Scenting Home | The Art of a Simmer Pot

There’s something magical about simmering a pot of fragrant ingredients on the stove or crockpot. I used my 1.5–quart mini crock. As some of you know, I’ve been experimenting with simmer pot recipes suitable for the crock pot. I’m on a roll.  My cozy simmer pots have become a sensory experience that fills my home with warmth and comfort, even on the grayest afternoons. And the best thing is that they’re economical and cost little to put together.

What makes simmer pots special is the blends of ingredients. For this one, I started with pomegranate and plum, two fruits that infuse the air with a subtle sweetness and a hint of tartness. The pomegranate seeds lend a deep, jewel-like color to the mixture, while the sliced plum adds an inviting, mellow aroma that reminds me of home-baked desserts.

To balance the fruitiness, I toss in a few slices of fresh ginger. The ginger’s gentle spice cuts through the sweetness, adding a lively, invigorating note that’s both soothing and energizing. Of course, no simmer pot feels complete without cinnamon sticks. Their woodsy, spicy scent is the essence of coziness, and as they warm, they release a comforting fragrance that lingers.

A handful of pecans is my secret touch. As they warm, they release a rich, nutty aroma that mingles beautifully with the fruits and spices. The pecans add an earthy undertone, grounding the blend and making my home feel extra inviting.

Simmer pots aren’t just about creating a beautiful scent—it’s about setting a mood. There’s something deeply nurturing about pausing to tend the pot, adding water when needed, and breathing in the evolving aromas. Each ingredient brings its own personality to the mix, and together they create a uniquely comforting atmosphere. For me, it’s a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and embrace the cozy comforts of home.

Scenting Home | The Art of a Simmer Pot

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This simmer pot is a comforting blend of pomegranate, plum, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and pecans. Using a 1.5-quart crock pot, it will fill your home with a warm, inviting fragrance—a mix of sweet fruit, spicy warmth, and nutty richness. This simplicity creates a cozy atmosphere and makes every day feel a little more special.

 

• Author: Paula@musings&glimpses
• Prep Time: 10 Minutes
• Cook Time: 1 Hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Simmer Pot’s
• Method: Crock Pot

Ingredients

• 1 (One) Pomegranate quartered
• 1 (One) Plum quartered
• 5-6  cut chunks of fresh Ginger
• 2 (Two) Cinnamon sticks
• Handful of Pecans
• HOT water

Instructions

1. Quarter pomegranate and plum, cut chunks of fresh ginger.
2. Add pomegranate, plum, ginger, cinnamon sticks and a handful of pecans to crock pot.
3. Fill and cover with HOT water.
4. Cover with lid and set temperature to HIGH for 1 hour.
5. After 1 hour. Turn temp down to low or warm.
6. Uncover or crack lid.
7. ENJOY scent for hours to come.

Notes

NOTES

• — You can use any size crock pot. If you’re using a larger one you may not need to fill it entirely full with water.
• — You can use this scent for a few days, being sure to turn your crock pot off at night then back on the next day when your ready.
• — If you are going to use the same scent for a few days, just check to make sure there’s enough water in the pot. This is basically a set it and forget it, but you want to make sure to watch for any evaporation.

 

• MIX N’ MATCH IDEAS (The possibilities’ are endless)

• Sliced lemon
• Fresh mint leaves (or 2-3 mint tea bags)
• Vanilla extract
• cloves
• star anise
• 1 Cup Pumpkin puree’
• All spice berries
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pear slices
• Pine sprigs
• 1 Tablespoon Brown sugar
• 1 Cup Apple cider
• 2-3 Tablespoons Maple syrup
• Peppermint leaves (or 2-3 peppermint tea bags)
• Two (2) Candy Canes

AND MORE !!

You Will Need

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Any size crock pot (I use a 1.5 quart mini crock pot)

💡 Why the Slow Cooker Wins Over the Stovetop

While the traditional method involves a pot on the stove, switching to a small crockpot offers some huge benefits, especially during the busy holiday season (Or anytime):

Safety and Peace of Mind: The biggest advantage is constant, low-temperature heat. On the stove, water can boil away quickly, requiring continuous monitoring. If the water evaporates, the dry ingredients can burn, creating a terrible smell and a potential hazard. With a slow cooker on the “Keep Warm” or lowest setting, you eliminate that worry entirely.

Set It and Forget It: Need to run errands? Got guests arriving? The simmer pot can stay safely bubbling away for hours on end—even a whole day! This continuous, gentle scent diffusion is perfect for filling the whole house.

Energy Efficiency: Slow cookers use significantly less electricity than running a burner on your stovetop for an extended period.

Portability: You can easily place the crockpot in a less-trafficked area, like a corner of the counter or even a mudroom, keeping the stove clear for actual holiday cooking!

Multi-day: You can use your homemade scent for a few days in a row. Turning the crockpot off before bed, then back on the next day.

So

If you haven’t tried a simmer pot yet, I hope you’ll give it a go and see how a few simple ingredients can transform the mood of your home. Whether you’re chasing away the chill or just looking for a little extra comfort, there’s nothing quite like the cozy magic of a homemade simmer pot. Happy simmering!

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