Because smell is a powerful sense, you can use this simmering concoction to decorate the air for Christmas! You may bring this to room temperature, cover, refrigerate, and use again. Eventually the scent will dissipate. Make a new batch!
Simmering Scent
Preparation time: 5 minutes
12 whole allspice berries
Three 3-inch cinnamon sticks
1 orange, cut into eighths
1 lemon, cut into eighths
1 whole nutmeg
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
1/2 cup whole cloves
Combine all of the ingredients in a non-reactive, medium-sized saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, and then turn the heat down to the lowest simmer.
Keep the pot simmering for as long as you’d like the aromas wafting through the house. Add additional water as needed.
This is one of those non-recipes that can be varied without much damage. Throw in an extra cinnamon stick or leave out the lemon, if you don’t have one. Experiment.
