Homemade Mulling Spices & Stovetop Potpourri

This year, I decided to get a little crafty and make gifts for our neighbors. I really enjoy not only the sights and sounds of the holidays, but also the smells. I gathered a few of my favorite ingredients and made homemade mulling spices. There are lots of variations and recipes, but I chose to use the following:

• 2 cups cinnamon sticks– crushed
• 2 cups whole cloves
• 2 cups allspice berries
• 1 1/2 cups dried orange zest
• 1 cup cardamom pods
• 1 cup star anise

Mix the ingredients together in a large bowl. The mulling spices can be used to flavor wine or apple cider by placing them in a tea ball or piece of cheesecloth and simmering on the stove (1 tablespoon of spices per quart of liquid). I make it in a crockpot for large groups.

For these gifts, I used the spices to create little jars of stovetop potpourri. I placed 1/2 cup of mulling spices in a 16 oz jar and added cranberries, a sprig of rosemary and oranges or clementines. To use the potpourri, slice the orange and pour all of the jar’s contents into a small pot. Cover with water and bring to a simmer. Your home will smell amazing!