One of my favorite things about the holidays are the wonderful smells that come from the kitchen, like apple pie cooking or pumpkin pie with those yummy spices. When I was making apple bread I realized I could save the skins and cores of the apples and use them in some homemade kitchen potpourri, so away the peelings went into a zip-lock plastic baggie and into the fridge. I also saved the peelings from our oranges and lemons and added that to my zip-lock bag. After about a week I had enough left over peelings to make my house smell “mmmm…good”. Have a holiday party coming up? Try making your own potpourri and enjoy the smells of the season.
Method
- Save one or two whole fruit peelings from the following fruits: apple, orange, tangelo, lemon, grapefruit
- In a small pot or small crock-pot add the peelings of your choice
- 2 cinnamon sticks broke in half
- 1 T. whole cloves, or nutmeg, anise
- enough water to cover
- simmer on low
When water is almost gone refill with water and use your potpourri until the smells have run out. Be careful not to leave the house with the pot on or go to sleep with it on, we don’t want any fires.
I love homemade potpourri. I have not tried it before. This recipe looks fabulous. My kids would love to help too. I love the way the house smells during the holidays. Thanks!
I had never even considered doing this, but the fiancee is going to love it! What a great idea.
Cannot wait to try this!!! Most store bought smelly things gives me migraines, I bet this would be heavenly though!! Thank you for sharing.
I really think you'll love this scent the cloves really make it, I think.