Stovetop Potpourri

simmer pot recipe

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I don’t know about you, but the smells of the fall season are some of my favorite. I absolutely love a good smelling fall candle, but I don’t love the idea of one burning all day long (some of those great smells also carry with them a heavy toxin load). While I gravitate toward more naturally based candles and oils, I try to use them sparingly because those natural ingredients can come at a heavy cost! Luckily, I know of a super environmental and budget friendly solution. It also makes for the perfect hostess gift!

Stovetop Goodness

Stovetop potpourri is something that is pretty much fail-proof. You can add whatever ingredients that you wish, but here’s my go-to recipe. You can do on the stovetop or a slow-cooker, but I like the stovetop because it lets all the smells flow into the room. This stovetop recipe will last about three days on its own, but you can continually add fresh water to extend its shelf-life. Most recipes call for water as the a cost-effective method, but you can use apple cider for an even richer scent!

Ingredient List 

1/2 - 1 Lemon (Thinly Sliced)
1/2 Granny Smith Apple (Sliced)
4 - 6 Whole Cinnamon Sticks
2 tbsp Whole Cloves
1 Orange (Thinly Sliced)
2 Cups Water or Cider

how to assemble

1.) Fill a medium size saucepan with water. You’ll want to ensure you have enough water so that all your ingredients can float.

2.) Add your fruit. I think granny smith apple hold up the best, but you can use any variety you wish!

3.) Add your spices. If you want to get really fancy, stick your cloves into a few whole fruit pieces as well.

4.) This is the key! You don’t want to boil your potpourri. Just simmer. Keep it on low for a couple hours to infuse your home with deliciousness!

Hostess Gifts

Potpourri is the perfect gift to giveaway. It makes a great teacher’s gift, hostess gift, or gift for your neighbors! It’s a sweet jar to say “I’m thinking of you.” You’ll just need some mason jars, twine, and a sweet tag for instructions. You can download one here or click the link below!

Set aside all your dry ingredients in allocated amounts for each jar. You can include the fresh fruit if it will be made the same day. Put your spices in first, then add your cinnamon sticks, an herb or two (I recommend rosemary), and your orange slices. Use a bit of twine to tie around your jar and attach your tag.