Simple Stovetop Potpourri

Fall is here! I can’t wait for the leaves to begin turning all their wonderful shades. For now, I’m loving simple, neutral fall decor inside and the flavor of apples and pumpkin incorporated into our recipes. Nothing makes my home feel cozier than smells that bring all the wonderful things of the season out. This stovetop potpourri is so simple, inexpensive and makes your entire house smell heavenly. There’s no perfect or wrong way to make it. You can add whatever seasonal fruit or spices you love. My favorite things to add are apples, oranges, clementines, cranberries, cinnamon and cloves. If I don’t have oranges or have a very small amount, I’ll add a little orange essential oil to the pot.

1. Slice or chop whatever fruit you have on hand

2. Add fruit to a large stock pot ( I love to use my cast iron Dutch oven)

3. Add spices or essential oil (optional). You can use cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, whole or ground cloves.

4. Fill pot 1/2 to 3/4 full of water

5. Bring to a boil and then allow to simmer until most of the water has evaporated

We do this year round with seasonal fruit and it is so fun and versatile. You can also use peels or scraps from fruit. We go through a lot fruit some weeks since my boys gobble it right up. Sometimes, I’ll set aside apple, orange and cutie peels or severely bruised fruit that we don’t want to eat. You can use them the same way. When I use this method, I have found it helps to add several drops of essential oil to give it a boost. I also love that this recipe gives all the wonderful holiday smell without any of the yucky stuff that’s often hiding in candles and sprays. If you love stovetop potpourri too, I’d love to hear your favorite combinations.