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    Home » Recipes » Fall Recipes

    How to Make a Simmer Pot

    Published: Sep 17, 2023 · Modified: Apr 20, 2025 by Emily Laurae · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Simmer pot pinterest pin.

    Make your home smell delicious and heavenly by making your own DIY Simmer Pot! Create a cozy, aromatic ambiance in your home using this simple method and easy-to-find ingredients. Let’s dive into the world of simmer pots and how to create one in your own kitchen throughout the holiday season.

    Simmer pot on a stove with apples and spices.
    Jump to:
    • ⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 
    • 🍴Ingredients 
    • 📖 Step-by-Step Instructions
    • ⏲️ Substitutions & Variations
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
    • 💭 Recipe FAQs
    • More Cozy Recipes to Enjoy
    • How to Make A Simmer Pot
    • 💬 Comments

    ⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 

    As the holiday season approaches, I love hibernating in the comfort of my home and embracing the autumn and winter flavors. From savory dishes (marinated brussels sprouts and Savory Mashed potatoes) to sweet treats (Fig Clafoutis & Meyer Lemon Curd), there's no better time to explore and revel in the seasonal produce we have access to!

    With this simmer pot recipe, not only will your home smell amazing, but you’ll also create a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation and entertaining!

    • All-Natural Fragrance: No need for artificial air fresheners; this simmer pot utilizes natural ingredients that offer an authentic, fall flavored scent.
    • Easy to Prepare: With ingredients you might already have in your kitchen, putting together this simmer pot is a breeze.
    • Adjustable: Tweak the ingredients to your liking! Want more cinnamon or less cardamom? It's all up to you.
    • Re-usable: The beauty of this recipe? You can reheat it several times, ensuring your home smells delightful for hours.

    🍴Ingredients 

    Ingredients needed to make a simmer pot.
    • Oranges: Fresh oranges not only add vibrant color but provide a juicy, citrusy aroma.
    • Star Anise: These distinct star-shaped pods bring a subtle licorice note to the mixture.
    • Apples: Apples give a sweet and fruity scent, reminiscent of a warm apple pie or apple cake!
    • Cinnamon Sticks: For a cozy aroma, cinnamon sticks are a must-have for any simmer pot.
    • Cardamom Pods: Cardamom adds a hint of spicy, herbal aroma - personally I love how it adds depth to the mixture and iced beverages!
    • Vanilla Extract: Vanilla gives the simmer pot a comforting, sweet undertone.
    • Whole Cloves: These tiny spices pack a punch with their bold, warming scent!
    • Apple Cider: A touch of cider helps to enhance the fruitiness and gives a tangy kick.
    • Water: The base of your simmer pot, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

    📖 Step-by-Step Instructions

    Simmer pot for the fall in a clear pot.

    Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, Dutch oven, or crockpot, combine all the ingredients together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.

    Simmer pot on a stove with oranges and spices.

    Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to its lowest setting, allowing the mixture to come to a simmer. Let the simmer pot infuse for at least 30 minutes, and enjoy the aroma!

    Don't you love this glass pot?! Though it looks delicate, my simmer pot sat on the stove for over 4 hours, without a problem. I've linked it here in case you'd like one for yourself!

    ⏲️ Substitutions & Variations

    • If you don't have oranges, lemon or grapefruit slices can work wonders.
    • For a different scent, consider replacing star anise with a few drops of lavender essential oil.
    • Instead of apples, pear slices can offer a subtle and sophisticated aroma.
    • Swap out apple cider for cranberry juice for a more tart scent.
    Top down view of a simmer pot with ingredients in a pot.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

    • Don’t rush: Allow the pot to simmer for at least 30 minutes before you start to experience the optimal fragrance.
    • Re-use the mixture: Add more water and simmer again the following day for a prolonged aromatic experience!
    • Avoid leaving unattended: Just like you'd watch a lit candle, keep an eye on your simmer pot! If you notice the liquid getting low, add more water and continue to simmer!
    • Storage: If you’re not using the mixture immediately, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days, then reheat and add more water as needed.

    💭 Recipe FAQs

    Can I use ground spices instead of whole ones?

    While whole spices offer a more potent fragrance, ground spices can work in a pinch. Just be aware the water might get a bit murky.

    How long does the scent last after turning off the heat?

    Depending on your home’s size and ventilation, the aroma can linger for several hours post-simmering.

    Can I add other ingredients like pine needles or rose petals?

    Absolutely! The beauty of a simmer pot is its versatility. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect blend.

    Is it safe to leave the simmer pot on when I’m not home?

    It’s not safe to keep your stove on if you choose to leave your home. I'd recommend turning off the simmer pot if you're leaving the house!

    More Cozy Recipes to Enjoy

    • Cookie butter cookies on a plate with cookie butter and flaky salt on top.
      Easy Biscoff Cookie Butter Cookies Recipe (No Chill!)
    • Bacon egg and cheese croissant on a plate with juice nearby on a counter.
      Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant Breakfast Sandwiches
    • Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls thumbnail.
      Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Easy!)
    • Molasses cookie sandwiches with cream cheese frosting.
      Ginger Molasses Cookie Sandwiches with Cream Cheese Filling

    If you try the recipe for this Homemade Simmer Pot, please leave a 🌟 review and share your creation with me on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest - for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter! 📧 

    Simmer pot on a stove with apples and spices.

    How to Make A Simmer Pot

    Make your home smell delicious and heavenly by making your own DIY Simmer Pot! Create a cozy, aromatic ambiance in your home using this simple method and easy-to-find ingredients. Let’s dive into the world of simmer pots and how to create one in your own kitchen throughout the holiday season.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Course: Holiday
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1
    Calories: 131kcal
    Author: Emily Laurae

    Equipment

    • Paring Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Simmer Pot Large Pot, Dutch oven or Crock Pot

    Ingredients

    • 2 Oranges, sliced
    • 3-4 Star anise pods
    • 2 Apples, sliced
    • 3 Cinnamon sticks
    • 5-6 Cardamom pods, lightly crushed
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
    • 8-10 Whole cloves
    • ¼ cup Apple cider
    • 4 cups Water

    Instructions

    • In a large pot, dutch oven or crock pot, combine all the ingredients together.
      2 Oranges, 3-4 Star anise pods, 2 Apples, 3 Cinnamon sticks, 5-6 Cardamom pods, 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract, 8-10 Whole cloves, ¼ cup Apple cider, 4 cups Water
    • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
    • Once boiling, reduce the heat to its lowest setting, allowing the mixture to come to a simmer.
    • Let the simmer pot infuse for at least 30 minutes - at this point you'll notice that the aromatic blend of spices and fruits will start to release their fragrances! Add additional water as needed to prevent the iquid from boiling off completely.

    Video

    Notes

    Expert Tips
    • Don’t rush: Allow the pot to simmer for the full 30 minutes or even longer to get the maximum fragrance payoff.
    • Re-use the mixture: Add more water and simmer again the following day for a prolonged aromatic experience.
    • Avoid leaving unattended: Just like you'd watch a lit candle, keep an eye on your simmer pot to ensure your safety.
    • Storage: If you’re not using the mixture immediately, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days, then reheat and add more water as needed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 57mg | Potassium: 319mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 221mg | Iron: 3mg
    Enjoyed this recipe?Mention @emilylaurae or tag #emilylaurae!

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    About Emily Laurae

    Emily is the recipe developer, writer, and food photographer behind Emily Laurae. After finishing Pastry School and working as a chef in the restaurant industry, she created this blog to share those skills with home bakers and creators all over the world!

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