A Simple Simmer Pot Recipe

Want your home to smell like holiday cheer?

Listen, it’s Friday night. I need to vacuum, mop, and scrub every surface of this house. Apollo has definitely rolled in *something* outside. It’s been rainy and muddy, and let’s face it- 2 tween/teen boys live here. Let’s be real—homes with kids rarely smell like freshly baked cookies and pinecones. More often, it’s a delightful mix of forgotten lunchboxes, mystery socks, and whatever died in the fridge last week. But don’t worry, busy moms—I’ve got your back. With a holiday simmer pot, you can transform your house into a cozy, festive haven that smells like you spent all day baking, even if you’ve only managed to find one matching sock and a half-eaten granola bar today.

The best part? Once that heavenly seasonal scent starts wafting through the house, you’ve got yourself a golden ticket to sit down, enjoy a hot (ish) cup of coffee, and pretend your life is as put-together as it smells. Ready to fake it till you make it? Let’s get simmering.

Cozy Simmer Pot Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberries

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 apple, sliced

• 3-4 cinnamon sticks

• 6-8 whole cloves

• 6 cups water

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  Optional add-ins: A dash of ground nutmeg, a few lemon slices, or any other spice that tickles your fancy.

Instructions:

1. Dump It All In
   Grab a 3-4 quart pot and toss in all the ingredients. There's no need to overthink it—this is supposed to be easy, not a chemistry experiment!

2. Bring the Heat
   Place the pot on your stove, turn the heat to high, and bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Simmer and Savor
   Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let the fragrance work its holiday magic. As the water evaporates, add more to keep the scent going for hours.

4. Breathe In the Cheer
   That’s it! Your home will smell like a Hallmark movie set in no time.

Pro Tips for a Festive Twist:

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to make your simmer pot truly yours:

• Add Lemons: For a zesty twist.

• Star Anise: Adds a beautiful look and a licorice-like scent.

• Rosemary or Pine Sprigs: For a woodsy vibe that pairs perfectly with a Christmas tree.

• Ginger Slices: Warm, spicy, and oh-so-cozy.

That’s all- now go sit down, pretend the laundry doesn’t exist, or soak up five minutes of peace with your favorite beverage, the simmer pot’s got you covered. Deep cleaning can wait—today’s about soaking in the season and giving yourself a little grace. You’ve earned it.

And bonus—it’s a great way to use up that fruit your kids swore they’d eat before it got squishy. Waste not, smell amazing.

Go on, simmer down and enjoy the season!