I have candles placed throughout my home; they not only smell good but make my home appear more inviting. However, as you may be aware the large, scented candles are expensive and there have been occasions I could not find the scent I was looking for. I ran across this recipe for making natural room scents using simmering waters infused with spices, herbs, and fruits. Give them a try, I made the Citrus one and loved it. this week I will make the Spice.
INGREDIENTS
- Sliced citrus — lemons, oranges, limes (if preferred use just the peel)
- Herbs —rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves
- Spices — whole cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, anise, or substituted ground/powdered spices
- Ginger — fresh or ground
- Extracts — vanilla, almond, mint
- Pine twigs (or other fragrant twigs)
DIRECTIONS
Use a pint (2 cup) jar, container, or pot to combine scented waters. Add ingredients to the container, cover with water, and choose one of the following:
a. Simmer on stove top, topping off with more water as it evaporates.
b. Add heated mixture to a slow cooker, fondue pot, or something similar that will keep the mixture heated. Preheat waters to a boil (in microwave or stove top). As water evaporates, always top it off with hot water to keep the temperature hot as possible.
Higher heat produces more fragrance.
Fragrant Combinations
- Orange, Cinnamon, and Spice – 1 orange, 2 cinnamon sticks (or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon), 1/2 tablespoon whole cloves (or 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves), 1/2 tablespoon whole allspice (or 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice), 1 anise star (optional).
2. Lemon, Rosemary, and Vanilla – 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, 2 lemons, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
3. Lime, Thyme, Mint, and Vanilla – 3 limes, 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme, 1/2 teaspoon mint extract, teaspoon vanilla.
4. Orange, Ginger, and Almond – 1 orange (or peel from 2 oranges), one 4″ finger of ginger, sliced (or 1 tsp. ground ginger), 1/2 teaspoon almond extract.
5. Pine, Bay Leaves, and Nutmeg – Handful of pine twigs or needles, 4 bay leaves, 1 whole nutmeg, outer layer grated into mixture.
You can refrigerate these waters between uses. Re-use for 2-3 days or as long as the fragrance remains. Have your home smelling great with natural fragrances!!
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Blessings💖
Love this, but Rod’s allergies prevent me from enjoying candles. He is even affected if they have been burned in his absence. Perhaps I’ll try as gifts !