Simmering Stovetop Potpourri For Fall

The air is crisp and golden leaves are swirling
. . . outside my living room window, which in my house means it’s time for homemade honey-scented beeswax candles, snuggling under our wool comforter to read, chunky sweaters, and of course, a pot of spices simmering on the stove.

While I’ve been tempted to throw on the holiday music and get this merry scent going, I’m holding off. For now, I’m determined to savor this month  – choosing everyday to be thankful, enjoying the feel of a warm thermos in my hands on a chilly day, and collecting colorful leaves for art projects with the potami.

Yesterday I peeled some apples for homemade apple pie in a jar, then tossed the skins into a pot with with orange peels and a few spices. The aroma created the perfect cozy atmosphere, so I wanted to share it with you.

Of course, you can adapt the recipe to use what you have on hand. If you have fresh ginger and/or lemon peels, toss them in! Want to add a little vanilla extract? I’m sure it will smell delicious!

“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts with it’s last beauty. As if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale.” ~ Lauren Destafano

Simmering Stovetop Potpourri For Fall

Ingredients

• 4 apple peels
• 2 orange peels
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 star anise (optional)
• 2 bay leaves (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves (optional)

Stovetop Directions

Add ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow to simmer uncovered for as long as you like, adding water as needed so the pot doesn’t run dry.

Slow Cooker Directions

Add dry ingredients to your crock pot. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and then add it to the crock pot as well. Set the crock pot to low and add water as needed.