Yield: 1 large pot
Simmering Christmas Potpourri
Make your home smell like Christmas with this Simmering Christmas Potpourri. Use your stovetop or slow cooker to warm your house with holiday scents. Package it up and It makes a great homemade Christmas gift idea.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Total Time
5 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Materials
simmering potpourri
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange (or 2 tangerines or clementines)
- 2-3 star anise
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract)
- 1 small clipping of fresh pine
- 1 cup apple cider or cranberry juice
- water
for gifting
- muslin bag (or cellophane bag or mason jar)
- ribbon
- candy cane
- gift tag
Instructions
To Simmer Potpourri
- Cut oranges into slices (if using tangerines/clementines just cut in half), cut vanilla bean open, and add to large pot (or slow cooker) along with all other ingredients. Add enough water to fill pot 3/4 full.
- Place the pot on the stove and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Enjoy for hours. Keep a close eye on it and add more water as needed (set a timer if needed) **It’s very important that the water does not evaporate completely while it's simmering.
- If you only simmer for a few hours and would like to use it again, let it cool overnight, add water and simmer the following day. Or place cooled potpourri in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When ready to simmer again, add leftover potpourri and water to pot, simmer and enjoy!
To Gift Potpourri
- Place small oranges, cranberries, spices and pine in bag or jar.
- Tie with a festive ribbon, candy cane and attach a gift tag with instructions to add apple cider and water. Along with instructions to never leave unattended and add water as needed.
Notes
- Adjust amounts if you'd like to use a smaller pot.
- If gifting this potpourri, cranberries should be refrigerated if not being used right away.