Christmas Simmer Recipe
When we realized one of our televised spots would run on Christmas Eve, we thought about what we would want to learn as we casually watched TV while cooking or wrapping gifts! This Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe is it; a family favorite, apparently for several of our team members. We love how easily it comes together, it’s scent-sational and that it is entirely possible you have all the ingredients already. You will have that cozy Christmas scent wafting around your home in no time. Plus, packing this up in a clear cellophane bag or jar, then tying with a ribbon makes for a simple and very enjoyable hostess gift!
If gifting with fresh produce ingredients, be sure to note that it needs to be used within two weeks. Wash and let all produce dry before packaging and don’t cut any of the fruits into slices.
Here are the ingredients:
1 to 2 cups Cranberries (ideally fresh but frozen will work)
1 large Orange, sliced (or slices of dried oranges)
5 Cinnamon stick (can use ground cinnamon instead)
1 to 2 tablespoons of whole Cloves (can use ground cloves instead)
2 to 4 Star Anise pods
Water (apple juice or cider takes it up a notch!)
Optional ingredients include a sprig of rosemary or fresh needleleaf evergreen, ground nutmeg, cardamom, all spice berries, and/ or pear.
Christmas Simmer Pot Directions
Add all of the ingredients to a large pot, filled 3/4 of the way full with either water or apple juice.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, adding water or juice as needed. Always make sure there is liquid in the pot.
After a few hours simmering, allow to cool, then cover, letting it sit for additional simmering the next couple of days. Same instructions, just be sure to keep liquid in the pot!
Want it to last longer? Once cooled, instead of leaving covered pot on the stove, put the covered pot in the refrigerator. This will help it keep for about a week after first use. Some of the ingredients may need refreshing; add new as needed for best scent!
Red Hot Cider
The above recipe isn’t made for drinking, although if you use all food grade ingredients, you could see how it tastes! For a simple warm holiday drink that will create a delicious scent in your home, consider heating up apple juice and Red Hots candy. The ratio is one gallon of apple juice with one cup of Red Hots; add the Red Hots to boiling apple juice and stir until the candies dissolve. Make it feel even more special by adding a sugar cinnamon rim to your heat safe mug of choice!
