Simple Simmer Pot Recipes for Each Season of the Year
There’s something magical about simmer pot recipes that fill our homes with delightful fragrances, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Whether it’s the crisp air of fall, the festive spirit of Christmas, the freshness of spring, or the sunny days of summer, there’s a simmer pot recipe to suit every season.
These simple and delicious simmer pot recipes are the natural way to make any season more inviting and cozy!
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From summertime fragrances such as citrus and lavender to winter favorites like cinnamon and cloves – this collection of easy recipes will have your kitchen filled with the scents of every season. So pull out some pots and get ready for some aromatic fun!
Close your eyes. Go ahead…close them.
Picture a blue sky with crisp air, swirling leaves, hot apple cider, your favorite cozy sweater, and a pumpkin spice latte in your hand. It’s Fall, Y’All!
Time to blink…soon it will be Christmas and the smell of fresh Christmas trees surrounds us!
Springtime smells are such a welcome thing after a long winter of being stuck inside.
An in summer? Well, it might be hot outside, but you can still have a crock pot simmering with all of the best scents of summer!
Simmer pot recipes are such a great way to make your home smell fantastic.
We’re going on a year-round tour…so pick your favorite seasonal scents and enjoy all of these simmer pot recipes!
The Basics of A Simmer Pot Recipe
Creating a simmer pot is a simple and enjoyable process.
To make one, you’ll need a small saucepan, water, and a selection of aromatic ingredients like fruits, herbs, spices, or essential oils.
Sometimes I use a regular pan and sometimes I use this adorable clear glass pan. The clear pan is a little smaller than other pans but it still holds lots of aromatic ingredients. And it is fun to see everything simmering inside!
First, fill the saucepan about two-thirds full with water. Next, add your chosen natural ingredients to the water, whether it’s slices of citrus, herbs, spices, or a combination of these elements.
(I find that a serrated knife works really well when slicing different types of fruit.)
Place the saucepan on your stovetop over low heat and allow it to come to a gentle simmer.
As the mixture heats up, the delightful aroma will begin to permeate your space. Keep an eye on the water level to ensure it doesn’t evaporate entirely, adding more water as needed.
It’s a wonderfully easy way to infuse your home with captivating scents that suit the season or your desired ambiance.
You can also make any of these simmer pot recipes in a slow cooker!
Those are the basics. Now let’s get down to specifics and discover the best simmer pot recipes for each season of the year!
IMPORTANT: Remember that simmer pot recipes are not for human consumption! Just for the human joy of smelling!
How to Make A Fall Simmer Pot
The scent of a fall simmer pot is cozy and inviting. It’s a mix of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, giving you that warm and comforting feeling of autumn. You’ll also catch hints of apple and orange, making it feel like you’re in the midst of the fall harvest.
The fall simmer pot scent is like a nostalgic hug, welcoming you into the heart of the season!
Slice up an apple, an orange, and add glorious fall spices!
Fall Simmer Pot Ingredients
- 2 apples, sliced or quartered
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 8-12 cinnamon sticks
- A small handful of whole cloves
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of nutmeg
Slice the apples and oranges and toss in the pot.
Simply add all of the ingredients to the pot and let it simmer on low heat on your stovetop. (No boiling please!)
Fall Simmer Pot Recipe
Equipment
- pot
- 1 sharp knife
Ingredients
- 2 apples sliced or quartered
- 2 oranges sliced
- 8-12 cinnamon sticks
- 1 handful cloves
- 3 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch nutmeg
Instructions
- Fill a small saucepan with water, about two-thirds full.
- Add the apple slices, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, vanilla and nutmeg.
- Place the saucepan on your stovetop over low heat.
- As the water begins to simmer, the autumn scents will fill your home. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if needed.
How to Make a Christmas Simmer Pot
The scent of a Christmas simmer pot fills the holiday season with the scent of cheer. And what better way to warm up your home during the winter months than with a holiday simmer pot of “Ahhh!”
This recipe combines the fresh, evergreen aroma of pine branches with the comforting spices of cinnamon and star anise. The addition of cranberries adds a touch of brightness to the mix, while a slice of fresh ginger adds a hint of warmth.
The overall effect is like stepping into a cozy holiday cabin, with the fragrant pine filling the air and the spices adding that special Christmas magic. It’s a scent that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit, making your home feel like a joyful winter wonderland.
Christmas Simmer Pot Ingredients
- 1 small handful of fresh pine needles (or a few drops of pine-scented essential oils)
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1-2 star anise
- Orange slices or peels
- 1 small handful of fresh cranberries
- 2 tsp. ginger (or one slice if you have fresh!)
Christmas Simmer Pot
Equipment
- 1 simmer pot or pan
- 1 knife
- 1 wood cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 sliced orange
- 6-8 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 teas. ground nutmeg
- 1 handful whole cloves
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 2-3 star anise
- 1 sprig evergreen needles (optional)
Instructions
- Fill the pan with water, about two-thirds full.
- Add the cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves, rosemary, star anise, and evergreen needles.
- Place the saucepan on your stovetop over low heat.
- As the water begins to simmer, the scent of Christmas will fill your home. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if needed.
How to Make a Spring Simmer Pot
The scent of a Spring simmer pot is refreshing and invigorating!
It combines the earthy aroma of rosemary with the zesty citrus notes of lemon and lime. A touch of lavender or lavender essential oil lends a soothing undertone, while mint leaves add a crisp, clean scent.
The overall effect awakens your senses and brings a sense of renewal to your space, making it perfect for welcoming the fresh new season.
Slice up all sorts of citrus fruits and add spices like rosemary, lavender, and mint. You can smell Spring. in the air!
Spring Simmer Pot Ingredients
- Sprigs of rosemary
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- A few lavender buds (or a drop of lavender essential oil)
- 1-2 mint leaves
- Water
Spring Simmer Pot
Equipment
- 1 saucepan or pot
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 handful fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 limes, sliced
- A few lavender buds (or a drop of lavender essential oil)
- 1-2 mint leaves
Instructions
- Fill a small saucepan with water, about two-thirds full.
- Add the fresh rosemary sprigs, lemon slices, lime slices, lavender buds, and mint leaves.
- If you're using lavender essential oil, add a drop to the water instead of lavender buds.
- Place the saucepan on your stovetop over low heat.
- As the water begins to simmer, the delightful scents of a blooming garden will permeate your space.
How to Make a Summer Simmer Pot
You might not naturally think of a simmer pot in the summer. After all, who wants to heat up the kitchen?
This is where a crock pot comes in handy. You can fill your home with summer fragrance but with very little heat in the kitchen!
Think zesty, citrus fruits notes of lemons, limes, and orange slices as well as fresh basil leaves and sprigs of thyme…
The overall effect is like basking in the warmth of a summer’s day, with the vibrant citrus scents and herbal accents that add a touch of brightness and vitality to your surroundings
Summer Simmer Pot Ingredients
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- Water
Summer Simmer Pot
Equipment
- 1 crockpot (or saucepan or pot)
- 1 sharp knife
Ingredients
- 1 lemons, sliced
- 1 limes, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
- 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Fill a small crockpot or pan with water, about two-thirds full.
- Add the lemon slices, lime slices, orange slices, fresh basil leaves, and sprigs of fresh thyme.
- Set your crockpot the medium setting for 20 minutes. Then turn the setting to low. Or, placeaa saucepan on your stovetop over low heat.
- As the water simmers, the zesty and invigorating scents of citrus and herbs will fill your home.
Other Ingredients You Can Add to Your Simmer Pot
Experiment with your favorite scents and throw them in the pot! Here is a list of ingredient ideas:
- Bay Leaves
- Cardamom pods
- Peppermint candies
- Lemongrass
- Cedarwood Chips
- Eucalyptus Leaves
- Coffee Beans!
Simmer Pot Tips
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients for your simmer pot. Fresh herbs, fruits, and spices tend to produce stronger and more vibrant scents.
Mind the Water Level: Keep an eye on the water level in the pot to prevent it from drying out. Add more water as needed to maintain the simmer.
Adjust Heat Carefully: Simmer your pot over low heat. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the water to evaporate quickly, leaving your ingredients to burn and produce unpleasant odors.
Simmer Safely: Never leave a simmer pot unattended for extended periods. It’s best to keep an eye on it while it’s on the stove to ensure it’s simmering safely.
Experiment and Personalize: Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredient combinations to find scents that you love. Thick slices of lemon, whole spices, your favorite pieces of fruit…Personalize your simmer pot recipes to match the season or your mood!
How Long Can You Do a Simmer Pot?
The duration for which you can maintain a simmer pot largely depends on your preference and the amount of water you initially use.
Theoretically, you can simmer a pot for as long as you like, as long as there is enough water to prevent it from drying out. Many people enjoy simmering pots for a few hours at a time to fill their homes with delightful scents throughout the day.
However, for safety reasons, it’s recommended not to leave a simmer pot unattended for extended periods. If you plan to keep it going for a while, periodically check the water level and add more water as needed to ensure it doesn’t evaporate completely.
You can adjust the simmer pot’s duration to suit your schedule and enjoy the aroma as long as you desire.
A Simmer Pot Gift
Are you looking for a great gift idea? Give the gift of a simmer pot!
Fill a small pot filled with whole fruit, cellophane bags filled with spices, and a notecard with handwritten instructions for your favorite simmer pot recipes.
This is a great idea for an appreciated teacher, your favorite hair stylist, or members of your book club. They also make great neighbor gifts!
Simmer Down Now!
Who doesn’t love coming home to a warm, cozy house that smells amazing? Trust us, your friends and family want to hang out in your kitchen all the time!
As the seasons come and go, there is a simmer pot for everyone. From robust fall flavors to light summer vibes, these simmer pot recipes provide an incredible variety of aromas throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for a winter pick-me-up or a spring refresher, look no further than your own kitchen!
Be sure to keep these recipes on hand so that your home is smelling amazing all year round. After all, there’s something special about home fragrance that makes us feel cozy and cared for. Keep on cooking up something amazing!
Cheers!
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Since We’re in the Kitchen
Since we have simmer pot recipes for Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, here are some yummy recipes for each season!
Chocolate Truffle Christmas Tree
Oh, I can smell this all the way in CA! Simmer pots are one of my favorites, I can’t wait to try these ideas. I love the fresh cranberries :)))
The cranberries are my favorite!
I love doing simmer pots. I think I usually call them simmering popery and I mostly think of doing them during the winter season and even the fall. I’m very familiar with those ingredients. What I was not expecting were the spring and summer blends. I’m gonna have to play around with those because they sound really intriguing.
Thank you so much for sharing your recipes at the Sunday sunshine bop this week. Be sure to follow the blog to not miss anything and come back anytime.
Laurie
It is so fun to fill the house with scents year round! Thanks for stopping by and thank you for a great link party!
I love having a simmer pot in the crockpot on the counter. It makes the house smell so homey and welcoming! What a great idea to make these as a gift too!
Thank you so much for sharing with us at Whimsy Home Wednesday!
Thank you so much, Becky! I love Whimsy Home Wednesday!
Love your recipes for simple simmer pots… Thanks for sharing at Tuesday Turn About! Your post is featured at this week’s party! Pinned!
Thank you for sharing the post and thank you for a great link party every week!
I never would have thought to do something like this, but what a great idea! I’ll have to try a couple of these recipes.
Your house will smell divine, Julie!