As the crisp air settles in and the vibrant colors of autumn leaves surround us, there’s nothing quite like filling your home with the comforting scents of fall. Simmer pots are a simple, magical way to bring the essence of fall into every corner of your home. In this post, I’ll share a collection of my favorite simmer pot recipes, combining blends of spices, fruits and herbs, your home will be smelling like the perfect Autumn day in no time.
1. Classic Cinnamon & Citrus
AKA the holy grail of simmer pots, this is the ultimate fall go-to. The combination of oranges, cinnamon, and cloves gives off that warm, spicy, and zesty scent we all associate with the season.
Ingredients:
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- A dash of vanilla extract
How to:
Fill a small pot with water, drop in all the ingredients, and bring it to a gentle boil. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add more water as needed to keep the scent going.
2. Apple Pie Vibes
Want your home to smell like you’ve been baking all day? This one’s for you. It’s basically the essence of a fresh apple pie, minus the work.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple (sliced)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- A splash of vanilla extract
- 2-3 star anise (optional for extra warmth)
How to:
Add everything to a pot of water, bring to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer. The sweet and spicy apple scent will fill your home and have everyone thinking there’s dessert coming.
3. Woodsy & Warm
For those who love the outdoors, this simmer pot brings the earthy, comforting smell of a fall forest indoors. It’s perfect for a quiet evening when you just want to unwind.
Ingredients:
- Pine branches or a few sprigs of rosemary
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 3-4 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
How to:
Simmer these ingredients on low heat, sit back and embrace the cozy cabin in the wood's ambiance. It’s an instant calm in a pot.
4. Pumpkin Spice Everything
We can’t talk about fall without a little pumpkin spice! This simmer pot captures that iconic scent, so you can get those pumpkin spice vibes whenever the mood strikes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree (optional for extra pumpkin-y goodness)
How to:
Combine all the ingredients in a pot with water, bring to a simmer and let the magic unleash. This one will make your home smell like the coziest corner of a coffee shop in the fall.
5. Cranberry & Spice
Last but not least, a festive simmer pot that’s perfect for transitioning from fall into the holiday season. The cranberries give a tart brightness, while the spices bring the warmth.
Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 2-3 star anise
How to:
Let everything simmer on low heat, and watch the vibrant cranberries float around in the pot. It’s like a mini party for your senses.
A Few Simmer Pot Tips:
- Keep an eye on the water level. The water will evaporate, so top it off as needed to keep the scents flowing.
- Use what you have. Don’t have cinnamon sticks? Ground cinnamon works too. No oranges? Try lemons or even a lime.
- Reuse ingredients. If you’re not done enjoying the aroma, you can keep the simmer pot in the fridge and reuse it for a couple of days. Just add fresh water when you’re ready to go again.
So, there you have it! Five simmer pot recipes to make your home feel like the coziest place on earth this fall. Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual get-together or just want to curl up with a good book, these simmer pots will instantly set the mood.
Happy Fall Y'all!