Simmer pots are all over my timeline right now. What is a simmer pot exactly you might ask? It’s something you use in place of a candle that will make your home smell heavenly. Any pot will work, but I have seen some online retailers advertising pots that are clear specifically for simmering. That part is totally optional though. I have also read that you can use crockpots in place of simmer pots too. I’ve never done that, so definitely do your research prior if you go that route.

There are so many choices when it comes to simmer pots but, I promise you can’t mess it up. I tend to make simmer pots when I’m making something fragrant like tacos, or bacon. The simmer pot helps offset the overpowering smell of what I’m cooking. I also use a simmer pot in place of a candle sometimes because I can create custom scents.

I try to be resourceful and make simmer pots when I can’t eat my apples or oranges fast enough before they start to go bad. You can use any apple and citrus fruit. For my last simmer pot, I used 2 apples and 1 tangerine. I will slice them into rounds, drop in a cinnamon stick, and enough water to cover everything. I bring mine to a boil, and then turn it down to simmer. You can also put it right to simmer, which is probably what most people do. I leave my pot on the stove simmering for upwards of 2-3 hours. Usually at the 3-hour mark it isn’t putting off as much smell.

Here’s some other easy simmer pot recipes:

Cover with water and use any of the ingredient lists below depending on the smell you are trying to mimic.

Fall Simmer Pot:

Half an apple, sliced-up oranges, 1 teaspoon whole cloves, 1 teaspoon fall spice blend (Use pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 bay leaf.

Summer Simmer Pot:

Slice one lemon, one lime, and one orange. Use 1 tablespoon of peppercorns (any color), 2-3 springs of fresh thyme, and 1 sprig of fresh rosemary. Combine with the prepared citrus fruit.