It always amazes me how a scent can elicit memories so vivid that it propels my mind right back to a particular moment in time, a certain emotion, or both. I remember as a child knowing that the Christmas season was near when I began to smell cinnamon in the air. As my mom prepared to host the holiday feast for our family, she would create a simmering potpourri that would fill the home with the most welcoming and delicious aroma. I am sharing with you the ingredients that she used, but those can be removed or added according to your personal preference.

Ingredients

• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 handful of cloves
• Sprig or two of rosemary
• The peels of two oranges

Directions

Place all of the ingredients into a small, simmering pot and fill with water until it covers the peels and spices completely. Simmer on low for as long as you want, checking back every once in a while to make sure the water level hasn’t reduced too much.