Bring Home the Scents of the Season: A Simple Winter Orchard Simmer Pot
When the Orchard at Altapass settles into its winter rest, the land turns quiet—but the scents of the season are just getting started. If you’re missing the aroma of apples, evergreens, and those cozy mountain notes, a simmer pot is an easy, natural way to bring a bit of the Orchard into your home.
No candles. No synthetic fragrances. Just whole ingredients, slow warmth, and a scent that unfolds gently through your space.
Below is one of our favorite winter blends—simple, nostalgic, and loaded with that “mountain cabin” comfort.
Winter Orchard Simmer Pot Recipe
What You’ll Need
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1–2 star anise (optional, but adds a beautiful depth)
- 1–2 sprigs of fresh rosemary or a small handful of cedar/pine trimmings
- 1–2 cups apple cider (optional, but highly recommended)
- Water
How to Make It
- Place all ingredients into a small pot or a slow cooker.
- Add enough water (and cider, if using) to cover everything.
- Warm it on low until it begins to steam, then drop the heat and let it mingle.
- Keep an eye on the water level and top it off when needed.
- Enjoy the soft, steady aroma as it fills your home.
A Few Tips
- You can reuse your simmer pot for 2–3 days. Just cool it down, store it in the fridge, and reheat.
- Apple peels, cores, or leftover citrus work beautifully—nothing fancy required.
- A splash of vanilla takes this blend in a warm, bakery direction.
- Want a woodland feel? Swap the citrus for a handful of juniper or pine.
Why We Love It
Winter at the Orchard is a season of rest and reflection. A simmer pot carries that feeling indoors—slow, simple, and grounded. It brings together the familiar scents of fruit and spice with the woodsy notes that define this place.
If you make one, feel free to share a photo with us. We love seeing a little piece of the Orchard warming your winter days.