If you're a fan of candles, diffusers, and seasonal scents, this autumn simmer pot is the perfect way to make your entire house smell like a Williams Sonoma (lol). You know what I'm talking about, right? Williams Sonoma always smells "seasonal".
This simmer pot combines whole spices and fresh ingredients to give an irresistible slightly sweet, slightly spicy fresh scent!
What Is A Simmer Pot?
If you've never made a simmer pot, I'm about to let you in on a big hosting secret. Simmer pots are like a diffuser x 10, permeating your entire home with whatever you're putting into your pot. Because it's a slow simmer pot, it provides a long lasting, all-day scent. Simmer pots are my go-to before hosting because the scent typically neutralizes any food smells from other cooking. Remember to keep topping up the pot with water every hour so that the simmer pot contents don't burn!
Speaking of cooking...these are some of my most popular fall recipes!
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Why You’ll Love the "Recipe"
- Super simple
- Takes five minutes
- Scent lasts all day
Ingredient Notes
This simmer pot requires only five ingredients plus water:
- Water
- Cranberries: Use whole, fresh cranberries, not dried ones!
- Oranges: I used navel oranges, but really, any citrus will provide a great scent. Use what you have on hand.
- Star Anise Seed: Use whole star anise seed. This is the "star" of the show. It provides a very unique scent that really makes this simmer pot shine.
- Cinnamon Sticks: The sticks work better, but if you only have ground cinnamon, this will work in a pinch!
- Rosemary: Fresh rosemary has an incredible aroma all on its own, but when it's simmered with the rest of these ingredients, it adds a fresh herby scent.
Gifting This Cozy Autumn Simmer Pot
With the upcoming holiday season, I'm sure you're already thinking about gifts for colleagues, neighbors, family members, and friends. A super thoughtful homemade gift is a "simmer pot in a bag". Grab some clear cellophane bags and add everything they'll need to make their own simmer pot. You can buy star anise seeds and cinnamon sticks in bulk online.
Top Tip
If you have time, dehydrate your orange slices and put them into your simmer pot gift bags to make things even easier for your friends!
Recipe FAQs
I would encourage you to make this even without star anise seeds. The cinnamon, orange, and rosemary alone will give you a very pleasant scent, even if it's less potent.
More Home Tips
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Printable Recipe
Cozy Autumn Simmer Pot
Equipment
- Large pot (I use my Le Creuset Dutch oven)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 3 cups water (plus more to top up)
- 1 cup cranberries
- ½ orange, sliced
- 3-4 whole star anise seeds
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to your pot over low heat. Simmer for 4-6 hours, stirring intermittently.
- Pour in a cup of water every hour as the simmer pot evaporates.
Mary Read Askew says
My house smells incredible 😍 love this alternative to a candle.
Ritika Gann says
I’m so glad you loved it!! 🥰