Hello there, fellow campers! Counselor Peachy here, and today I’m bringing you an easy simmer pot recipe using citrus and fresh herbs. The great thing about this is you can swap out ingredients for whatever seasonal items your little heart desires. Cinnamon, apples, and cloves? Orange and cranberry? The world is your proverbial oyster…only slightly less texturally unappealing.

Simmer pots are a great way to freshen and recharge your space. And to add a very Troop Thorn spin to this, let’s make it a wee bit witchy! Set some intentions as you compile your simmer pot, and allow the steam to carry them away into the universe. Mint, rosemary, thyme, lavender…these are all amazing herbs to use in your simmer pot. Today we’re focusing on rosemary and mint.

Supplies: Citrus Simmer Pot

  • Heatproof container
  • Heat source
  • 1 lemon, sliced with peel left on
  • 1 lime, sliced with peel left on
  • 1 orange, sliced with peel left on (Optional)
  • 1 grapefruit, sliced with peel left on (Optional)
  • 1-2 sprigs fresh mint, rinsed
  • 1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary, rinsed
  • Water
  • Knife
  • Sense of whimsy (this is very important)

Instructions

First things first, you’ll need some kind of heatproof container. Slow cooker, Dutch oven, a simple sauce pan…whatever is easiest to obtain. You’ll also need a stovetop or some other heat source to get that water a’simmerin’.

You’ll need at least 1 whole citrus fruit, sliced with the peel left on: Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Lime…whichever you like best, or mix and match!

And we’ll need some herbs, rinsed to remove any debris. Fresh is best, and you can usually find mint, rosemary, or thyme at your local grocery store. Or if you’ve got a green thumb, home grown adds a bit of extra magic to the mix!

sliced citrus laid out on a blue cutting board and sprigs of fresh herbs in a clear glass to the side

Finally, we’ll need water! Water is the basis of the whole concoction, and serves as a blank canvas for your simmer pot. If you’re feeling particularly witchy, you can use some moon water (water that’s been charged by a new, waxing, or full moon) to enhance your intentions.

It’s easy-peasy to assemble your simmer pot!

  1. Start with filling your container at least halfway with water. If you’re so inclined, set your intentions. Do you need some clarity on a situation? Need to feel a little more refreshed and relaxed? Or maybe you just want things to smell nice.
  2. Then add the slices of citrus fruit, peel and all. (Or if you’re feeling snackish, munch on the fruit and just use the peel!) Start small with one or two slices of each fruit; you can always add to it as it simmers.
  3. Now add your herbs. I like to use mint, because it’s one of my favorite scents. It’s also good for helping with focus, clarity, fresh energy, and protection. Rosemary pairs well with citrus, too. Both are easily found in your local grocery store, farmers market, etc. Again, start small with one or two sprigs.

the white bowl is on the stovetop with the sliced citrus and fresh herbs floating in water

Now, turn on the heat for your simmer pot. Keep the heat on low, and allow the water to slowly simmer. As the heat increases, the water begins to simmer, and the oils in your fruit and herbs will begin to release. Boiling the water will make you sad…and we don’t want that!

Don’t leave it unattended! I know they say a watched pot never boils, but we’re not boiling (boiling = sad, remember?). You can safely step away for short amounts of time, but don’t leave the house, go to bed, fall asleep on the couch, etc. You may need to add more water over time.

Once you’ve finished enjoying your simmer pot, turn the heat off and allow it to cool. You can dispose of the fruit and herbs (compost it, and return the water to the earth!) or you can cover the container, put it in the fridge, and reuse it. It should last 2-3 days, but just add more water when you reheat. It might not be as strong as the first time, but those little fruits and herbs likely have some juice left in them.

There you have it! I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling better already…very refreshed. Very…

*distracted by splashing noises from the lakeshore followed by the clattering of flower pots by the greenhouse*

Hmm…guess I better see what that’s all about. Happy Camping, friends!

Hosted by Kim for Troop Thorn
Psst. Hey, you. Yeah, you… what would you say if I told you there was a troop that enjoyed the…darker side of the botanical world? The twisted vines growing on Four Shadow Island (which is probably haunted and definitely off limits)…the flowers that are beautiful but hold secrets…the magical world all around us, hidden in plain sight? You look like the kind of person who might enjoy what’s hidden in our secret garden. So, what do you say? Grab your grimoire, and head on over to the greenhouse of Troop Thorn.