Go Back

Apple Cinnamon Fall Simmering Potpourri

This simmering potpourri combines sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and fragrant spices heated gently in water to produce a warm, inviting aroma. The ingredients release their natural scents as they simmer, creating a rich, comforting fragrance with a soft visual appearance of floating fruit and spices in hot water.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: seasonal
Calories: 50
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium apples sliced
  • 3 cinnamon sticks cinnamon sticks whole
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon cloves whole or ground

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or ladle
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Wash the apples thoroughly, then core and thinly slice them into rounds or wedges, keeping the skin on for added scent.
  2. Add water to a medium saucepan and place it on the stove over low to medium heat.
  3. Toss in the cinnamon sticks and whole cloves into the water, allowing their aromas to start releasing as the mixture heats.
  4. Gently add in the sliced apples, spreading them evenly across the surface of the water. The water should begin to bubble gently—avoid boiling vigorously to prevent over-extraction of flavors.
  5. Simmer the mixture uncovered on low heat for about 20-30 minutes, watching for the water to reduce slightly and the apples to soften, filling your space with warm cinnamon and apple scents.
  6. Occasionally, gently stir the mixture with a wooden spoon to promote even aroma release and prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.
  7. If the water level drops too low and the scent begins to fade, top up with a little more hot water as needed.
  8. Once the apples are soft and the aroma is rich and fragrant, turn off the heat and remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves if desired, or leave them for sustained fragrance.
  9. Pour the hot mixture into a heatproof bowl or decorative container to serve as a natural, simmering air freshener, or simply enjoy the lovely scent while keeping the saucepan warm on the stove.

Notes

Keep an eye on the water level during simmering to prevent burning. Adjust heat as needed for gentle simmering, and feel free to add extra spices like orange slices or nutmeg for variation.