There's nothing more cozy once the cool weather hits than grabbing a comfy throw, a cup of hot cocoa and putting a pot of simmering potpourri on the stove.
In the past I have shown you how to make a refreshing and light Lemon And Rosemary Stovetop Home Fragrance which is awesome for freshening up your home in winter and spring. Today's apple, orange and cinnamon potpourri recipe is its earthier cousin that will remind you of Grandma's kitchen on Thanksgiving Day 1972.
Minus the turkey. I didn't add any turkey in my potpourri.
This all-natural potpourri recipe requires only 6 simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry (unless you are like me and went all Marie Kondo on her spice drawer in the spring).
My favorite thing about this potpourri recipe is that it's so easy to make . . . it is pretty much impossible to mess it up. A little slicing here and little opening of spice jars there and you're on your way to making your house smell wonderful this holiday season.
You can use this potpourri recipe from early fall, through Thanksgiving and Christmas. And beyond!
Homemade Simmer Stovetop Potpourri
Ingredients:
1 Apple sliced
1 Orange sliced
2 Cinnamon Sticks
1 teaspoon Nutmeg
1 Tablespoon Cloves
1 teaspoon Vanilla
Instructions:
Slice orange and apple into thin slices and place in the bottom of a saucepan.
Add your cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla.
Cover with 2 cups of water (exact measuring isn't required, just enough to cover the fruit).
Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat to a low simmer. You will leave the pot on the stove at this low simmer for the remainder of the time you want to enjoy all the wonderful smells of the season.
Occasionally check on your potpourri and when the water starts to run low, add more.
You do not want to leave the house while this is on the stove. Please keep an eye on it.
Without adding additional water occasionally, all the water will eventually evaporate and you'll be left with dried, burnt fruit and spices. And that is not a good smell.
This is just something you need to keep an eye on, but the smell is worth it.
So worth it!
Homemade Simmering Potpourri
Equipment
- 2-3 quart Saucepan
Supplies
- 1 Apple sliced
- 1 Orange sliced
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 Teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 Tablespoon Whole Cloves
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
Instructions
- Slice apple and orange into thin slices and place in the bottom of a saucepan
- Add in your cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla
- Cover with water and bring to a boil
- Reduce heat to a simmer
- Occasionally check on your potpourri and add more water if needed.
Notes
How long does stove top potpourri last? Can you reuse stove top potpourri?
You can reuse your potpourri 3-4 more times.
After you are done enjoying it for the day, let the potpourri cool, pour it into a lidded container and put it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. Just pull it out, bring it to a boil again, reduce it back to a simmer and enjoy.
After reheating 3-4 times it's time for a new batch.
Check out the web story version of this article HERE.
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Susie | Chelsea Project
Looks so good! I'm making some today!! Susie from Chelsea Project
Libbie
I was looking for a Fall recipe! This looks beautiful I can't wait to try it.
Maria
I love this makes the house smell great! Love the use of spices for aroma
Michelle Leslie
Oh my, that must smell heavenly and such an easy recipe to follow too. Thank you, I can't wait to give it a try
Kari Wagner Hoban
My mom made this exact recipe to make our house smell amazing when I was a child. 🙂
Pam Kessler
Sounds like your mom was a smart woman 🙂
Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces
Oh, this is wonderful! My absolute favorite scents...I have to make it. Thanks for sharing, Pam! Beautiful photos, too!
Pam Kessler
Thank, Linda! I always like to photograph fruit. It doesn't move around on me 🙂
Jo Johnston
Will give this a try. Sounds like it will smell amazing!
Pam Kessler
You'll love it!