Stovetop Potpourri in Mason Jars: The Perfect Gift for Neighbors Recipe
Introduction
Stovetop potpourri is a delightful and fragrant gift that fills any home with the warm scents of the season. This easy-to-make recipe combines fresh and dried ingredients to create a cozy atmosphere perfect for neighbors and friends.
Ingredients
- Large Mason Jars
- 1 cup cranberries per jar
- 1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick plus 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon per jar
- About 1 teaspoon cloves per jar
- 1 mandarin orange (such as Cuties) per jar
- Pieces of greenery (pine clippings or rosemary sprigs) per jar
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 cup of cranberries into each large mason jar.
- Step 2: Add either 1 heaping teaspoon of ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick plus 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to each jar.
- Step 3: Add about 1 teaspoon of cloves to each jar.
- Step 4: Place one mandarin orange inside each jar.
- Step 5: Add pieces of greenery such as fresh pine clippings or rosemary sprigs for a natural, aromatic touch.
- Step 6: Seal the jars and attach a gift tag with stovetop instructions: when ready to enjoy, slice the orange and place all ingredients in a pot. Cover with water and let simmer, adding more water as needed to maintain fragrance.
Tips & Variations
- Use rosemary instead of tree clippings for a lovely herbal aroma that lasts longer.
- If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried cranberries can work, but fresh ones release a brighter scent.
- Customize with other citrus like sliced lemons or limes for a different zesty fragrance.
- Include star anise for a subtle licorice note that complements the cloves and cinnamon.
Storage
Store the filled mason jars in a cool, dry place until ready to gift or use. The ingredients keep well for several weeks. Once simmering on the stovetop, use within a few days and discard the mixture afterward to avoid spoilage.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I reuse the stovetop potpourri mixture?
It’s best to use the mixture once or twice. The scent diminishes after simmering several times, and fresh ingredients might spoil if kept too long in water.
Can I make this in a slow cooker instead of on the stove?
Yes, place all ingredients in a slow cooker with water and keep it on low to gently release the fragrance for hours. Just be sure to check water levels regularly.
PrintStovetop Potpourri in Mason Jars: The Perfect Gift for Neighbors Recipe
This delightful stovetop potpourri recipe creates a warm, fragrant atmosphere perfect for holiday gifting. Combining the natural scents of cranberries, cinnamon, cloves, mandarin oranges, and fresh greenery, it simmers gently on your stove to fill your home with a cozy, festive aroma. Presented in large mason jars, these aromatic blends make a thoughtful and charming gift for neighbors and loved ones during the holiday season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (simmering time)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 large mason jar (makes 1 gift jar) 1x
- Category: Drink & Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberries per jar
- 1 heaping teaspoon ground cinnamon OR 1 cinnamon stick plus 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon per jar
- 1 teaspoon cloves per jar
- 1 mandarin orange (such as Cuties) per jar
- Pieces of fresh greenery (pine or rosemary sprigs) per jar
Instructions
- Prepare the Mason Jars: Start by placing 1 cup of fresh cranberries into each large mason jar to form the base of your potpourri.
- Add Cinnamon: Add either 1 heaping teaspoon of ground cinnamon or one cinnamon stick combined with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon to each jar for a strong, warm spice aroma.
- Add Cloves and Orange: Place about 1 teaspoon of cloves in each jar, followed by one whole mandarin orange.
- Incorporate Greenery: Add fresh pieces of greenery such as pine branches from your Christmas tree or rosemary sprigs to enhance the fragrance and add a festive touch.
- Label and Gift: Once all ingredients are layered, close the jars and attach a gift tag including instructions: when ready to use, slice the orange, place all ingredients in a pot, cover with water, and let simmer on the stovetop. Add more water as necessary to maintain the scent.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries and oranges for the best scent and visual appeal.
- If real greenery is not available, dried rosemary is an excellent alternative for fragrance.
- Simmer gently on low heat to avoid boiling away the aromatic oils too quickly.
- Monitor water levels during simmering to prevent the pot from drying out.
- This potpourri is reusable; simply add more water and heat again as desired.
Keywords: stovetop potpourri, holiday gift, cranberry potpourri, cinnamon cloves potpourri, festive aroma, homemade gift, aromatherapy, simmer potpourri
