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Myra Sheikh

Peppermint Orange Simmer Pot Recipe

This peppermint simmer pot blends fresh peppermint, orange, cranberries, and vanilla for a crisp, lightly sweet home fragrance that works especially well in winter and during the holidays. Peppermint extract is optional for extra strength. This simmer pot is for home fragrance only and is not for consumption.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 1 simmer pot
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Simmer Pot Ingredients:
  • 1 small orange thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 10 –12 fresh peppermint leaves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract optional
  • For Simmering:
  • 6 cups water plus more hot water as needed

Equipment

  • 3-quart saucepan 
  • Cutting board
  • Kitchen knife
  • Measuring cups 
  • Measuring spoons 

Method
 

  1. Wash the orange and fresh peppermint, then slice the orange into thin rounds.
  2. Add the orange slices, cranberries, and 6 cups water to a 3-quart saucepan.
  3. Heat over medium heat until gentle steam and small bubbles begin to appear.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, then add the fresh peppermint leaves and vanilla extract.
  5. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, then add up to ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract only if you want a stronger peppermint fragrance.
  6. Continue simmering on low for 1–2 hours while attended.
  7. Check the water level every 20–30 minutes and add more hot water whenever the liquid becomes low.
  8. Turn off the heat before leaving the room for an extended period, leaving the home, or when you are finished using the simmer pot.

Notes

Stronger fragrance: Add 2–3 more fresh peppermint leaves or a few extra strips of orange peel before adding more peppermint extract.
Lighter fragrance: Increase the water or use fewer peppermint leaves. Skip the optional extract for a softer scent.
No fresh peppermint: Substitute about 1 tablespoon dried peppermint or 1–2 unsweetened peppermint tea bags.
Cranberries are optional: Leave them out for a simpler peppermint-orange blend.
Reuse: Cool the mixture promptly, transfer it to a covered container, refrigerate it, and use it within about 24 hours. Discard it if it develops an unusual odor, visible mold, or other signs of spoilage.
Slow cooker option: Combine the ingredients with 6 cups water and heat on LOW. Once hot, leave the lid partially open or remove it for fragrance release, monitor the slow cooker, and add more water as needed.
Important: This simmer pot is 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. Keep the pot and hot liquid away from children and pets.
If you have pets and are unsure about a particular ingredient, check with your veterinarian before using it in your home.