Creating a cozy fall abode means invigorating all of the senses — including smell. While you might be inclined to reach for a candle (those pumpkin spice jar candles at HomeGoods are tempting, after all), a simmer pot is a natural and safer alternative. It’s a great way to fill your home with the scents…
In addition to their wafting aromas, simmer pots add humidity back into the chilly, dry fall air, which can be especially helpful for your sinuses and skin. On top of that, some ingredients (think: oranges, ginger, and cinnamon) boast cleansing properties that work to purify indoor air, too. Not to mention: They’re so aesthetically pleasing.
How To Make Autumn Scents With Herbs, Spices, and Fruit
To make a simmer pot, simply fill a pot with water and place it on your stovetop. It’s best to use a heavy-bottomed pot, such as a Dutch oven or stockpot, as these allow for more even heating. Alternatively, you can opt for a slow cooker on low heat, leaving the lid off to allow the scent to permeate.
Next, add in aromatic ingredients that remind you of the cozy season. Some scents that work well for fall include cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, clove, cranberry, orange, apple, star anise, sage, thyme, mint, and rosemary. When possible, use whole spices instead of ground spices, as they provide a longer-lasting fragrance.
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You can play around with the ingredients, using more or less of each depending on your preferences. For example, if you love fruity scents, you could mix apples, oranges, and cranberries together with a cinnamon stick and a handful of whole cloves for that spiced aroma.
Once your ingredients are in the pot, bring the water to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few hours. (Never leave the stove or slow cooker on if you’re not at home.) Eventually, the water will begin to evaporate, but you can always top up your simmer pot if you want it to last for an extended period of time.
If you don’t want your simmer pot ingredients to go to waste, you can remove them from the pot and place them in a storage container in the refrigerator to reuse later with fresh water. (Note: The scent might not be as strong the second time around.) You can also let the spices and herbs fully dry and dehydrate the fruit to create a DIY potpourri to use or give as a gift.
The Best Recipes for Autumnal Aromas
Ready to give simmer pots a try? Here are four fall simmer pot recipes to add to your stockpot this season.
1. Spiced Apple Citrus
Spiced apple is one of the season’s most divine scents and a great alternative for those who are, quite frankly, over pumpkin spice. Give this classic aroma a twist with some oranges or dried bergamot peels. To create a spiced apple citrus simmer pot, add the following ingredients to your pot: one or two diced red apples (use two for a more apple-forward aroma), the peel of one large orange (or 1 tablespoon of dried bergamot peels), two cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon of cloves, and a 1-inch chunk of ginger root.
2. Herbaceous Pomegranate
Pomegranate is one of our favorite fall fruits, and a simmer pot is a great way to use the peels. Incorporate some fresh herbs for a fruity, herbal blend that smells so good. To create this blend, add these ingredients to your pot: the rind of one pomegranate, 2 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds, three rosemary sprigs, five to seven eucalyptus leaves, and one cinnamon stick.
3. Pumpkin Spice With a Twist
If you’re a sucker for a pumpkin spice candle, you can create a pumpkin spice simmer pot instead by adding canned pumpkin to your stockpot, though this makes the recipe impossible to reuse or dehydrate. Along with one can of pumpkin puree, add these ingredients to your pot: three cinnamon sticks, 1 tablespoon of cloves, three whole star anise, a 1-inch chunk of ginger, and a 1-inch chunk of turmeric. For a sweeter scent, you can also add a dash of real maple syrup.
4. Deconstructed Pomander Ball
Pomander balls are a timeless fall and winter tradition. If you’re drawn to their spiced citrus aroma, try making a deconstructed version for your simmer pot. To create this recipe, add these ingredients to your stockpot: two to three sliced oranges (use more for a fruitier scent), 2 tablespoons of cloves, and one cinnamon stick. If you’d like to add a winter spin later in the season, you can also include a couple of drops of spruce essential oil.
