Simmering Potpourri

Submitted by: Tammy Eskola

An alternative to burning scented candles, to make your house smell nice in minutes, is to place some cinnamon sticks and whole cloves in a saucepan of water on the stove and bring them to a boil. When it begins to boil, reduce the heat to simmer. The scent is wonderful.

After the sticks have lost their scent, I lay them out on a paper towel--they will dry and re-curl. I save them to use in my Christmas decorations; on my tree, in wreaths, and to add to a pinecone basket.

I buy whole cloves in bulk and usually pick up my cinnamon sticks up at a dollar store. I have done this so often, that I'm sure when my children are grown, the aroma of cinnamon and cloves will bring their minds back to their childhood at home. At least that is my hope.

Hint: You may substitute ground cinnamon for cinnamon sticks. You may also put the cinnamon and cloves in a potpourri crockpot if the company is coming in a few hours. Simmering on the stove is the quickest method - just remember to keep an eye on it.


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