A simmer pot is simply a small pan of water filled with fragrant ingredients and gently warmed on the stove. As the water heats, the scent from the fruit, herbs, and spices begins to fill the kitchen. For fall, I like a mixture of orange, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, rosemary, and thyme. It smells seasonal without being too sweet or overpowering.
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Fall Simmer Pot Ingredients
This combination uses ingredients that are easy to find and simple to adjust. Fresh orange adds a bright citrus scent, while cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg bring in the familiar fragrances of fall. Rosemary and thyme add a fresh herbal note that balances everything nicely.
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- Whole nutmeg
- Water
How to Make a Fall Simmer Pot
Add all of the ingredients to a small saucepan and pour in enough water to generously cover them. Bring the water to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down to low. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for as long as you like, adding more water whenever the level gets low. Keep an eye on the pan while it is on the stove, and never allow the water to completely evaporate.
Easy Ways to Change the Scent
There is no need to measure every ingredient perfectly. Add another cinnamon stick for a stronger spice scent, use extra orange slices, or leave out an herb you do not have. Apple slices, lemon, or a few star anise pods would also work well. The version shown here is especially nice for early fall because the orange and herbs keep the fragrance fresh while the cinnamon and cloves add just enough seasonal spice.
Can You Use a Simmer Pot Again?
If there is plenty of life left in the ingredients, let the mixture cool completely, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Add fresh water before warming it again the next day. After a day or two, the ingredients begin to lose their fragrance, so that is usually a good time to start fresh. A fall simmer pot takes only a few minutes to put together, and it is such an easy way to bring the scents of the season into the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 large orange (sliced)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 whole nutmegs
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
Instructions
- Place the ingredients in a small pot.
- Cover the ingredients with water.
- Over very low heat, on the stovetop, bring to a quiet simmer.
- Enjoy for 30 minutes.
- Don't forget to turn off the burner.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you try this simmer pot recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. A quick rating or comment is always appreciated, and helps other readers too.
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