A jar of dried fruit and whole spices that fills the house with the smell of Christmas when simmered.
Key facts
| Temperature | 55°C |
| Drying time | 8–12 hours (dry all three fruits together) |
| Trays | 4–5 trays for 6 jars |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best UK season | November–December |
Why make it
Simmer pots are a cheap, natural alternative to scented candles. Everything in the jar is dried at home except the spices, and one tray-filling session makes enough for half a dozen gifts.
They look beautiful layered in a jar and they're ideal for teachers, neighbours and anyone who already has everything.
Ingredients
- Per 500 ml jar:
- 6–8 dried orange slices
- 6 dried apple rings
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 star anise
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 sprig dried rosemary (optional)
- To dry for 6 jars: 4 oranges, 4 apples, 300 g fresh cranberries, a few rosemary sprigs
Equipment
- Ezidri Ultra FD1000 with 4–5 trays
- Mesh sheets
- Clean, dry jars with lids
- Labels and ribbon
Method (summary)
- Slice the oranges and cored apples 5 mm thick and blot dry. Crack the cranberry skins with just-boiled water and drain.
- Dry everything at 55°C for 8–12 hours. Dry rosemary separately at 35°C for 3–5 hours.
- Cool completely; any trapped warmth will make the jar sweat.
- Layer in jars: orange slices round the sides, then apple, cranberries and spices in the centre.
- Seal and add a label with the simmering instructions below.
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Log in freeHow to tell it's dry, storage and rehydrating
Dry when: orange slices firm and translucent; apple rings dry and leathery or crisp; cranberries hard and shrunken.
Storage: sealed jar out of direct sunlight. Best used within 6 months for the strongest scent.
FAQ
Can you use dehydrated fruit in a simmer pot?
Yes. Dried fruit releases its scent as it rehydrates, and it lasts far longer on the shelf than fresh, which makes it ideal for gift jars.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of a pan?
Yes, on low with the lid off, topped up with water. As with a pan, don't leave it unattended for long periods.
Related recipes and guides
Free recipe pack: The Ezidri Drying Year
20 British recipes for your dehydrator, from Christmas oranges to allotment gluts, plus a drying chart and storage cheat sheet.
Some food images are illustrative.