Christmas is so much about filling our senses. Whether you are a first time hostess or a seasoned one, nothing really smells more like Christmas than this festive concoction. If you are in an apartment, a home or wherever you find yourself this season, this recipe will be sure to make you feel the warmth and happiness of Christmas. Perhaps you are a hesitant cook or your tree does not contribute a pine smell to your Christmas, this teases your family and guests that you are creating something very yummy in the kitchen. In our home, we place this on the stove as soon as possible in the season. It is a regular gift to anyone in our home. This heavenly scent wanders into the farthest rooms in my home. Consider adding this to wassail that you can drink for some variation.
Gather all the spices from your cabinet that are possibly closing in on their expiration date. This recipe includes traditionally Christmas items such as cinnamon sticks, cloves and nutmeg. Add a twist of citrus with either lemon or orange or both. Add a generous portion of fresh cranberries. Mix these ingredients with about eight cups of water. Cook on low all day. Add water when needed. (Do not leave this on your stovetop when you are not at home.) Below is a recipe to follow. If you are like me, feel free to “ish” this to your liking and based on what you have available. Consider keeping this dreamy smell fresh in your home all of the Christmas season. It may become one of your new favorite traditions.
Christmas Stovetop Potpourri
8 cups of water (Substitute wassail on occasion or have some handy to serve guests who are just wanting to taste this incredible smell.)
4 Tbsp of cinnamon
2 cinnamon sticks
4 Tbsp ground nutmeg
4 Tbsp ground cloves
4 Tbsp ground allspice
1 orange or lemon sliced (or both)
Sometimes I slice an orange and a lemon. I keep half of the slices in a bag in the refrigerator for the next round.
1 cup of cranberries
Optional add-ins:
2-6 sprigs of rosemary
By adding water, this potpourri will last 3-4 days.
Gather the ingredients in this recipe in small bags. For example, add all the spices and cinnamon sticks in one bag. Combine the fruit and rosemary sprig in another bag. Place a bow, tag with cooking instructions and gift tag on this Christmas joy. Share with your mom, your sister, your friend, your work friends, your neighbors, your children’s teacher, or a person who needs a smile. Pinterest has a million ways to package this gift idea. The possibilities are endless.
Join me for a conversation with Tim on Embrace Your Everyday podcast.
For more inspiration on Christmas…
10 Ideas for a Centered Christmas
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