Easy Winter Simmer Pot Recipes for the Magickal Soul (2024)

FAQs

What is a winter solstice simmer pot? ›

One of the easiest things to do around the winter holidays is to make a simmer pot. A simmer pot is basically a homemade air freshener made by simmering fragrant pieces of fruits, herbs, and other spices in water. You throw some nice smelling things into a pot and let it just simmer on the stove all day.

It depends on both the recipe and the type of storage, but generally, four days is the maximum you'd want to re-use the same simmer pot ingredients. If aromatics are drained and stored in a cool, dry location (like a refrigerator), then reinvigorated with fresh water, they can be used for up to four days.

And to give it a nice, rich aroma, you'll need: 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon), 2 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Here's how it's done: Slice your orange and apple (keep the peel on both). Add all your ingredients to a small pot and fill with water until it's about ¾ full.

Astronomically, the winter solstice marks the end of fall and beginning of winter, and early pagan winter solstice traditions were created to celebrate the “birth of the sun.” The occasion is marked with sweet and traditional winter solstice rituals—from brewing mulled cider and eating winter solstice foods, to ...

The ingredients used in simmer pots, like cinnamon, ginger, and citrus fruits, not only emit a comforting fragrance but also bring with them an array of health benefits, such as improved digestion, enhanced immune function, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Add the ingredients to the pot and bring everything to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for 2-3 hours. Throughout the simmer, add additional water as needed to keep the sweet-scented smell filling the room. NOTE: This simmer pot will last 2-7 days!

Whole Peppercorns– A pungent spice, so use a few peppercorns at a time. Nutmeg– Grate a little fresh nutmeg in your simmer pot for a lovely, warm smell. Evergreen Clippings– If you have access to evergreens and like their smell, you can use their clippings. Cardamon Pods– A wonderful addition to a simmer pot.

Simmer pots, or stovetop potpourri, can be made in the crockpot too!

Simmering and Boiling

In the event that your goal is to keep moisture in—like when your pot of soup, stew, or sauce is already at the right consistency, but you want to keep cooking the vegetables and melding the flavors—leave the lid on to keep any more liquid from evaporating.

Can you leave a simmer pot unattended? ›

Never leave the simmering pot unattended. I always stay in the same room so I can keep an eye on the stove, and can top up the simmer pot with additional water as needed. Don't allow the pan to run dry, and avoid using it when there are kids or pets nearby. Simmer pots are meant to be smelled, not eaten!

It is possible to reuse a simmer pot a second time. To reuse, drain water from the simmer pot ingredients. After the ingredients are drained and have cooled, store them in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, depending on what ingredients you used.

Long associated with Christmas tradition, rosemary almost lost its place in the holiday pantheon at the beginning of the last century. It has since rebounded in recent years. It fills the air in your home with a fragrant scent, adds flavour to holiday dishes and even comes disguised as a tree!

Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and allspice have become synonymous with the holidays. But where did these fantastically fragrant spices come from? Keep reading to learn a bit more about some of your favorite spices that are sure to put you in a festive mood!

A teaspoon of vanilla extract also makes a simmer pot smell divine; or, add a few drops of your favorite therapeutic essential oils to create a custom scent. To start your simmer pot, fill a small pot halfway with water and stir in your spices, herbs, peels, or fruits.

A simmer pot is a clever, all-natural way to waft a pleasant aroma throughout your entire house. Just put the ingredients into a saucepan, cover with water and let simmer. The heat and steam will welcome your guests — or even help them feel like they've been transported somewhere else.

The great thing about a simmer pot is that it is an easy DIY air freshener and you can choose ingredients that fit the atmosphere you wish to create. In addition, there's no need to worry about open flames as you would get with candles, and there is no risk of toxic chemicals.

The idea of burning a yule log during the winter solstice is believed to date all the way back to early Germanic or Scandinavian paganism. The log was burned on the winter solstice, the shortest and darkest day the year, when ancient peoples would worry that the light may cease to exist.

Tips on How To Make A Simmer Pot

If you've included fruit in your recipe, then it's best to use that pot for only 1 day. However, if your recipe doesn't include fresh fruits then you can simply cover the pot when it's not in use and then reheat it whenever you'd like to fill your house with the lovely scents again.