Growing up, my mom had a trick for making the house smell amazing even if we had just cooked something super potent smelling, like fish, for dinner. That trick was making what I now know is called a simmer pot, or stovetop potpourri.  A simmer pot is when you boil herbs, fruit, or spices on your stovetop (or crockpot) and the smell takes over your home in the best possible way. I swear, simmer pots are the BEST air freshener. Better than any spray, oil, or candle I have ever bought. 

 

The simplest method, and my go-to, is to grab a small saucepan, fill it with water, and toss in a few cinnamon sticks (or a few vigorous shakes of ground cinnamon). Turn the burner on low and let it hang for a bit. To make sure I don’t burn the apartment down. I always set a timer for 30min. After the timer goes off, I check to see the water level—if it's getting a little low, I add more room temperature water. The goal is to keep it simmering (not boiling and not burning); that will keep the amazing smell going. 

 

Today, I wanted to lean into Fall and do a pumpkin spice simmering pot. This “recipe” is more of a loose guide—feel free to add more or less of any item. Go with your nose on this one and add what smells good to you!

 

 

Ingredients

• Water - enough to fill ½-¾ of a pot
• A few generous shakes of pumpkin pie spice (if you don’t have any, see recipe below to make your own)
• Cinnamon sticks - as many as you want
• Whole cloves - a handful
• Dash of vanilla extract
  
   

 

DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice

• 4 tsp Cinnamon
• ½ tsp Nutmeg
• 2 tsp Ginger 
• 1 tsp Cloves

 

In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients. Transfer to a small spice jar and use for all things fall!

 

Directions

1. Fill any sized pot (you can adjust the ingredients to fit any size) ¾ of the way with room temperature water. 
2. Add in the rest of the ingredients in no particular order. 
3. With the pot uncovered, set the burner on low and let the amazing aroma fill your home! Just makes sure to check on it periodically and add water as needed. 
   
    

 
See more of my fun food creations on Instagram @katesrulesoforder and make sure to share your simmer pots by using the hashtags #stuytown #beamliving and #katesrulesoforder.