A fall simmer pot is the perfect way to make your house smell like autumn! This stovetop potpourri is easy, affordable, and an all-natural way to fill your home with classic fall fragrances like apple, orange, and cinnamon.
What is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot, sometimes also referred to as stovetop potpourri, is an easy way to bring fragrance into your home via all-natural products like fruit, spices, herbs, and even essential oils. You can incorporate different ingredients for different seasons, but there’s something extra cozy about making a fall or holiday simmer pot when it’s crisp out and you’re stuck inside.
All you need for a simmer pot, other than your ingredients, is a large pot and water. I like using my Le Creuset Dutch oven, but you can use any large pot.
Ingredients in a Fall Simmer Pot
The great thing about any kind of simmer pot is that the ingredients are generally flexible based on your personal scent preference.
For my fall simmer pot recipe, I used oranges, apples, cinnamon, and cloves. However, there are tons of other fall ingredients you can try.
Here are a bunch of ingredient ideas for your fall simmer pot:
- Apple
- Orange
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Start Anise
- Nutmeg
- Pumpkin spice seasoning
- Vanilla bean or vanilla extract
- Cardamom pods
- Fresh ginger
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Bay leaf
- Maple syrup
- Lavender
How to Make a Fall Simmer Pot
Making a fall simmer pot honestly couldn’t be easier.
Grab a big pot and fill it about halfway with water. Then, cut any fruits you’re using into slices or rounds and add them to the pot. Finally, add any herbs or spices, then turn on the heat and bring your pot to a low boil. That’s it!
In no time, the aroma from your fall simmer pot will fill your home with the subtle scent of the season.
Tips and Tricks
Ingredients and Measurements
As mentioned earlier, the beauty of this easy stovetop potpourri is that you can use whatever scent speaks to you! You also don’t have to have finite or specific measurements. If you really love cinnamon, go ahead, and add an extra stick!
Part of the fun in creating a simmer pot is the experimentation of combining different natural ingredients to get the perfect fall scent.
I generally like to use 2-3 fruits and a tablespoon or a large pinch of any spices. If I’m using herbs, a few sprigs do the trick.
Fill your pot with enough ingredients, but there’s no need to overstuff it. You should be able to stick a spoon into your pot and give it a relatively easy stir.
How Long Will a Simmer Pot Last?
Your fall simmer pot can go for as long as you want during the day. However, as the pot slowly boils, water does evaporate. So, it’s a good idea to check the water level in your pot every couple of hours. Your pot should always stay about half full of water.
Reuse your Simmer Pot
Your simmer pot doesn’t need to be a one day and done scenario. Usually, I can get two days out of my simmer pot, even if it’s on the stove for several hours.
When you’re done for the day, remove the pot from heat, let it cool completely, then cover it for the next day. Don’t forget to check the water level.
While I’m a big fan of fall candles, a fall simmer pot is also another way to fill your home with fall scents. It’s a great rainy-day activity, provides a non-toxic fragrance option, and can also be a fun activity for kids. Enjoy!
