holiday potpourri

Bubbling quietly on the stove, this homemade holiday potpourri is a simple combination of citrus and spice that fills the house with the scent of Christmas. It's one of my favorite things to have brewing this time of year. I love to give it as a neighbor gift because it feels like a treat, but it doesn't add to the waistline. And it's so easy to make!
Ingredients:
*1 whole apple
*1 whole lemon
*1 whole orange
*3 whole cinnamon sticks
*6 whole cloves
*6 whole allspice berries
*2" piece fresh ginger root (optional)

I bought a bottle of whole cloves and a bottle of whole allspice (found in the spice section at the grocery store) and just sprinkled some of each with the other ingredients (i.e. I didn't count out six of each). I placed all the ingredients on a square of cellophane wrap, pulled the corners up together, and tied it up with a ribbon. Then I added a sprig of fresh greenery (which I cut from my yard), and a stem of fake berries. Then I added a tag I printed with the instructions and stamped with a few holly berries.

Instructions to include with your potpourri:

Holiday Potpourri
1. Cut fruit into 1/2-inch thick slices.
2. Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and cover with water.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer uncovered, adding water throughout the day as needed.

I use the same potpourri several days in a row (until it loses its scent), turning off the stove at night and starting it up again in the morning. You can also add apple cider to the ingredients rather than water, and it makes a cozy hot cider. Enjoy!