There is something particularly delightful about little projects that make use of the season’s bounty! One of our favorite traditions during Advent is making pomanders, or clove-studded citrus. They’re the perfect project for busy hands, and they make our home smell so inviting.

Ingredients

• firm, thin-skinned citrus (I generally use oranges, satsumas, or clementines).
• whole cloves
• Preserving Spice Mix to preserve your pomanders: recipe below (Optional)

Directions

1. Press the cloves into the fruit, either at random or in a linear pattern. Place the cloves close together, but far enough apart that the skin does not split. It can be helpful to use a toothpick to make a hole first and to use gloves if making several. These pomanders can be placed in a bowl or on a tray to enjoy for the season just as they are.
2. If choosing to preserve your pomanders using the spice mixture, then place about half the mixture in a large bowl, add studded citrus, and top with the remaining mixture. Turn the pomanders each day, covering with the mixture until the pomanders are completely dry and hard. This can take from two to six weeks depending on the climate and the size of the citrus. Dried pomanders do not decay and can be placed in closets or drawers to repel moths after you’ve enjoyed them for the season.

Preserving Spice Mix

• 4 ounces ground cinnamon
• 2 ounces ground cloves
• 1/2 ounce ground allspice
• 1/2 ounce ground nutmeg
• 1 ounce orris root powder

1. In a medium bowl, mix all ingredients well. This is enough to preserve several pomanders at once and can be reused each year. Store in a glass jar between uses.