Looking for a natural, toxin-free way to make your home smell amazing? Ditch the synthetic candles, plug-ins, and oil diffusers, and turn to a time-honored, all-natural method: simmer pots. Simmer pot recipes are one of the easiest and cleanest ways to refresh your space with cozy, seasonal scents—without any of the harsh chemicals commonly found in store-bought air fresheners.
Simmer pots, sometimes called stovetop potpourri, allow you to fully customize your home’s aroma using simple, whole ingredients like citrus, herbs, spices, and fruit. Whether you're craving a citrusy spring breeze, a warm fall spice blend, or a clean herbal scent, you can create your perfect fragrance blend in just minutes. And don’t worry—we’ve curated some of our favorite simmer pot recipes below to inspire your scent journey.
To get started, all you need is a good piece of cookware—and nothing works better than our Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven Collection . The 5.7 Qt Round Dutch Oven is our top pick for most simmer pot recipes, offering plenty of space and even heat distribution. For smaller spaces or apartments, the 2.2 Qt Saucepan works beautifully. Hosting a gathering or want your whole home to smell amazing? Try the larger 8 Qt Oval Dutch Oven to maximize your aroma output.
Simply fill your Dutch oven with water, drop in your chosen ingredients, and let it gently simmer. Thanks to the superior heat retention of our enameled cast iron cookware, your pot will stay warm and aromatic for longer—even after the burner is turned off. Cheaper or lightweight pots often lose heat quickly, meaning you’ll have to keep the stove on constantly. Not with Larder & Vine.
Explore the simmer pot recipes below and discover a healthier, more beautiful way to scent your space. Just remember: these recipes are meant to be smelled, not tasted!
1. Autumn Orange Simmer Pot
Tea Recipe Ingredients
2 oranges, sliced
Peels of 2 oranges
6 cinnamon sticks
2 tablespoons whole cloves
Recipe Directions
In your Larder & Vine Dutch oven, add water leaving about 1-inch of room at the top. Add all ingredients and let simmer to fill your space with Fall scents.
2. Lemon Rosemary Simmer Pot
Ingredients
2 lemons, sliced
2 sprigs rosemary
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions
In your Larder & Vine Dutch oven, add water leaving about 1-inch of room at the top. Add all ingredients and let simmer to fill your home with fresh and clean aromas.
3. Fall Apple Simmer Pot
Ingredients
1 apple, sliced
1 orange, sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon whole cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
In your Larder & Vine Dutch oven, add water leaving about 1-inch of room at the top. Add all ingredients and let simmer to fill your space with Fall scents.
4. Cranberry Winter Simmer Pot
Ingredients
2+ cups cranberries
1 orange, sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon whole cloves
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions
Fill your Larder & Vine Dutch oven with water, add the ingredients below and let simmer on your stovetop for as long as you want. In a matter of minutes, your home will be filled with sweet winter aromas
Why use the Larder & Vine Dutch Oven?
Elevate your everyday cooking with the Larder & Vine Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven —a timeless kitchen essential known for its versatility, beauty, and ability to bring out deep, rich flavor in every dish. Whether you're slow-simmering stews, baking crusty artisan bread, or preparing comforting soups and roasts, our Dutch oven delivers exceptional results every time.
Unlike standard cookware, our enameled cast iron Dutch oven is built to stand the test of time. Its heavyweight construction ensures even heat distribution and impressive heat retention—perfect for low-and-slow cooking. Each piece is sealed with three layers of high-quality enamel, so there’s no need to season it like traditional cast iron. Plus, cleanup is a breeze.
Investing in a piece like the Larder & Vine Dutch Oven isn’t just about better meals—it’s about building traditions. With proper care, this heirloom-quality cookware can last for generations. Imagine your signature recipes being recreated year after year, lovingly served from the same Dutch oven by your kids and grandkids.
Ready to create flavorful, comforting meals with ease? Browse our collection of Enameled Cast Iron Cookware and see why the Dutch oven is a must-have in every kitchen.
