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Simmering Fall Potpourri

This simmering potpourri combines dried pumpkin, cinnamon sticks, vanilla, and dried fruits simmered in water to create a fragrant, cozy scent that fills the home. The mixture produces a warm, aromatic vapor with visual bubbling and gentle steam, evoking the essence of autumn. It’s a simple, natural way to perfume your space without artificial fragrances.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: seasonal
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups water enough to cover ingredients for simmering
  • 1/2 cup dried pumpkin pieces available in specialty stores or dried at home
  • 2 sticks cinnamon sticks for warm spice aroma
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract preferably pure vanilla
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or apricots adds fruity sweetness and depth

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Lid or foil

Method
 

  1. Add water to a medium pot and place it on the stove over low heat.
  2. Drop in the dried pumpkin pieces and cinnamon sticks, spreading them evenly in the water.
  3. Pour in the vanilla extract and sprinkle the dried cranberries or apricots into the mixture.
  4. Turn the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot loosely with a lid or foil.
  5. Allow the mixture to simmer slowly, watching as the ingredients gently bubble and fill the house with fragrant steam.
  6. Top up with a little water when the level drops below the ingredients to maintain a steady simmer and prevent burning.
  7. Enjoy the evolving scent as the spices and fruits release their warm aroma, filling your home with seasonal comfort.

Notes

Keep an eye on the water level to avoid burning. Adjust ingredients to balance aroma strength. This can be simmered for several hours, reheating as needed. For stronger scent, add more spices or dried fruits.