Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe with Cranberries, Oranges, Cloves, and Cinnamon Recipe
Introduction
This Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe fills your home with warm, festive scents that instantly create holiday cheer. Using fresh oranges, cranberries, and aromatic spices, it’s a simple way to make your space feel cozy and inviting throughout the season.
Ingredients
- 2 large naval oranges
- 3 and ½ cups fresh cranberries (about 18 ounces)
- ¼ cup whole cloves
- 20 whole cinnamon sticks
- 10 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Slice the naval oranges into ⅛ to ¼ inch thick slices. Thicker slices will take longer to dry.
- Step 3: Pat the orange slices dry with a paper towel and lay them flat on the lined baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake in the oven for about 3 hours, flipping the slices halfway through. When they look dry and no longer shiny, they are done.
- Step 5: To assemble treat bags, place in each bag in this order: ⅓ cup fresh cranberries, 5-6 whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 dried and cooled orange slices, and 1 fresh sprig of rosemary.
- Step 6: Tie each bag with a twist tie or a ribbon. Optionally, use a hole punch to add printable gift tags for a festive touch.
Tips & Variations
- Use a dehydrator instead of the oven if you have one, for even drying of orange slices.
- Add star anise or a few whole nutmegs to deepen the spice aroma.
- Replace rosemary with fresh pine or fir sprigs for a different evergreen scent.
- Make larger batches to give as thoughtful gifts during the holidays.
Storage
Store the dried orange slices in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp. Prepared simmer pot bags can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. When ready to use, add the contents to simmering water on the stove or in a slow cooker, and keep the aroma going for hours. Reheat gently if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of oranges?
Yes, sweet oranges like naval or Valencia work best because of their fragrance and thickness, but blood oranges or cara cara oranges can add unique color and scent.
How do I use the simmer pot bags?
Simply place the contents of a bag into a pot of simmering water on the stove. Keep the heat low so the mixture simmers gently, releasing its aroma without boiling off too quickly. Add water as needed to maintain the scent.
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Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe with Cranberries, Oranges, Cloves, and Cinnamon Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 treat bags 1x
Description
This festive Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe fills your home with the warm, inviting scents of the holiday season. Combining zesty dried orange slices, fresh cranberries, aromatic cloves, cinnamon sticks, and fresh rosemary, this simmer pot not only smells delightful but also makes a lovely gift when packaged in treat bags. Perfect for creating a cozy atmosphere without burning candles or incense.
Ingredients
Simmer Pot Ingredients
- 2 large naval oranges
- 3 and ½ cups fresh cranberries (about 18 ounces)
- ¼ cup whole cloves
- 20 whole cinnamon sticks
- 10 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Oranges: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low heat allows the oranges to dry slowly without burning.
- Slice Oranges: Slice the naval oranges into thin slices between ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Thinner slices will dry faster, while thicker slices may require longer bake time.
- Dry the Orange Slices: Pat the orange slices dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then lay them flat on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Bake the Slices: Bake the orange slices in the oven for about 3 hours, flipping them halfway through to ensure even drying. They are done when they look dry and no longer shiny.
- Assemble Treat Bags: To create charming gift bags, fill each bag with ⅓ cup fresh cranberries, 5-6 whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 dried and cooled orange slices, and 1 fresh sprig of rosemary, in that order.
- Seal and Decorate: Tie each bag securely with a twist tie or a decorative ribbon. Optionally, use a hole punch to attach printable gift tags for a finishing touch perfect for holiday gifting.
Notes
- Dried orange slices can be stored in an airtight container for several weeks and used for multiple batches of simmer pots.
- If you prefer quicker drying, you can use a food dehydrator instead of the oven, setting it to a low temperature.
- Simmer your pot by adding the contents to a pot of water on low heat or in a slow cooker on low setting. Replenish water as needed.
- This simmer pot is great for adding warm festive fragrance without using synthetic scents or candles.
- Be mindful when using whole cloves and cinnamon sticks—they are potent and may stain fabrics or surfaces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Simmer Pot
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas simmer pot, holiday fragrance, dried orange slices, festive decor, DIY gift bags, cranberry simmer pot, natural air freshener
