SSC’s 13-Day Holiday Challenge, Day 3: Holiday Simmer Potpourri
Day 3 of the Simply Sophisticated Cooking 13-Day Holiday Challenge is the only non-eating food gift that I included. Although all the ingredients are completely edible and yummy to use.
My Holiday Simmer Potpourri will have your home (or those you give it to) smelling fantastic throughout the holiday season.
Not only does this potpourri smell good but it can help you feel a little better with those horrible winter colds and the flu. Hopefully, none of you get any of those over the holidays but just in case, through a little of this Holiday Simmer Potpourri on the stove with some pine branches and you’ll find some relief.
This is another of those gifts that you can make ahead or just gather all the ingredients into a gift box or bag for that special someone.
It’s also very inexpensive to put together and doesn’t take too much effort to make. Buying the spices in bulk is the least expensive option. Enjoy making a few extras for yourself while you’re making them up.
I’ve also used the same mix for several days. Just add more water as it dips down in the pot and continue using until you’re not getting the fantastic scent anymore. Another reason this is such a great affordable gift.
I love the scents of this Holiday Simmer Potpourri. They leave me feeling relaxed and warmed to the soul.
And if you include pine branches, your home will smell a little like a yummy Christmas tree with flavor.
It’s such a fun gift to give and to receive.
Happy Holidays!
Holiday Potpourri
Ingredients
- 3 cinnamon sticks broken in half
- 2 clementines sliced 1/4″ thick
- 1 Tbsp. fennel seed
- 1 tsp. cloves
- 6 whole star anise
- 1 Tbsp. black peppercorns
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- fresh pine branches if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.
- Spread clementine slices on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Bake until clementine slices are dried. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Divide evenly into 3 portions. Store in plastic bags or glass jars.
- To use: add one portion of the Holiday Potpourri to a pot of water, including fresh pine branches, if desired, and simmer on the stove. Add more water as needed. Holiday scents will waft through the home.