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Cozy Christmas Simmer Pot with Orange and Cloves

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This cozy Christmas simmer pot with orange and cloves is a simple, budget-friendly way to fill your home with the warm, spicy scent of the holidays. Just toss fruit and spices in a pot with water and let it simmer for a naturally festive aroma.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium oranges, sliced into rounds
  • 2 tablespoons whole cloves
  • 3–4 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (optional)
  • 1 apple, sliced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 star anise pods (optional)
  • Water, enough to cover ingredients

Instructions

  1. Wash oranges and apple thoroughly. Slice oranges into 1/4-inch rounds; slice apple, removing core and seeds. Rinse cranberries if using.
  2. Place orange slices, apple slices (if using), cranberries, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and star anise (if using) in a medium to large pot.
  3. Pour enough cold water into the pot to cover the fruit by about 1 inch. Add vanilla extract and stir gently.
  4. Place pot on stovetop over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle simmer (small bubbles, not a rolling boil), about 5-8 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover pot partially with a lid, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
  6. Let simmer for at least 30 minutes to 2-3 hours, checking water level every 30 minutes. Add more hot water if needed to keep fruit submerged.
  7. To refresh scent after a few hours, add more water and a few extra cloves or a fresh cinnamon stick.

Notes

Don’t let the pot boil dry—it can burn and create an unpleasant smell. Use a heat diffuser if your stove runs hot. Keep a kettle of hot water nearby to top off the pot without stopping the simmer. Ingredients can be strained and reused for 2-3 days (store in fridge). For a slow cooker, set on low for 4-6 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas simmer pot, orange and cloves, holiday scent, stovetop potpourri, natural air freshener, cozy Christmas, homemade gift

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/cozy-christmas-simmer-pot-with-orange-and-cloves/