WINTER POTPOURRI

Need a last minute gift for a teacher?  Neighbor?  Co-worker?  Mailman?  The "Oh No, I forgot a gift for you" person?  Or could your house just benefit from a yummy-smelling concoction?

With just a few simple ingredients and about two minutes, you can throw together some cute bags of Winter Potpourri.  My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me about 10 years ago, and I've used it in the past but had forgotten about it until recently.  I saw someone (please remind me where I saw it if it's you!) refer to something similar on Instagram and it sparked my memory.

Here's the basic recipe:



1 orange, 1 lemon, 4 cinnamon sticks, 20 whole cloves, 2 bay leaves
*I didn't use the bay leaf, but saw these cute star anise packs at the store, so I substituted those. They're mainly for looks, they kind of smell like licorice.  Nothing is set in stone, you can play with the combo of ingredients.  I've switched up the fruit in the past also, using limes or grapefruit instead.

Now, that recipe is actually enough for 2 rounds.  You'll want to half the orange and lemon, and slice up those halves.  Save the other halves for later.  Half everything else in the recipe and combine it with the fruit slices, along with about 2 cups of water.  Simmer in a pot or in a mini-crock pot.  This mixture will last for 2-3 days, then you can use the portions you reserved for another batch.

To gift, put all ingredients in a clear or seasonal cellophane bag and tie with a pretty ribbon.  I should have printed the recipe and instructions out on a card to attach as well, but I didn't get to that yet.  ;) Another tip, I used the smaller mandarin type oranges, just because they fit in the bag better.

These are a thoughtful little gift on their own, or would be terrific party favors or that little extra something to tuck in and add to a gift you already have.

I've had a batch simmering for the past two days and the kitchen smells lovely!

7 days and counting!  I'm needing to finish up my shopping today and tomorrow before the kids are out of school.

This will most likely be my last post for the year, so I wanted to leave you with my sincere thanks for reading and following along here.  It still amazes me that people are actually interested in my projects!  I hope you all have a blessed and joyous Christmas, and that you know the Savior that was born for us to bring us hope, peace, and new life.

See you in 2015 for lots of new possibilities!