Wednesday, December 4, 2013

CHRISTMAS IS IN THE AIR~ SIMMERING POTPOURRI



It's not Christmas at StoneGable until the aroma of cloves and cinnamon and orange and other wonderful spices is wafting through the air!

I've made Simmering potpourri for decades... tweaking it for different seasons and holidays.

Here's an easy to make simmering potpourri... a Christmas Potpourri... to fill your home with the unmistakable smell of of the Christmas season...

No room spray or candle can recreate the aroma of real spices and other Christmas goodies gently simmering on the stove!!!!

 Intoxicating!

StoneGable Christmas Simmering Potpourri
dried lemon peel
whole cloves 
star anise
dried cranberries
nutmeg
allspice
cinnamon sticks
dried orange peel
mulling spices ( I buy a big inexpensive container)






Mix all the ingredients together and put into a pretty jar.


I used a Weck canning jar.






To Simmer:

Add a few tablespoons of potpourri to a small pot of water. Simmer on low heat. Remember to check it often. As the water evaporates add more water.


STONEGABLE TIP: I set a timer and carry it with me to remind me that I have the potpourri on the stove!


Christmas Simmering Potpourri would make a lovely gift.

 I have a gift exchange next week and I'm giving a jar of the potpourri tied up with twine and a sprig of blue juniper!







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26 comments:

  1. Dear Yvonne, This must have the most wonderful scent!

    xoxo
    Karena
    The Arts by Karena

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  2. Thank you for a wonderful post always! God Bless

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  3. yes! The Christams spirit is up. Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures. Cheers!
    MAYA
    http://jiloeastdesign.blogspot.com/

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  4. Do you dry your own lemon and orange peels? ot buy ?

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    Replies
    1. Great question. As I use lemons and oranges (or clementines, we love them) I put the peels aside on a plate and let them dry.
      Hope this helps. Happy Day!

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  5. No doubt the potpourri smells great Yvonne! A perfect gift:@)

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  6. Yvonne, I have made simmering potpourri in the past but your recipe looks so much better. I'm ready to make it but I have a question about the nutmeg. Your photo of the spices shows whole nutmeg. Do you use the nutmeg whole or do you grate it first? This might sound like a stupid question but I have never used whole nutmeg before and am not sure if whole would work in the potpourri

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    Replies
    1. Nancy, I pop a whole nutmeg in the simmering pot and reuse it. I love the smell of nutmeg. It's a great idea to score it with a grater before adding to the pot. Hope this helps!

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    2. Yvonne, thanks so much for the quick reply, especially at this busy time of year. Also, I appreciate the previous q & a as well. Can't wait to try this. You have such a great blog. Thanks for the gift of sharing.

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  7. I love this version! I like that it's a big batch and you can just spoon out at bit whenever you want it without messing with fresh ingredients. Just awesome for a scent junkie like me! :)

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  8. I can almost smell it now! What a wonderful gift idea!
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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  9. OUr house tour is next week so this will be PERFECT!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  10. Yvonne, I have been hoping you would repost this. I made your version a couple of years ago and gave it as gifts. It was a most welcome gift and I had lost my copy. This year's is slightly different but I can't wait to make it again. Thank you!

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  11. I have a very small crockpot that is dedicated to simmering scents. It takes the pressure off having to watch a pot all evening! Love your recipe!

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  12. This sounds wonderful - can't wait to try it - Do you dry your lemon and orange peel in the oven or just air dry, please? Thanks for sharing.

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  13. I can just imagine the wonderful smells of your home during the holidays….what a great gift that makes! Thanks Yvonne!

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  14. What amounts weight or volume) of each of the ingredients do you use?

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  15. Oh, dear....I am sure HEAVEN smells like this at Christmas time. :)
    See you tomorrow for your Thurs party.:)

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  16. This does absolutely sound wonderful. I had the same question as someone above about how much of each ingredient (weight or volume) that you use? Thank you.

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  17. I love this as a favor for a holiday party! Must smell divine!

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  18. I think I can smell it all the way over here!! Heavenly!
    Your photo is BEAUTIFUL, with the pretty effects in the background & that sprig of juniper. I just brought some in yesterday & the whole laundry room smells wonderful.

    Hope you're continuing to heal well. REST as much as possible!!!

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  19. I know this smells wonderful! Thank you for sharing your recipe! I'm pinning this and giving it a try! Your photos are gorgeous! I hope you're feeling better and mending well!

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  20. Would you mind giving quantities for each ingredient? Thanks.

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    Replies
    1. I don't measure...just a handful of the or that. It will smell wonderful no matter what quantities you use!

      Be brave... just do it!

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  21. I just had to tell you I'm making this today Yvonne. My home is full of cooking odors due to a weekend of nonstop feasting so I'm trying this to see if I can re-fresh the house. I should just open up the house but it's summer here and the thought of turning off the air conditioner is not appealing at all! Thanks for the idea.

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

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