This article was originally published in the March 2016 issue of VRAI Magazine.
For this month’s “Spring is in the Air” theme, I took the “in the air” portion somewhat literally. When I think of the signs of Spring, I think of the scents – new grass, warm breezes and blossoming flowers. After having our home shut up for winter, I look forward to opening the windows, clearing out the stale air, and filling our rooms with light, fresh scents.
I frequently see simmering pot recipes shared around the winter holidays, combining clove, cinnamon and other heart-warming seasonal scents. But the idea of a simmering pot is one you can use and change up all year long, and this is what inspired me to put a Spring spin on a few simmering pot recipes.
If you’re not big into candles or air fresheners, simmering pots are a simple, all natural way to add fragrance to your home. You can make all sorts of scent combinations from ingredients you can easily find in the produce section of your local grocery, such as lemons, limes, mint and rosemary. Pantry ingredients, like whole spices and vanilla extract, can also be added to simmering pots.
How does a simmering pot work? It’s simple! Just slice up the ingredients, place in a stock pot and add enough water to cover (about 2 cups). Then place on stovetop and set heat to low. If you plan on leaving your simmering pot on the stove for an extended period of time, be sure to check the water level every so often—you don’t want the fruits and herbs to burn!
Here are three Spring-inspired simmering pot recipes I’ve tried and love:
Mint and Grapefruit
Grapefruit is a wonderfully crisp citrus fragrance. I paired mine with mint and a few slices of peeled ginger, but I think grapefruit and rosemary would also smell incredible together!
Rosemary and Lemon
Sliced lemon and sprigs of rosemary create a classic combination with a bright, crisp scent.
Lime, Mint and Ginger
Fresh lime and mint make a perfect pair (who else loves a mojito?). The addition of freshly peeled ginger is a nice twist.
When you’re done with your simmering pot for the day, store the ingredients in a Mason jar covered with water. They’ll keep in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.
These also make great gifts – dress up a Mason jar with patterned paper, twine or ribbon, and a hand-written tag!
I think all 3 would smell amazing but the grapefruit one sounds so refreshing!
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I love the grapefruit one 🙂
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Sorry for asking but How exactly do you use them afterwards? Open up and leave them on a windowsill or what? The smell cant come out if the jar is closed. Or am I missing something?
Thanks!
Hi, to use the simmering pots, place the ingredients and water in a pot on the stove and bring it to a simmer to fragrance your kitchen/home. I place the ingredients and water in mason jars to store them in my refrigerator between uses.
I’m guessing you could put them back into the pot, they will give off an aromatic scent with the lid off , I think not strong enough though. Just my thoughts!
Simmer on low on the stove, check water every so often (as in the instructions above the recipes)
I will try the different combinations I usually do cinnamon and cloves which I find a little strong Thank you for the tips
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Good Afternoon, I was wondering how much of each do you use for each combination ?
It really depends on how fragrant you’d like your simmering pot to be. For one pot, I generally use a whole piece of fruit (a whole, sliced lemon or lime) and several (3 or more) sprigs of fresh herbs. If you’re using dried herbs or spices (such as sticks of cinnamon) you could probably use fewer, maybe 2.
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