How can you keep the house cozy for your kids when an early winter blast comes barreling through in November? Set this heavenly-scented potpourri to a simmer on the stove, and the whole house will be hygge in no time.
I gave Travis a quick reminder of what potpourri is before we set to work: any fragrant mixture of plant materials, like herbs, spices, fruits, flowers, or wood. Simmering the mixture on the stove gives a stronger scent than dry potpourri in a bowl, plus it adds moisture to dry air!
Travis loved helping me slice up an orange to start. We added the orange slices to a saucepan, then added:
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Take the time to make this a sensory activity, too. Travis loved smelling the spices, and even licking an extra cinnamon stick!
Add water to the pot until it’s about 2/3 full. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simply let simmer. If the pot runs low on water, add more as needed. We kept ours on a gentle simmer all evening and hardly noticed the cold knocking at the windows!