On one of the first *really* cold evenings of the year, I got home late and immediately started warming up the house. I turned up the heat, grabbed my fuzziest socks, and thought vaguely about the homely joy of a simmering pot on the stove. From soups to fresh teas, a simmering pot always makes me feel extra cozy. A friend of mine had recently started creating simmer pots, and all that I knew about them at the time was that they were pots of simmering water with added spices or sliced fruit for fragrance. With this in mind, I grabbed a few sprigs of rosemary and lavender from my plants outside and tossed them into a pot of simmering water. After adding a few slices of lemon, I let the mixture sit on the stove throughout the evening… And it was wonderful! Simmer pots are much more than a pinch of herbs and lemon, but that evening I learned just how much potential there is in simmer pots.
Although I didn’t know the slightest thing about simmer pots when I made my quick boiled creation, I did have the basic idea right. A simmer pot, also referred to as boiled potpourri, is very simply a combination of ingredients added to a pot of water. The water is brought to a gentle boil and then reduced to a simmer. As the water simmers, the evaporating water from the pot adds fragrance to your home. Typically, food ingredients like fruits and herbs are used, but a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a pot of water can also make for a nice simmer pot.
I love simmer pots for their fresh, cozy scents, but they also offer a degree of sustainability in the home, as well as potential health benefits. For one thing, they are economically sustainable: They can be created with very simple ingredients, most of which you may already have in your home! Also, since simmer pots contain no chemicals and are only made up of water and aromas of your choice, they’re a healthy alternative to synthetic fragrances and candles. Many air fresheners and home fragrances can contain a long list of artificial chemicals, and most big-brand candles are made of petroleum-based paraffin wax, which isn’t healthy to breathe in over long periods of time. Simmer pots also humidify a room as water steams, keeping your space from becoming too dry and stuffy. Plus, you may benefit from the aromatherapeutic effects of your favorite produce and herbs. Bright, citrus aromas like orange and lemon can be mood-boosting and energizing, while earthy ingredients like spruce tips or rosemary can round out a simmer pot very nicely while adding a calming effect to the home. Other ingredients, like spicy cinnamon and sweet cranberries, can make for a festive holiday boiled potpourri…And the list goes on! Most of your favorite food and spice aromas can be added to a simmer pot, making for a very cozy home throughout the winter.
Simmer pots do not come with many safety warnings, but there are a few things to keep in mind when boiling your favorite ingredients on the stove. If you have children or pets, be sure that your ingredients are safe for use around them; some “spicy” essential oils are not particularly good for young children to breathe in, and some essential oils can even be toxic for pets, especially cats. Preventive Vet offers up some helpful information on scents that can be harmful to household pets, and also gives some tips for simmering your potpourri safely. Generally, simmer pots are safe for pets, but avoid boiling too much citrus around cats, as the smell can be very irritating or even distressing for them. Also remember to keep adding water to your simmer pot as it boils down, to avoid scalding your pot or creating a flame hazard. And never leave a hot stove unattended, especially around young children or curious pets! With these safety precautions in mind, let's get simmering! Your personal favorite combination of simmer pot ingredients may vary, but here are a few fantastic boiled potpourris to carry us through the holidays and midwinter:
- As we approach the end of the month, holiday-scented simmer pots are perfect to get you feeling festive. Spices like clove and cinnamon work wonderfully with bright citrus, sweet cranberries, and earthy evergreen. A Beautiful Mess has a great holiday recipe for boiled potpourri.
- To get us through the cold winter, the warm scents of orange, clove, and fir needle make for a perfect simmer pot. The Happier Homemaker has a great recipe that keeps it simple with these fun ingredients.
- We all need a little pick-me-up as we move through the dreary cold months. Home Cooking Memories has a nice boiled potpourri recipe combining earthy rosemary and zesty, fresh lemon.
However you enjoy warming up on a cold winter day, I hope simmer pots become a part of your regular routine! Ingredients can be added, reduced, or substituted to your liking, so you can find the perfect recipe for your home. Plus, while they’re especially comforting in the winter, remember that simmer pots can be created any time of year, with ingredients like lavender, lemon, mint, and more! Happy holidays, happy winter, and happy simmering!