods:

• 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup
• 1 sprig of pine or cedar
• 1 vanilla bean or a few drops of vanilla extract
• 1 cinnamon stick

Pumpkin Patch:

• 1 cup of pumpkin chunks or peels
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• A pinch of ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon of almond extract

Caramel Apple:

• Slices of 1 apple
• 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce or a few caramel candies
• 1 vanilla bean or a few drops of vanilla extract
• 1 cinnamon stick

Forest Rain:

• A handful of fresh pine needles
• 1 eucalyptus leaf or a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops of lavender essential oil
• 1 teaspoon of juniper berries

Golden Harvest:

• Slices of 1 apple
• Slices of 1 pear
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Berry Spice:

• 1 cup of mixed berries (cranberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• 1 star anise
• 2 whole cloves
• A pinch of ground cinnamon

Mystical Evening:

• 2 drops of sandalwood essential oil
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 1 cinnamon stick
• Peels from 1 mandarin orange

Sweet Potato Pie:

• 1 cup of sweet potato chunks or peels
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• A pinch of ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar

Chestnut Charm:

• A handful of chestnuts (cracked open)
• 1 vanilla bean or a few drops of vanilla extract
• 1 cinnamon stick
• A pinch of ground cloves

Cranberry Woods:

• 1 cup of fresh cranberries
• 1 sprig of cedar or pine
• 1 star anise
• 2 tablespoons of maple syrup

Mocha Delight:

• 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or coffee grounds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tablespoons of cream or milk (for a creamy aroma)

Fig & Vanilla:

• Slices of 2 fresh figs
• 1 vanilla bean or a few drops of vanilla extract
• 1 cinnamon stick
• A pinch of ground cardamom

To prepare any of these simmer pots, fill a pot with water, add the chosen ingredients, and allow it to simmer on low heat. Ensure you monitor the pot and replenish the water as needed. Enjoy the warm and comforting fragrances of fall with these original recipes!

Conclusion

Simmer pots are a natural, chemical-free way to infuse your home with delightful fragrances. They’re easy to set up, require minimal equipment, and can be customized to fit any mood or season. So the next time you want to create a cozy atmosphere or simply freshen up your living space, consider whipping up a simmer pot recipe. Your senses will thank you!