Christmas Potpourri Simmer Pot
Make a Christmas simmer pot gift jar with dried fruit, cinnamon sticks, and a free printable tag. A simple homemade Christmas gift for family and friends.
Servings 4 Gifts
Cost 10
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 wide-mouth pint-size jar
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 1 apple thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- Printable Instructions tag
- Christmas Ribbons
Instructions
How to Dry the Apple and Orange Slices:
- Slice both the apples and oranges into even ⅓-inch thick rounds (any thicker and they won’t dry properly).
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this allows air to circulate on both sides).Oven method: Bake at 200°F (93°C) for 3–4 hours, flipping halfway through, until completely dry and leathery.Dehydrator method: Dry at 130–135°F (57°C) for about 10–12 hours, or until crisp.
Gather Your Supplies:
- Pint-sized mason jars (with lids), Festive ribbon or twine,Cinnamon sticks, Dried orange slices (dried, )Dried apple slices, Whole cloves, fresh cranberries (or dried), rosemary sprigs, or any other add-ins you’re using.
How to Assemble Your Simmer Pot Jar:
- Start by layering the dried orange slices along the inside edge of a clean pint-sized mason jar (stand them upright for a pretty stained-glass effect when the jar is viewed from the side).
- Add a handful of dried apple slices next – tuck them in around the oranges.
- Sprinkle in the dried cranberries (or fresh ones if using right away) – they’ll add beautiful pops of red.
- Finish by nestling in 4–6 cinnamon sticks (break them in half if needed to fit nicely).Screw on the lid
Printable Gift Tags & Finishing Touch:
- Download and print the free printable gift tags here (they’re perfectly sized for your jar lids!):
- Cut each tag out along the outer circle so it fits snugly on top of your metal mason jar lid. The tags already include simple simmering instructions.
- Glue the tag directly to the lid
- Tie a pretty ribbon or twine bow around the rim, and your gift is complete – thoughtful, beautiful, and ready to spread holiday cheer!
To use:
- Empty the contents of the jar to a saucepan and cover with water or place contents in a simmer pot and follow directions on the pot
Notes
- Use completely dried fruit and cranberries for gift jars. Fresh ingredients can introduce moisture and cause spoilage.
- Make sure the fruit is fully dried and cooled before sealing the jars. Check for any condensation before gifting.
- For a different scent, add whole cloves, star anise, dried rosemary, or dried ginger.
- To use, empty the jar into a saucepan, cover generously with water, and simmer over low heat. Add more water as needed.
- Never leave a simmer pot unattended or allow the water to boil dry.
- Store finished gift jars tightly sealed in a cool, dry place until ready to give. Discard any jar showing moisture, mold, or signs of spoilage.
- For fragrance only. Do not eat or drink the simmer pot mixture.
