Some scents have a way of staying with you. For me, it’s the smell of a simmer pot on a beautiful fall day. My mom always used to make them, filling our home with the smell of oranges, cinnamon, and cloves. Even now, the moment I start slicing fruit and hear the first quiet bubble of the pot, I’m brought right back to that feeling of warmth and calm.
Unlike candles or diffusers, a simmer pot is completely natural and endlessly customizable. It’s also one of the easiest ways to make your home feel cozy as the weather cools, and one of my favourites.
What you’ll need
There’s no single recipe for a simmer pot. The beauty of it is how personal it can be! Here’s my classic combination that never fails to make a home smell like fall:
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
- 2 or 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (don’t skip the vanilla!)
- A few sprigs of rosemary or thyme
Place everything in a small pot, cover with water, and bring to a gentle simmer. Once it starts to steam, reduce the heat and let it quietly bubble away. Add water as needed throughout the day to keep it from drying out.
A mindful ritual
More than a scent, a simmer pot is a ritual. It really helps to slow me down, fills my apartment with warmth, and turns an ordinary afternoon into something grounding. As it simmers, it reminds you to breathe, to be present, and to find joy in simple moments.
Fall invites us to return to those comforts, to reconnect with what feels nourishing and familiar. For me, that comfort will always start with an orange, a handful of spices, and the memory of my momma in the kitchen.
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