DIY Holiday Simmering Spices for One Room

If you follow me on Snapchat (username: exsloth) you’d know that I’m kind of obsessed with festive candles at the moment. Too bad quality candles aren’t exactly cheap. And yes, I know I can make my own, but honestly, I’m just way too lazy for that these days. Luckily, there’s a lazy girl alternative to making your own candles: Holiday Simmering Spices. 

[Tweet “Cranberry Orange #Holiday Simmering Spices for one (room) #holidayDIY #healthyliving”]

It’s no secret that I love healthy living DIYs that use everyday ingredients. They’re simple, cheap, and I actually know what’s going into the things I use around the house and on my body. I’ve been on the lookout for a new project since this DIY PSL Coffee Lip Scrub and a homemade room scent seemed right up my alley.

So, in addition to being a much cheaper way to add scent to your room, these holiday simmering spices require things you probably have on hand already. Cranberry-Orange is a classic flavour around this time of year so, of course, it had to make an appearance. And I used spices like cinnamon, cardamom, star anise and cloves because spicy candles/scents are my favourites. Seriously. I probably went a little overboard with the spices so you can definitely customize to suit your tastes. 

When it came time to decide what I was actually going to make the simmering spices in, I decided to get a little creative. The two most common ways to use simmering spices are on the stove or in an uncovered slow cooker. These two methods are perfect for filling a large room, or even the entire house, with the desired scent.

But I have roommates and not all of them are as in love spicy scents as I am. So, I wanted something that I could use just in my room. Obviously, the stove was out cuz I sure AF don’t have one of those in my room. And, while I probably could have gotten away with using the crockpot in here, I felt the scent would have been a bit too overpowering for my room. Enter: the fondue pot. 

I’ve had this for about a year now and never used it. As much as I love chocolate, I’ve just never had an opportunity to. But, it was perfect for these holiday simmering spices. It let off a mild and subtle scent, similar to what you’d get from a single wick candle, which is all I needed for my room. Yay for kitchen gadgets with multiple (surprising) uses.

So, if you’re looking for a festive scent for your room, but don’t want to commit to buying an actual candle, these Cranberry Orange Holiday Simmering Spices are for you.

DIY Holiday Simmering Spices for One Room

 

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Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

 

Want your room to be festive but don't want to commit to candles? Try these holiday simmering spices that use oranges, cranberries and an assortment of spices.

Author: GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth

Recipe type: DIY

Serves: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 1 small orange, sliced into rounds
• Optional: peel of another small orange
• 2 -3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tbsp cloves
• 1 tbsp cardamom pods
• 2 - 3 star anise

Equipment

• Fondue Pot
• Medium Saucepan
• Optional: Slow Cooker

Instructions

1. Add 2 - 3 cups of water to a medium saucepan and bring to a bowl
2. Stir in all ingredients and let boil for 4 - 5 minutes

Method 1 (for a small room)

1. Add 1 - 2 cups of water/fruit/spice mixture into a microwave-safe bowl
2. Microwave for 2 minutes
3. Transfer mixture to the bowl of a fondue pot
4. Light the tea light and let simmer until the candle is done

If you want the scent to fill a larger room, try these:

Method 2 (for a large room)

1. Pour boiling water, fruit and spices into slow cooker
2. Turn on high and let simmer, uncovered
3. Add more hot water as needed

Method 3 (for the house)

1. Leave mixture in saucepan
2. Reduce heat and let simmer, uncovered
3. Add more hot water as need so the spices don't burn

3.5.3208

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What about you?

• Are you a fan of candles? What are your favourites?
• Have you ever made simmering spices before? What scent?
• Which method is your favourite?

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