Instant Christmas Scent Simmer
Warm your home with this simple simmer pot of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, anise, and ginger. Reuse the brew and package the dry mix for gifts.
I found this in a Time-Life Old Fashioned Christmas cookbook. I LOVE this stuff.
I keep it on the stove and boil it all day long the week of Christmas. Gave it as Christmas gifts to friends.
P.S. the recipe is as written in the book... just wanted to add that I've never taken mine off the stove. I keep in the pot and just keep adding water to it until the scent weakens. Then I mix up a new batch!
Submitted by: Lynne from Pittsburgh, PA
Yield: ---- not edible... for scent only
- Simmer ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, anise and ginger in 1 quart of water on low to scent your home.
- Keep the pot gently simmering, add water as needed, and refrigerate the mixture between uses until scent fades.
- Package the dry spices and instructions for a simple holiday gift; use a spice bag to limit mess and prolong aroma.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
1. Place the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, anise and ginger in a 2-quart saucepan. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Do not cover.
2. Reduce the heat to low and keep this brew simmering on your stove or on your woodstove.
NOTE: The mixture can be stored in the refrigerator to use again and again until the scent has diminished.
thespicehouse.com
More About This Recipe
At the top of recipe it states: "For a lovely gift, make up a package of the dry ingredients of this mixture, along with instructions on how to use it. The simmering spices will perfume the entire house."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact ingredients and measurements?
Use 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons ground cloves, 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon anise seed, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1 quart (4 cups) of water.
How do I make the simmer pot?
Put the spices and water in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil uncovered, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Keep it on low and add water as it evaporates until the scent fades.
Can I use whole spices instead of ground?
Yes. Whole spices release fragrance more slowly and make less residue. Put whole spices in a muslin bag or tea infuser to keep solids contained and make cleanup easier.
How long can I leave it simmering and is it safe to leave unattended?
You can simmer for several hours on low, topping up water as needed. Never leave it unattended for long periods. Check the water level often to avoid drying out and scorching. For long, unattended use consider an electric slow cooker on low.
How do I store and reuse the mixture?
Let the pot cool, then refrigerate the brew in a sealed container. Reheat and simmer again until the scent is gone. Use within about 5 to 7 days for best aroma and freshness.
Any tips for gifting the dry mix?
Package the measured dry spices in a labeled bag or jar, include the water amount and simmer instructions, and add a safety note about stove use and allergies. A small muslin bag for simmering is a nice extra.
How can I reduce mess and make cleanup easier?
Use a spice bag or infuser, or strain the liquid after simmering and discard the solids before storing. For stuck-on residue, soak the pot in hot soapy water overnight.
Are there any health or pet concerns?
Strong spice steam can bother people with asthma, respiratory issues, or spice allergies. Keep the simmer pot away from pets, especially cats, and ventilate the area. If you have concerns, consult a vet or doctor.
What are the exact ingredients and measurements?
Use 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons ground cloves, 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg, 1 tablespoon anise seed, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1 quart (4 cups) of water.
How do I make the simmer pot?
Put the spices and water in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil uncovered, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Keep it on low and add water as it evaporates until the scent fades.
Can I use whole spices instead of ground?
Yes. Whole spices release fragrance more slowly and make less residue. Put whole spices in a muslin bag or tea infuser to keep solids contained and make cleanup easier.
How long can I leave it simmering and is it safe to leave unattended?
You can simmer for several hours on low, topping up water as needed. Never leave it unattended for long periods. Check the water level often to avoid drying out and scorching. For long, unattended use consider an electric slow cooker on low.
How do I store and reuse the mixture?
Let the pot cool, then refrigerate the brew in a sealed container. Reheat and simmer again until the scent is gone. Use within about 5 to 7 days for best aroma and freshness.
Any tips for gifting the dry mix?
Package the measured dry spices in a labeled bag or jar, include the water amount and simmer instructions, and add a safety note about stove use and allergies. A small muslin bag for simmering is a nice extra.
How can I reduce mess and make cleanup easier?
Use a spice bag or infuser, or strain the liquid after simmering and discard the solids before storing. For stuck-on residue, soak the pot in hot soapy water overnight.
Are there any health or pet concerns?
Strong spice steam can bother people with asthma, respiratory issues, or spice allergies. Keep the simmer pot away from pets, especially cats, and ventilate the area. If you have concerns, consult a vet or doctor.
A perfect solution to an excess of spices left from years past. Mixed one up for myself and enjoyed it so much I headed to a thrift shop where I found a small crock pot for safe simmering and empty glass spice jars for making additional individual batches. After layering the spices, I added star anise, whole cloves and a cinnamon stick poked down through it all, for a bit of a festive holiday look. I’m attaching the recipe on the back of a hangtag tied with a christmas ribbon and a jingle bell. Who wouldn’t want to receive this?
Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed the scent.
Note: If you don’t have a woodstove and do not want to leave your stove on, try some of the boiled liquid in a cup on those small warmer plates for coffee or those small crockpot things. Keeps it hot and no danger of fire.
I haven’t even made it yet, but I can smell it already. I’m going to try it tonight!!! Thanks for the great idea.