As 2014 draws to a close, I would like to wish all my readers a very happy New Year. On this occasion I am sharing something seasonal to mark the occasion, and something a little different from the usual recipe post. The idea came from one of my favourite DIY blogs I read the other day on how to make your house smell amazing, a sort of stewed potpourri made of winter greens, fruit and spices. I decided to make my own version using mostly fragrant ingredients from my own garden. It seemed sumac, among other things, would be a good addition, as I’ve noticed whenever I dry sumac berries the house smells wonderful.
This is what I used:
a few sprigs of spruce, juniper and cedar
3 or 4 clusters of sumac berries
2 sticks of cinnamon
4 cloves
a few fresh lemon slices
Place all these ingredients in a pot, cover with water, heat and allow to simmer for a few hours.
The aroma is not overwhelming, even from very close, but is a subtle woodsy outdoor smell which really does make the house smell amazing. I intend to repeat this and vary the ingredients a little each time, perhaps with some surviving herbs and berries, but in the meantime, wanted to share this easy, inexpensive potpourri with you all.
December 31, 2014 at 11:24 am
What a great idea – a simmering pot pouri – love it, thanks for sharing Hilda and I look forward to more blogging interaction with you in 2015 🙂
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December 31, 2014 at 3:02 pm
Me too!
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December 31, 2014 at 1:49 pm
I love this idea Hilda, I usually have a simmering pop pourri with orange slices, lemon, cinnamon sticks, vanilla and other spices, but I do love the addition of greens from the outdoors. Great, I’ll be trying that for sure.
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December 31, 2014 at 3:01 pm
Thanks Loretta.
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December 31, 2014 at 10:10 pm
It looks beautiful. I’ve used my crock pot for air freshener (water + baking soda + heat), but not for potpourri. Great idea. Thanks for this and all of your inspiring ideas this year. Happy new year!
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December 31, 2014 at 10:43 pm
Happy New Year to you too.
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January 1, 2015 at 1:54 pm
What a wonderful idea Hilda! I have learnt so much from you this year & I look forward to more fabulous posts from you in the new year 🙂
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January 2, 2015 at 1:21 am
Happy New Year! Wishing you a great 2015! I love sumac, but never thought to use it fresh as a scent, thank you for sharing 🙂
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January 2, 2015 at 4:50 am
Happy New Year 2015!!! 🙂
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January 3, 2015 at 7:28 am
Have a wonderful year ahead dear Hilda ☺👍
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January 4, 2015 at 3:44 am
Thanks. To you too!
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