As the harsh winter wind blows outside, there really isn't anything better than coming in to the scents of the season. Memories instantly transport me back to afternoons spent making snow angels, forts and the biggest snow man my siblings and I could roll up.
Damp and cold we would trudge back into the warmth of our home, welcomed by the scent of all things cozy, happy and bright. So why not recreate those memories everyday, and share them with the ones you love most?
A few simple ingredients left over from holiday preparations, some water, a pot and a stove are all that's needed to fill your house, and those of friends and family with wonderful aromas, sure to get everyone in the festive spirit.
For me this time of year is marked by citrus and spices. For many years my mother would sit me down at the table with a few oranges and a lot of cloves. I would spend hours pushing the cloves into the oranges until each orange was bursting with them. Apple cider brewed on the stove top with muling spices is also one of my favorites. In order to recreate this memory, I just add a little orange peel, a cinnamon stick or two, some freshly grated nutmeg and a few cloves to a small boiling pot of water, wait a few minutes, and I'm there, right back to the dining room table with oranges and cloves. So I thought that this year I would share that memory with my family and friends. I packed a few small cloth bags and cheese cloth sachets tied with ribbon to bring with me as I make the holiday rounds.
The best thing about this simple project is that it can be customized so easily. Maybe gingerbread is your favorite memory? Or pumpkin pie? Just add the spices and things that make the holiday season special for you.
Keep old memories alive and create new ones this winter with the help of a few simple ingredients.
Enjoy!
~ Jordan
*Last time in Recipes: Baked Apples
