BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Transform your home into a cozy holiday retreat with delightful scents using an easy-to-follow simmer pot recipe that captures the essence of the season.
Simmer pots offer a more natural and healthier method of filling your living space with festive aromas, creating a welcoming atmosphere filled with delightful fragrances.
All you need is a sturdy pot of water combined with aromatic ingredients, gently heated to a soft simmer, to unleash these wonderful scents throughout your home!
Lifestyle expert Jennifer Satterfield frequently utilizes simmer pots during the holiday season to elevate her home’s ambiance and brings a personal touch to her space.
To create a signature holiday aroma, Satterfield recommends starting with a base of warm apple cider paired with freshly sliced oranges, which adds a vibrant touch to the simmer pot mix.
She emphasizes the importance of incorporating beloved holiday spices, such as fragrant cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, for an extra layer of warmth and cheer.
“I bring it up to a boil, and then allow it to just, I turn the heat down and let it simmer,” Satterfield explained. “I’ll let it stay on the stove on that heat for, you know, two to four hours to fully infuse those holiday notes.”
Satterfield also highlights the need to vigilantly monitor your simmer pot while it’s bubbling away.
If you notice the liquid beginning to evaporate, simply add more of your chosen base to maintain that fragrant pot of joy.
For a refreshing and clean scent that clears your sinuses, combine about four cups of water with sliced lemons, a few drops of eucalyptus oil, and a splash of vanilla extract for a revitalizing blend.
“When I’m really done with it, I’ll drain the water out and I’ll actually save it in a mason jar in the fridge,” Satterfield shared. “You can keep it up for a week, so that way you don’t get rid of all your lemons. You can actually probably simmer them at least one or two more times for continued enjoyment.”
For additional holiday recipes and innovative ideas from Satterfield, click here.
**Interview with Lifestyle Expert Jennifer Satterfield on Creating a Cozy Holiday Atmosphere with Simmer Pots**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jennifer! The holiday season is just around the corner, and many people are looking for ways to make their homes more inviting. Can you tell us about simmer pots and why you love using them?
**Jennifer Satterfield:** Absolutely! Simmer pots are a fantastic and natural way to infuse your home with delightful holiday scents. I love using them because they create a warm, festive atmosphere without relying on synthetic air fresheners. Plus, it’s a beautiful ritual that adds a personal touch to my home during the season.
**Editor:** That sounds wonderful! What are some ingredients you recommend for a holiday simmer pot?
**Jennifer Satterfield:** There are so many options! I often use a combination of water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and slices of oranges or apples. Fresh herbs like rosemary or pine also work beautifully to evoke that classic holiday aroma. The best part is that you can mix and match based on your preferences!
**Editor:** What is the process like for making and using a simmer pot?
**Jennifer Satterfield:** It’s really simple! Just fill a sturdy pot with water, add your aromatic ingredients, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Make sure to keep an eye on it and add more water as needed. The scents will start to fill your home in no time, creating a wonderful and cozy ambiance.
**Editor:** What benefits do you think simmer pots have over other air freshening methods?
**Jennifer Satterfield:** They’re much healthier since you’re using natural ingredients. Plus, there’s something incredibly calming about the act of simmering—it’s like a little self-care moment for your home. It also creates an inviting space for gatherings with family and friends, making the holidays even more special.
**Editor:** That’s lovely advice! Any final tips for our readers as they prepare for the holiday season?
**Jennifer Satterfield:** I encourage everyone to get creative with their simmer pots! Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients that speak to your holiday spirit. This is all about bringing warmth, joy, and a personal touch to your home, so have fun with it!
**Editor:** Thank you, Jennifer! Your insights will surely inspire our readers to create cozy holiday atmospheres in their homes this season. Happy holidays!
**Jennifer Satterfield:** Thank you! Happy holidays to you too!
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Jennifer! The holiday season is just around the corner, and many people are looking for ways to make their homes more inviting. Can you tell us about simmer pots and why you love using them?
**Jennifer Satterfield:** Absolutely! Simmer pots are a fantastic and natural way to infuse your home with delightful holiday scents. I love using them because they create a warm, festive atmosphere without relying on synthetic air fresheners. Plus, it’s a beautiful ritual that adds a personal touch to my home during the season.
**Editor:** That sounds wonderful! What are some ingredients you recommend for a holiday simmer pot?
**Jennifer Satterfield:** There are so many options! I often use a combination of water, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and slices of oranges or apples. Fresh herbs like rosemary or pine also work beautifully to bring in that outdoor freshness and holiday spirit.
**Editor:** Those sound delicious! How do you go about making your signature holiday aroma?
**Jennifer Satterfield:** I usually start with a base of warm apple cider, which adds sweetness, and then I mix in freshly sliced oranges for a vibrant touch. The key is to incorporate spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg for that extra layer of warmth. I bring it to a boil and then let it simmer for two to four hours, which really allows those holiday notes to infuse the air.
**Editor:** That sounds like a lovely way to fill your home with holiday cheer. Is there anything specific people should keep in mind while using a simmer pot?
**Jennifer Satterfield:** Yes! It’s important to monitor your simmer pot while it’s bubbling away. If you notice the liquid beginning to evaporate, just add more of your chosen base to keep that fragrant blend going. Also, when you’re done, I recommend saving the mixture in a mason jar in the fridge; you can simmer it a couple more times for continued enjoyment!
**Editor:** Great tip! Lastly, do you have any refreshing alternatives for those looking for something a bit different?
**Jennifer Satterfield:** Definitely! For a refreshing scent that can clear your sinuses, combine about four cups of water with sliced lemons, a few drops of eucalyptus oil, and a splash of vanilla extract. It’s a revitalizing blend that feels clean and uplifting.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for your insights, Jennifer! Your tips will surely help our readers create a cozy and festive atmosphere this holiday season.
**Jennifer Satterfield:** Thank you for having me! I hope everyone enjoys their holiday scents and the warmth they bring to the home. Happy holidays!
