Introduction

Simmering pots are a wonderful way to fill your home with delightful and comforting aromas that match the seasons. Whether you prefer fruity, spicy, or herbal scents, these simmer pot recipes offer easy, natural ingredients to create cozy, fragrant atmospheres all year round.

A top view of a white round pot filled with a warm liquid base, floating on top are three dried orange slices showing a deep orange color with textured rind edges. Scattered around are thin light brown dried rosemary pieces, a few dark brown peppercorns, and bright green fresh pine sprigs. There are also two large pale green bay leaves and some red dried flower petals along with small light brown cinnamon bark pieces. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Christmas Simmering Pot: 4 dried or fresh orange slices, 1 tablespoon dried or 1/4 cup fresh cranberries, 1 tablespoon cedar shavings, 2–3 pine sprigs, 2 bay leaves, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1/2 teaspoon dried or fresh rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon cardamom seeds, 1 small or large Christmas simmer pot label
Thanksgiving Simmering Pot: 4 dried or fresh orange slices, 2 tablespoons dried or 1/4 cup fresh cranberries, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 teaspoon whole allspice, 1 small or large Thanksgiving simmer pot label
Autumn Simmer Pot: 3 dried or half of fresh apple slices, 3 dried or half of fresh orange slices, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 vanilla bean pieces or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon dried crystallized or fresh ginger, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 small or large autumn simmer pot label
Winter Simmering Pot: 2–3 pine sprigs, 1 tablespoon cedar chips, 1 tablespoon dried or fresh mint leaves, 2 vanilla bean pieces or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 small or large winter simmer pot label
Spring Simmer Pot: 4 lemon slices, 4 grapefruit slices (all fresh or dried), 2 vanilla bean pieces or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon peppercorn, 1/2 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme, 1 small or large spring simmer pot label
Summer Simmering Pot: 2 tablespoons coconut flakes seasoned with coconut extract, 5 dried or 1 fresh lime sliced, 2 vanilla bean pieces, 2 bamboo sticks soaked in almond extract, 1 tablespoon dried or fresh mint leaves, 1 small or large summer simmer pot label
Coffee Shop Simmer Pot: 1/4 cup coffee beans, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 vanilla bean pieces or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 bamboo sticks soaked in almond extract or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, 1 small or large coffee shop simmer pot label
Kitchen Simmering Pot: 6 lemon slices fresh or dried, 1 tablespoon peppercorn, 1 teaspoon dried or fresh rosemary, 2 vanilla bean pieces or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 small or large kitchen simmer pot label
Relaxing Simmering Pot: 2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers, 3 dried lavender sprigs, 2 vanilla bean pieces or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 chamomile tea bag, 1 small or large relaxing simmer pot label
Refreshing Simmering Pot: 8 lime slices fresh or dried, 1 tablespoon dried crystallized or fresh ginger, 1 tablespoon peppercorn, 1 tablespoon dried or fresh mint leaves, 1 small or large refreshing simmer pot label
Stress Relief Simmering Pot: 6 lemon slices fresh or dried, 3 eucalyptus sprigs, 1 tablespoon dried or fresh mint leaves, 1 small or large stress relief simmer pot label

Instructions

Step 1: To dry fruit for simmering pots, slice fruit thinly and pat dry with paper towels. Arrange slices on parchment-lined baking sheets in a single layer.
Step 2: Bake fruit at 225˚F (about 107˚C) for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours, flipping occasionally, until the fruit is fully dry and no longer sticky. Watch carefully to prevent burning, as thinner slices dry faster.
Step 3: For almond extract-scented sticks, soak bamboo sticks in almond extract and let them dry completely before adding to the jars.
Step 4: To season coconut flakes, mix 1 teaspoon coconut extract with 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes. Allow the extract to dry on the flakes before placing in the jar.
Step 5: Combine all chosen ingredients into a mason jar, then attach a corresponding label with baker’s twine for gifting or identifying your blend.
Step 6: To use the simmer pot, fill a pot about three-quarters full with water and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add the contents of your simmering pot jar or fresh ingredients.
Step 7: Let it simmer gently, adding more water as needed to keep the water level above halfway full. Enjoy the warm, inviting aromas filling your space.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs and spices when possible for a brighter aroma, or dried versions for convenience and longer shelf life.
If you don’t have vanilla beans, 1 teaspoon of good-quality vanilla extract works well as a substitute.
Experiment by mixing different seasonal fruits and spices to create your own signature simmer pot blend.
Be sure to keep an eye on the water level to prevent the pot from drying out and damaging your cookware.

Storage

Store dried simmering pot ingredients in airtight mason jars away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain fragrance and freshness for several months. Fresh ingredients can be stored refrigerated and used within a few days. After simmering, allow leftover liquid to cool and discard; do not reuse as it may grow bacteria. Clean your pot well between uses.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a clear liquid containing three dried orange slices floating on top, each orange slice showing a bright orange color with darker edges and small black cloves stuck in them. Surrounding the oranges are green sprigs of rosemary and a few light brown bay leaves, along with some small, red dried flower petals and light brown wood shavings scattered around. Tiny black peppercorns and some thin, light-colored dried rosemary leaves are sprinkled throughout the liquid. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried for simmering pots?

Yes, fresh fruit works beautifully in simmer pots. Just slice them thinly and add directly to the simmering water. Keep an eye on water levels as fresh fruit may require more frequent refilling.

How long can I let a simmer pot simmer?

Simmer pots can be kept on low heat for several hours, but it’s important to check the water level regularly to prevent burning. Never leave the pot unattended for long periods and add water as needed.