Crockpot holiday potpourri simmer pot captures the scent of the season in a single bowl. Want your home to smell like Christmas? This is an easy, effective way. Ideal for holiday gatherings or quiet evenings, this slow cooker potpourri uses just a few simple ingredients, can be prepared ahead, lasts for days, and makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Instructions for making it in an Instant Pot are included as well.
Table of Contents
Ingredients For Crockpot Holiday Potpourri Simmer Pot
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Orange (or lemon)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Star anise (optional)
- Water
How To Make A Crockpot Holiday Potpourri Simmer Pot
Slow Cooker
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour, then uncover and switch to WARM. You can also set it directly to WARM; starting on LOW helps the aroma develop more quickly.
- Top up with water as needed if it begins to evaporate. Leave on WARM while using and monitor occasionally.
Instant Pot
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot and stir gently to mix.
- Secure the lid and seal the valve. Cook on HIGH pressure for 2 minutes, then quick-release the pressure.
- Set the Instant Pot to WARM and leave the lid off so the fragrance can circulate.
A Holiday Gift
This potpourri makes a lovely, handmade gift. Package the dry ingredients—cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and rosemary—in a jar, bag, or small burlap pouch. Fresh ingredients like cranberries and orange slices will spoil after a few days, so omit them if the recipient won’t use the mix right away. Include simple instructions to simmer the mixture with water in a slow cooker or Instant Pot when ready.
FAQs & Tips
- Prepare the mixture up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight jar until you’re ready to simmer.
- Star anise is optional; it adds a licorice-like note but can be pricey or harder to find.
- The simmer pot can run for hours or days. Add water periodically to maintain the scent and prevent the pot from drying out.
- Customize freely: substitute lemon for orange, add apple or ginger slices, a vanilla bean or a few drops of vanilla extract, grated nutmeg, or other seasonal spices to suit your preference.
Holiday Recipes
-
Collection of Holiday Recipes
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Hot Chocolate
-
Pumpkin Spiced Latte
-
Leftover Turkey Soup
Crockpot Holiday Potpourri Simmer Pot
Crockpot holiday potpourri simmer pot brings the smells of the holidays into your home. Simple, flexible, and long-lasting, it’s perfect for entertaining or everyday seasonal ambiance. Includes Instant Pot directions.
- Author: Shannon Epstein
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: ongoing
- Total Time: n/a
- Yield: n/a
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 orange or lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1–2 whole star anise (optional)
- 6 cups water
Instructions
Slow Cooker
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir gently.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour, then uncover and set to WARM. Alternatively, set to WARM from the start.
Instant Pot
- Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot and stir gently.
- Close the lid, seal the valve, and cook on HIGH pressure for 2 minutes. Quick-release the pressure when the time is up.
- Set to WARM and leave uncovered so the fragrance can spread.
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