Christmas brings with it some wonderful smells. The aromas of cookies baking, gingerbread cooling, hot cider simmering. They bring with them a warm and cozy feeling that you just can’t get any other time of year.
One simple way to fill your house with the scent of the holidays is to make a pot of simmering spices. It’s easy to throw together, and if you keep adding water, it will last for several days. This would even be a great hostess gift. Simply tie the spices up in cheesecloth with a pretty ribbon, and the recipient can add their own orange peel.
If you have a grocery store nearby that sells spices in bulk, that is the easiest and cheapest way to gather everything. I bought mine at Sprouts and each bag of spices cost less than $1.00 and will make multiple portions.
What you will need:
-8 black peppercorns
-6 whole allspice
-8 whole cloves
-2 cinnamon sticks
-1 whole orange peel
-water
Directions: Toss all ingredients into a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a simmer. Add water as needed throughout the day.
That’s it! Simple right?
What’s your favorite Christmas scent?
I love doing this! And I usually just throw in whatever smells good at the moment. In September I’ll use an apple from the orchard that has a worm in it and wouldn’t get eaten otherwise and slice it up with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. So cheap and way more potent than any candle I’ve ever bought!
This sounds excellent!! I just love holiday spices!
So easy too!!