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Cozy Christmas Simmer Pot with Orange and Cloves

cozy Christmas simmer pot with orange and cloves - featured image
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A simple stovetop simmer pot that fills your home with the warm, spicy-sweet aroma of oranges, cloves, and cinnamon. Perfect for instant holiday cheer without any baking or stress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large oranges (navel or Valencia)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 2 bay leaves (dried)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
  • 4–6 cups water
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (optional)
  • 1 star anise (optional)
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and slice the oranges into rounds about 1/4-inch thick. No need to peel.
  2. Place orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and bay leaves in a medium saucepan. Add optional cranberries, star anise, or rosemary if using.
  3. Pour in enough cold water to completely submerge the fruit and spices, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
  4. Place the pot on the stove over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer (small, lazy bubbles, not a rolling boil).
  5. Reduce heat to low and let simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes.
  6. After about 20 minutes of simmering, stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Check the pot every 30-45 minutes and add more cold water as needed to keep fruit and spices submerged. The pot can simmer for 4-6 hours.
  8. When done, let cool for 15 minutes. Remove solids with a slotted spoon and compost or discard. Pour remaining liquid down the drain and rinse the pot.

Notes

Don’t use ground cloves—they make the water murky and gritty. Whole cloves are essential. For best results, start the pot 90 minutes before guests arrive. Never leave the simmer pot unattended on the stove. A slow cooker can be used as a safer alternative (low heat, 4-6 hours, lid slightly ajar).

Nutrition

Keywords: simmer pot, Christmas, holiday, orange, cloves, cinnamon, stovetop fragrance, natural air freshener, cozy, winter

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/cozy-christmas-simmer-pot-with-orange-and-cloves/