Sunday, February 7, 2021

Woodland Winter Stovetop Potpourri

 Yield: one 14-oz glass jar.

5-6 evergreen sprigs (pine, spruce, fir, cedar, juniper, or cypress all work well)
1 lemon or lime, thinly sliced and dehydrated
1 handful of juniper berries, tiny pinecones, or acorns (decorative only)

First, dehydrate the citrus by thinly slicing them and baking them at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 2.5 hours or until the peels are dry, and the flesh is translucent.

If you’re giving this as a gift, then the presentation is key! It’s best to layer the ingredients directly in the jar in a way that’s visibly pleasing to the eye. Evergreen sprigs and citrus slices will take up the most space, and you can fill in the gaps with the smaller items.

Cap the jars and decorate each one with a label and twine.

To use, add the entire mix to a stockpot or crockpot, cover with water, then simmer on and off for a few days. Turn the heat off any time the scent becomes overpowering or if you feel your home smells sufficiently delightful. After a few hours have passed, and the smell has faded, turn the heat back on for a fresh infusion. This blend will last 3-4 days and should be stored in the fridge overnight.

After you’ve extracted as much of the smell as possible, compost your spent herbs and spices and use any remaining water to give your houseplants an evergreen-inspired drink.

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