Christmas Potpourri Recipe
Introduction
This Christmas Potpourri is a simple and fragrant way to fill your home with festive holiday scents. Using fresh cranberries, mandarin orange, and warm spices, it makes a perfect gift or seasonal decoration to brighten any room.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 mandarin orange
- 2 rosemary sprigs
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- Pint-sized jar
- Ribbon or twine
- Gift tag
Instructions
- Step 1: Place about a quarter cup of cranberries in the bottom of a pint-sized jar.
- Step 2: Add the whole mandarin orange to the jar and then top with the remaining cranberries.
- Step 3: Arrange the cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs against the side inside the jar, then sprinkle the cloves over the top.
- Step 4: Attach the gift tag with ribbon or twine around the jar neck. Store the jar in the refrigerator until you are ready to gift it.
- Step 5: To use, slice the orange and add the slices to a large pot along with the cranberries, rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and cloves from the jar.
- Step 6: Fill the pot with several cups of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and let it simmer.
- Step 7: Check periodically to ensure the water has not evaporated, adding more water as needed to keep the potpourri simmering and fragrant.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or pine sprigs if rosemary is not available for a different aromatic twist.
- Keep the potpourri simmering gently to avoid boiling off the fragrance too quickly.
- Try adding star anise or a few drops of vanilla extract for extra warmth and complexity.
- If gifting, include instructions on simmering to ensure the recipient enjoys the full scent experience.
Storage
Store the assembled potpourri jar in the refrigerator for up to one week before use or gifting. Once opened and simmering on the stove, keep water topped up and use within a few hours for the best fragrance. Discard leftover mixture after use.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other citrus fruits instead of mandarin orange?
Yes, you can substitute with small oranges, tangerines, or even lemon slices for a different but still lovely scent.
Is this potpourri safe to simmer indoors?
Absolutely. This natural potpourri uses food-safe ingredients and will fill your home with pleasant aromas without harmful chemicals.
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Christmas Potpourri Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 pint-sized jar of potpourri 1x
Description
This festive Christmas Potpourri recipe combines fresh cranberries, mandarin orange, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, and cloves to create a fragrant, warm simmering scent perfect for the holiday season. Packaged beautifully in a pint-sized jar, it makes a wonderful handmade gift that fills your home with charming seasonal aromas when simmered on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Potpourri Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 mandarin orange
- 2 rosemary sprigs
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon cloves
Packaging Materials
- 1 pint-sized jar
- Ribbon or twine
- Gift tag
Instructions
- Assemble the Potpourri in the Jar: Place about a quarter cup of cranberries in the bottom of a pint-sized jar. Add the whole mandarin orange to the jar, then top with the remaining cranberries. Position the cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs against the inner side of the jar, and sprinkle the cloves over the top.
- Prepare for Gifting: Attach the gift card to the jar using ribbon or twine. Store the jar in the refrigerator until you are ready to give it as a gift to keep the ingredients fresh.
- Simmer for Use: When ready to enjoy, slice the mandarin orange and add it to a large pot along with the remaining ingredients (cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, and cloves). Add several cups of water to the pot, then bring it to a boil over high heat on the stovetop.
- Simmer and Refresh: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the potpourri simmer, releasing the fragrant aromas throughout your home. Check periodically while simmering and add more water as needed to prevent the mixture from drying out.
Notes
- Keep the potpourri refrigerated if not used immediately to maintain freshness.
- Use a heat-safe pot when simmering the potpourri on the stove.
- Add water as necessary to avoid burning the ingredients during simmering.
- Handle the cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs carefully to maintain their shape and fragrance.
- This potpourri is for scent and decorative use only; do not consume after simmering.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (simmering time)
- Category: Holiday Aromatics
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seasonal/Christmas
Keywords: Christmas potpourri, holiday scent, stovetop potpourri, homemade gift, winter fragrance, holiday decoration
