Ingredients:

  • 6 cups filtered Water
  • 1 large Fresh Orange, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 medium Lemon, thinly sliced
  • 3 whole Cinnamon Sticks
  • 2 tablespoons Whole Cloves
  • 5 whole Star Anise Pods
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary (3-4 inches)
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (Optional Enhancer)

Instructions:

  1. Slice the Fruit: Thinly slice the orange and lemon into 1/4 inch (6 mm) rounds. Gather all spices (cinnamon, cloves, star anise) and the rosemary sprigs.
  2. Charge the Pot: Place the sliced fruit, spices, and rosemary into a heavy-bottomed pot. Pour in the filtered water until the pot is about three-quarters full.
  3. Bring to a Boil: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the water mixture to a rapid boil.
  4. Reduce and Stabilise: Immediately reduce the heat to the absolute lowest setting possible. The goal is a gentle, lazy simmer—just the occasional bubble rising to the surface.
  5. Add the Finish: Stir in the vanilla extract (if using).
  6. Maintain the Simmer: Allow the pot to simmer uncovered. Check the water level every 30–45 minutes. When the liquid drops by about 1/3, carefully top up with hot water to maintain the temperature. Crucially, never let the pot boil dry.
  7. Cleanup and Storage: When finished, turn off the heat. The Simmer Pot can be cooled completely, covered, and refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reuse, simply bring it back up to a gentle simmer.