Summer Simmer Pots

Ah, summer. The season of beach days, barbecues, and… simmer pots? That’s right! We have talked about simmer pots before, and you know they are not just for the cozy fall and winter days. Imagine filling your home with the delightful scents of peaches, lavender, and all the aromatic goodness that summer often offers. Not only can summer simmer pots make your space smell like a vacation in the Mediterranean, but they can also add a touch of magic to those sweltering days when you’d rather be anywhere but stuck inside with the AC cranked up to “arctic blast.”

Need a bonus? Summer simmer pots can also help keep those pesky summer pests at bay. Toss in some citronella, rosemary, or eucalyptus, and you’ve got a natural, chemical-free way to say buzz off to mosquitoes and flies.

Picture it: Sicily 1922 Υou’re lounging in your living room, dreaming of a cool ocean breeze, when suddenly, you are greeted by the “Italianating” aromas of lemon, chamomile, and a hint of rosewater. It’s like a spa day but without the awkward small talk in the fluffy robe. So, if you want to feel like you’re on a perpetual summer holiday, grab your favorite summer ingredients and get simmering. Just remember to keep it simmering—not boiling—because nobody wants a potpourri explosion in their kitchen!

Print

Summer Simmer Pot (no.1)

Be a wizard, but instead of casting spells, cast delightful scents that will make everyone wonder why your home always smells so darn good. Embrace the simmer pot magic this summer and let your home bloom with seasonal peachness!

Equipment

• medium-sized pot

Ingredients

• 4 cups water (1000 ml)
• 10-12 large dried peach slices
• 1 knob fresh ginger typically a two-inch piece, sliced
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp green cardamom (whole pods)

Instructions

• Select a medium-sized pot and pour in 4 cups of water. Place the pot on the stovetop over medium heat.
• Slice the ginger. No need to peel it!
• Add the dried peach slices, fresh ginger slices, vanilla extract, and cardamom pods to the pot.
• Allow the simmering pot to come to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered.
• Keep an eye on the simmer pot, adding more water as needed to prevent it from drying out.

Notes

A word of caution: You can use any pot that can hold up to 4 cups/1 liter of water. Dutch ovens/cast iron pots are notoriously ideal for simmering since they distribute heat evenly. Never leave a simmering pot unattended—you will need to refill it with water periodically. If you have a crockpot, you can jumpstart a boil on the stove, then transfer to that to simmer all day safely.

You can find sliced dried peaches on online retailers (like Amazon and Walmart or specialty food sites such as Nuts.com) or in grocery and health food stores. Stores like Costco or Sam’s Club might carry dried peaches in larger quantities, which can be more economical. You can make your own dried peach slices at home if you have a dehydrator. Slice fresh peaches into ¼-inch thick slices, arrange them on trays, and dry them according to your appliance’s instructions.

Print

Summer Simmer Pot (no.2)

Summer simmer pots are the unsung heroes of seasonal home fragrance, turning your house into a fragrant paradise that’s one part botanical garden, one part citrus grove, and all parts amazing.

Equipment

• medium-sized pot

Ingredients

• 4 cups water (1000 ml)
• 2 medium lemons sliced
• ¼ cup dried lavender flowers/buds food-grade
• 2 tbsp chamomile buds (approximately 10 g)
• 1 tbsp rose water food-grade/for baking

Instructions

• In a medium-sized pot, add 4 cups of water. Then add the lemon slices, lavender and chamomile buds, and rose water.
• Place the pot on the stove over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
• Once the mixture reaches a simmer, reduce the heat to low.
• Keep an eye on the water level in the pot. If it reduces too much during simmering, you can add more water to maintain the desired level.

Notes

If your chamomile comes in stems, it’s fairly easy to pick them. Using your fingers, gently pinch the base of the chamomile bud where it meets the sprig.

You can find food-grade rose water on online retailers (like Amazon, Walmart, or specialty food websites) or in ethnic (Middle Eastern or Mediterranean) grocery stores. You can also use 4 drops of rose essential oil instead.