There’s something ancient and deeply human about scent. The way it drifts through the air and pulls us back into memory, into seasons we thought we had forgotten. Autumn is the season of scent—spice, woodsmoke, the sweetness of apples left in baskets by the back door.
One of the simplest rituals you can add to your home this time of year is the simmer pot. Part recipe, part slow alchemy, a simmer pot fills your rooms with warmth and a sense of belonging.
How to Build a Simmer Pot:
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Fill a heavy-bottomed pot about halfway with water (or use my favorite method, a crock pot)
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Add a handful of ingredients—citrus slices, apple peel, cinnamon sticks, star anise, clove, a sprig of rosemary or thyme.
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Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat.
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Check the water level every so often, topping it up as needed.
You can repeat this ritual all season long. Swap in what you have on hand—pear skins, pine needles, or even petals from the garden. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s presence.
Download our printable recipe guide with 10 different recipes!
When the air grows cool in the evenings and the first leaves begin to scatter, light a candle, set a pot to simmer, and let your home become a vessel of comfort.