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Since the season has OFFICIALLY changed over, I’m sharing my favorite fall simmer pot recipe to help you get in the mindset of autumn. This recipe, if you want to call it that, also is the best method to remove cooking odors from your home. It is natural and inexpensive so this is my go-to way to get that fried & sautéd scent out of the air.
I made a batch of latkes recently and while my taste buds were happy, my nose was not thrilled with the cloud of stale grease that was wafting from room to room. I popped on this simmer pot, and within an HOUR, the house smelled SO. MUCH. BETTER!!!
Simmer down now…
I have a few different versions of this fall simmer pot recipe. All of them serve the same purpose, and they follow the same basic structure, but there are some scent and ingredient variations depending on the season or how strong the smells are in the house.
I have two cooking methods for this fall simmer pot using either a slow cooker (this is the Crock-Pot I use) or stovetop simmering. I use both methods in certain situations, but I really do prefer the stovetop version. When I’m choosing to use a slow cooker, I usually will start it off on the stove first to bring it up to temperature, otherwise it takes forever to actually start producing any smell. By doing this I dirty more dishes, and I have to use the stove anyway. I usually choose the Crock-Pot if I’m trying to simmer overnight (such as on Thanksgiving Eve when I want to wake up to the smell of spice), if I need all of my stovetop burners free, or if I just won’t be near the kitchen for a good portion of the day.
Ok, sooooo, what’s in it?
This is my standard fall simmer pot “recipe”, but I’ll also include my other variations for different seasons/holidays below. If I’m trying to fight really tough odors, like fried fish I will include about a 1/2 cup of white vinegar. BUT, if you do this, you will smell the vinegar just a tiny bit, so if that smell is not your favorite, you can skip it.
Typically I will use some sort of Citrus, in this case Orange. You can use two large oranges, or several smaller ones. I had some mandarins that were dying a quick death in the fridge, so I sliced 6 of those in half. You can squeeze the citrus into the water, or just pop them in. I have never noticed a difference either way so I save the mess and just dump them into the water.
After the citrus, I usually include some sort of spice. In this fall simmer pot that is cinnamon sticks and pumpkin pie spice. I have also used whole cloves which is nice. Aromatic herbs are a great addition as well. I love to use rosemary, sage, and bay leaf most often.
Here are my seasonal varieties:
I love a good simmer pot, so below I have listed out my combos for other times of year. I do admit though, I tend to use them more in the fall in winter. For all of them, I start with 2 quarts of water and then add the rest of the ingredients.
Christmas:
- Cranberries
- Rosemary
- Orange
- Cinnamon
Fall & Winter:
- Apple
- Vanilla
- Clove
- Cinnamon
Spring & Summer:
- Lemon/Lime
- Bay Leaf
- Rosemary
- Cinnamon
Let me know if you try it!
Fall is in the air around our house, and I hope it is in your home too. You’ll have to tell me if you’ve used a simmer pot before or if this has inspired a difference mix for you to use! I love them and there truly is nothing better smelling than a fall simmer pot. My husband walks in EVERY time I use one saying how amazing it smells inside.
One of my favorite things about a fall simmer pot is that you can use it for multiple days!!! I’ll turn it off over night and add more water the next day, or just keep it going and keep adding water to a slow cooker for several days. It just is such a warm and inviting way to make your home smell truly amazing!!!
I hope you’re all staying safe and cozy at home during this crazy pandemic life that is 2020, but maybe this will help make it a bit more pleasant!
Fall Simmer Pot
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Crockpot
Materials
- 2 qt Water
- 2 Lg Oranges (or 4-6 mandarins / tangerines)
- 2 Lg Cinnamon Sticks (or 4 half cinnamon sticks)
- 1-3 Tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice (optional) amount varies depending on preference
- 1/2 cup White Vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a medium saucepan with 2 quarts of water.
- Slice oranges in half.
- Break cinnamon sticks in half if using whole sticks.
- Add all ingredients to the pot.
- Simmer on Low/Med heat until desired.
- Continue adding water when it has reduced by half until you are finished simmering.
Notes
