We all have that person in our lives who is challenging when it comes to gift-giving. This homemade spicy blend is the perfect little gift, whether for a co-worker, hairdresser, nail tech, hostess, or party favor. Everyone loves the scents of Christmas!

How to Make the Perfect Gift

To maximize the aromatic impact of your holiday gift, it is important to properly dry your apple slices and orange slices. This process not only preserves the fruits for longer use but also intensifies their fragrances, enhancing the overall ambiance of your space. To achieve the best results, thinly slice the fruits and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set your oven to 200° and allow the slices to dry out slowly for several hours. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, and rotate the slices occasionally for even drying. Once they are crisp and dry, your apple and orange slices are ready to be incorporated into your Christmas Spice Gift.

SLOW COOKER SIMMERING SPICE GIFT INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in recipe card

• dried rind from 4 medium oranges; instructions below
• dried apple slices from 4 medium apples; instructions below
• 2 tablespoons whole cloves
• 6 cinnamon sticks

SIMMERING SPICE HOSTESS GIFT INSTRUCTIONS

FOR THE ORANGE SLICES

1. Preheat the oven to 250°.
2. With a small sharp knife, peel the rind from the orange and cut it into 2-inch strips.
3. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper; bake for 2 hours or until no moisture comes from the fruit when squeezed.

FOR THE APPLE SLICES

1. Slice into 1/4-inch slices; place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake for 4 to 5 hours or until a light brown color.
3. TIP: Apple slices should be crisp when cooled.

PUTTING THE SPICE MIX TOGETHER

1. Divide the orange rind, apple slices, cloves, and cinnamon between TWO quart-size jars.
2. After you have prepared your dried apple slices, dried orange peel, and cinnamon spice mixture, it’s time to assemble your festive Christmas aroma gift. Layer the dried slices in a mason jar, sprinkling in the cloves. Slide in the cinnamon sticks to create a visually appealing and fragrant display. Tie a festive ribbon around the jar and attach a handwritten note for a personal touch. This delightful gift is perfect for spreading holiday cheer to friends and family.

How to Dry Orange Slices

For more of a dramatic look, add orange slices instead of just the orange rind. Slice oranges as thin as possible—1/8 to ¼-inch will work. Preheat the oven to 200°. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Place orange slices on the prepared pan. Bake for 3½ to 4½ hours. Some of the slices will be done before others, and not all the slices will be done at the same time. Check each orange slice every 30 minutes for dryness and to turn it over. Turning the slices over will help prevent the fruit from curling.

ADD A NOTE TO YOUR SIMMERING SPICE BLEND

SLOW COOKER: Place all the simmering spice into a small slow cooker, fill it with water, and turn it on high with the lid on. Once the water has come up to temperature, take off the lid. When done for the day, place the lid back on and refrigerate. It lasts up to 4 days and simmers for 6 hours a day.

ENHANCING YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON WITH HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS SCENTS

Enhancing Your Holiday Season with Homemade Christmas Scents can be a fun and creative way to add a personal touch to your home décor and create lasting memories with loved ones. Elevate your festive atmosphere by incorporating the soothing scents of homemade potpourri simmering on the stove or in a slow cooker. Create your own signature blend using ingredients like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, dried citrus peels, and fragrant herbs like rosemary or thyme. Not only will this fill your home with warm, inviting aromas, but it will also provide a delightful sensory experience for you and your guests during the holiday season. Embrace the magic of Christmas by infusing your home with these enchanting scents, making every moment feel merry and bright.

Let’s make a Slow Cooker Simmering Spice Gift!

If this is for yourself? Here are the SIMMERING DIRECTIONS

Place all simmering spices into a small slow cooker, fill it with water, and turn it on high with the lid on.  Once the water has come up to temperature, take off the lid.  When done for the day, place the lid back on and refrigerate.  It lasts up to 4 days, 6 hours a day.

STOVE TOP METHOD: Add some of the simmering spices to a small pot, fill with water, and simmer on the stovetop. This method has THREE uses.

SLOW COOKER METHOD:  Put all the simmering spices in a small slow cooker, fill it with water, and simmer with no worries about your pot going dry.  Turn the slow cooker on high and place on the lid until the water has come up to temperature.  Take off the lid.  Your house will smell like you’ve been baking all day!

NOTE: The simmering spices lasted four days at 6 hours each. Once I was done with them for the day, I took them out of the slow cooker shell to cool, then covered them with the lid and placed them in the refrigerator. The next day, I placed the pot back into a cold slow cooker, turned it on high, covered them, uncovered them when the liquid got hot, and simmered them for another six hours. I did this for four days.

What else can I add to this simmering spice gift?

• Christmas Tree Sprigs: Once the Christmas trees come out, I love to go to the lots, collect trimmed branches, and add little pieces to my simmering spices. So, if you’re making this during Christmas tree time, I would totally recommend you tie a sprig with twine to the outside. I wouldn’t add it inside the jar because the twig will give off moisture.
• Rosemary Sprigs: If it’s not winter and you want to add a hint of pine to your spice mixture, a rosemary sprig is the next best thing. Like the pine sprig, I recommend you tie a sprig with twine to the outside.
• FREEZE Dried Fruit: Available at most grocery stores, freeze-dried fruit has absolutely no moisture, so it works perfectly in potpourri. Freeze-dried berries will provide a pop of color.
• Leaves: If you have an orange tree in your backyard, sprinkle a few leaves on the tray with the fruit to dry. The drying time will differ from fruit to fruit, so watch them.
• Other Citrus and Fruit: Lemons, Limes, or Pears would work great. Avoid drying fruits like peaches and apricots, which are too moist and tend to be sticky when dried.
• Essential Oils: One scent to enhance the fragrance (like orange or apple).

MORE HOMEMADE PARTY GIFT IDEAS FOR ADULTS

Below is a list of some of my favorite homemade gift ideas. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL COLLECTION→HOMEMADE GIFTS FOR ADULTS

• HOMEMADE CRANBERRY SYRUP
• DIY EARL GREY SPICE TEA
• SEASHORE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
• FUDGE FILLED HEARTS
• FESTIVE COOKIE CUTTER ORNAMENT
• BANANA BREAD IN A JAR
• HOMEMADE SMOKED ALMONDS

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Transform your space into a holiday haven with the enchanting combination of dried fruit and spices. Spread joy and warmth to all who enter with the magical scents of homemade Christmas aromas. Start creating your own Christmas aroma gift today and make this holiday season truly unforgettable.