Fragrant Simmer Potpourri How-to's

Fragrant Simmer Potpourri How-to's

In winter, I like to have my house smell warm and inviting.  It just seems to make things cozy when the winter winds blow, or the holidays are upon us.  One sure way to do that without spending much money is to make your own simmer potpourri.  These also make great instant gifts.  I've got three different scents sure to please; Christmas Mix, Peppermint Swirl, and something I call Deep Breath Mix (which is great if your household is experiencing sickness and virus).

The ingredients couldn't be easier.  A few dried herbs, some spices that you have on hand, an essential oil or two and some dried fruit, are all you need.  This potpourri is best if placed in pint mason jars with a sealed lid---one whole jar per simmer (the jar won't be totally filled but will look pretty.   In this way, the scents will keep as long as you need them to, or if gifting, is an easy way to give and for your recipient to handle.  If gifting, make sure you tie the jar with a pretty ribbon and attach instructions.  Something like, "Christmas Mix Simmering Potpourri:  Place jar contents into 2 cups water on stove and bring to a boil.  Watch that water doesn't boil off.  The scent will fill the air.  After done, drain and discard contents."

For easily drying fruit slices here is a quick and easy method in your oven (of course, if you have a dehydrator use that).  Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to the lowest temperature setting, around 140°F to 170°F (60°C to 75°C). If your oven doesn't go that low, set it to the lowest possible temperature and prop the door open slightly to allow moisture to escape. Slice firm, fresh fruit into thin slices. Place the fruit slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Make sure they are not touching to ensure even drying. Place in the oven. Check on the fruit every hour, flipping the slices over to ensure even drying on both sides. This process can take anywhere from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the type and thickness of the fruit slices.  The fruit is done when it feels leathery and no longer sticky or moist. It should bend slightly but not break when you touch it.  Cool completely before adding to your recipe mix.

Place items in your jar according to how you like the look.  Seal tightly and then whenever you want to jazz up your home's scent and make it cozy you will have it at the ready.  Or make several jars at once for an easy way of gifting.

Christmas Mix

For each jar you will need 4 cinnamon sticks, 1/2 cup dried Rosemary, 1/4 cup whole cloves, 1/4 cup whole Star Anise and 3 or 4 dried orange slices.  Add 5-10 drops of either Rosemary essential oil, or Pine essential oil.  Place in pot on stove with 2 cups water and simmer on low.

Peppermint Swirl

For each jar of this you'll need 1/2 cup dried Peppermint leaves, 3-4 dried pinecones or a couple peppermint sticks, 3-4 dried apple slices, 1/4 cup dried Pine leaves, 1 dried vanilla bean and 5-10 drops of Peppermint essential oil.  Place in pot on stove with 2 cups water and simmer on low.

Deep Breath Mix

1/2 cup dried eucalyptus leaves, 1/4 cup dried Rosemary leaves, 1/4 cup dried Lavender buds, 2-3 cinnamon sticks, and 3-4 dried lemon slices.  Add 5-10 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil.  To use, place all in pot on stove with 2 cups water and simmer on low.

Have fun experimenting with your own recipes, adding or mixing different essential oils to find your favorite scents!