Citrus and Spice Simmer Pot Gift Jar
A warm and fragrant dried simmer pot blend made with orange, apple, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, allspice, and rosemary. It makes a beautiful homemade gift for teachers, neighbors, hosts, coworkers, Christmas, and housewarmings.
Yield: 1 simmer pot
Equipment
- 1 clean 16-ounce glass jar
- 1 3-quart saucepan
- Measuring cup and spoons
- Gift tag and ribbon
Materials
Gift Jar:
- 4 completely dried orange slices
- 3 completely dried apple slices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole star anise
- 2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
- 1 small dried rosemary sprig
Simmering:
- 5 cups water, or enough to cover the ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
Instructions
- Check that all dried fruit and rosemary are completely dry and cool.
- Arrange the dried fruit, herbs, and whole spices in a clean glass jar.
- Seal the jar and attach simmering and safety instructions.
- Empty the jar into a 3-quart saucepan.
- Add 5 cups of water, or enough to cover the ingredients.
- Heat over medium heat until small bubbles and steam appear.
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Check the water every 20–30 minutes.
- Add more hot water before the ingredients become exposed.
- Never leave the simmer pot unattended or allow it to boil dry.
Notes
For a stronger citrus fragrance, add 2 extra dried orange slices.For a lighter fragrance, reduce the cloves to 1 teaspoon or add another cup of water.Dried lemon can replace orange, dried pear can replace apple, and 2 dried bay leaves can replace rosemary.Do not pour vanilla extract into the dried gift jar. Add it only when simmering.Important: For home fragrance only. Do not eat, taste, serve, or drink the mixture.Never leave a heated simmer pot unattended and never allow the pot to boil dry.
Gift Tag Instructions:
Empty the jar into a saucepan and add 5 cups of water. Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, check every 20–30 minutes, add more hot water as needed, never leave unattended or let the pot boil dry, and do not consume.