Can you remember the smell of cookies from the oven? What about the smell of birthday candles that have just been blown out? Can you remember the smell of Christmas?
Certain smells have the power to transport us across the years and miles to a time and place forever etched in our minds. Christmas is such a wonderful time of year - a time to make memories, celebrate family, festivity and togetherness.
At Minifarms, we posted this week about the importance of rituals/traditions and we can't stop talking about food! So we thought we would combine the two to help create a memory that just smells like Christmas.
Maybe in the heat of their own holiday planning someday, your kids will remember this beautiful smell and it will transport them back to this very day. Here is a homemade stovetop potpourri that can help kick off the holiday spirit in your home. Who knows, maybe this potpourri will transport you back to your mum's, auntie's, grandma's home...
This cheerful idea has been adapted from our friends at @halfbakedharvest. Simmer, smell and enjoy!
Christmas Stovetop Potpourri
What you need:
1.5 cups cranberries, fresh or dried
3 oranges, halved
3 cinnamon sticks
3 star anise
1 tsp whole cloves
1 inch fresh ginger
1 tbs vanilla extract
1 small branch fresh pine or a few drops of pine essential oil (if not available, throw in a bunch of mint and rosemary leaves)
1 cup apple cider or cranberry juice
Water
Method:
Combine all the ingredients in a medium pot.
Fill the pot with water til 3/4 full.
Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer.
Leave to simmer for about 4 hours.
You can reuse this for a few days. Simply reheat and re-simmer when you want to use it. Add water as necessary each time you reheat the pot.