Holiday Stovetop Potpourri
The air is crisp and Christmas is coming which means I want to snuggle under a wool comforter and watch a Christmas movie all while a pot of spices simmer on the stove. The scents of Christmas draw me back to younger days....
During this crazy time, money is tight for a lot of us. While it can be disappointing to not be able to buy what I want for everyone, what I really enjoy is being with my family. Building memories is so important to us as human beings. The memories of being together with my brothers and sisters and my parents is what I loved most about Christmas. Honestly, there never was much under the tree but that didn't matter. Getting a kick ball or a watch or even socks for Christmas was enough. It was the people in that home that mattered. Decorating the Christmas tree together, piling in the car to drive the neighborhood to see what Christmas decor was being displayed, and coming home to hot chocolate and an old Christmas movie is what made the holiday great.
I actually am enjoying this Christmas more this year because there is less stuff...Make this season about enjoying your family, friends, and even acquaintances. My hope is to give my grandchildren the memories I had growing up. It isn't about the gifts unless it is the gift we have received in being together. Turn on the Christmas music and dance with your kids and grandkids. Turn on It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol or whatever your favorite movie is. Make some hot chocolate or enjoy some wassail. Take a drive and enjoy the lights. Look at the joy in your children's/grandchildren's eyes as they look at all the bright and colorful lights.
The the smells of Christmas are important...the turkey cooking, apple and pumpkin pie baking. Make this Christmas potpourri and pass this recipe on to your loved ones. You can adapt the recipe to what you like. If you have fresh ginger and/or lemon peels, toss them in! Want to add a little vanilla extract? I’m sure it will smell delicious! When they make it throughout the years, they will look back fondly on all the memories of growing up in a loving family.
Holiday Stovetop Potpourri
Ingredients
2 orange peels
4 apple peels
2-3 star anise (optional)
2 bay leaves (optional)
¼ tsp whole cloves (optional)
Instructions
Stovetop Directions
Add ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Allow to simmer uncovered for as long as you like, adding water as needed so the pot doesn’t run dry.
Slow Cooker Directions
Add dry ingredients to your crock pot.
Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and then add it to the crock pot.
Set the crock pot to low and add water as needed.
Merry Christmas to all!
