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Simmer&Stir Blog – Natural Scents & Botanical Recipes
Welcome to Simmer & Stir — a place for seasonal inspiration, natural home fragrance and simple botanical recipes. Discover simmer pots, potpourri, herbal drinks, homemade syrups and easy ideas for bringing the scents and flavours of the season into your home.


5 Warm Apple Drinks for Cosy Autumn Evenings
Five easy warm apple drinks with cinnamon, ginger, orange and herbs for cosy autumn evenings, including alcohol-free apple cider ideas.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make Elderberry Syrup Safely at Home
Make a simple homemade elderberry syrup with dried or ripe elderberries, with clear identification, cooking, storage and safety guidance.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Warming Drinkable Simmer Pots for Cold and Flu Season
Discover warming drinkable simmer pots made with citrus, herbs and spices for a comforting seasonal drink during colder months.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


5 Gut-Healthy Smoothie Recipes with Herbs & Botanicals
Five easy smoothies built around fermented ingredients, fibre and gentle botanicals — a tasty way to support digestion and everyday energy.
Astrid van Essen
2 min read


How to Make Rosemary Water for Your Hair: A Simple DIY Recipe
Rosemary water has become one of the most popular natural hair care remedies in recent years. Across social media, thousands of people share how they use homemade rosemary water as part of their hair care routine. But what exactly is rosemary water, how do you make it, and how should you use it? The good news is that you don't need expensive products. With just two simple ingredients, you can make a fresh herbal infusion at home in less than 30 minutes and easily add it to yo
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


7 Healing Spices to Add to Your Smoothie (and Why They're Worth It)
Discover the power of 7 Healing Spices For Smoothies! Transform your daily blend with these spices for added flavor and health benefits.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Pumpkin Spice Wax Melts or Sachets – Handmade Autumn Home Fragrance
Discover the charm of Pumpkin Spice Wax Melts for a cosy autumn vibe. Handmade Pumpkin Spice Wax Melts bring warmth and a hint of spice to your home.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract: A Simple Guide
Discover how to make homemade vanilla extract with simple ingredients for a rich, pure flavor. Learn how to make homemade vanilla extract today!
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Air Fryer Dried Apples with Ginger
Discover how to make Air Fryer Dried Apples with a hint of ginger. Perfect for snacking or tea blends, these Air Fryer Dried Apples are a must-try!
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


How to Make Cranberry Syrup at Home (Plus Benefits, Uses & Colour Inspiration)
Learn how to make cranberry syrup at home with our easy guide. Learn the benefits, uses, and color inspiration of cranberry syrup.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make Pomegranate Syrup at Home (Plus Benefits, Uses & Colour Inspiration)
Learn how to make pomegranate syrup at home and explore its benefits, uses, and color inspiration. Discover the art of pomegranate syrup crafting!
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


Add Natural Colour to Winter Cooking with Botanical Fruit & Vegetable Powders
Discover how Fruit and Vegetable Powders can transform your winter cooking! Add vibrant colors and nutrients to your dishes with Fruit and Vegetable Powders.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


How to Make Orange Salt and Orange Pepper: Festive Seasonings for Winter Cooking
Discover how to make Orange Salt and Orange Pepper, perfect festive seasonings for winter cooking. Learn how to make Orange Salt and Orange Pepper easily.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


How to Make Flavoured Chocolate Milk: 5 Simple Variations
Learn how to make flavoured chocolate milk at home with five easy recipes using cinnamon, lavender, cardamom, nutmeg and chilli. Simple, cosy and delicious.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


7 Herbal & Spice-Infused Winter Drinks to Boost Immunity and Wellness
Discover seven easy herbal and spice-infused winter drinks that naturally support immunity and wellness. Simple recipes using everyday botanicals.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Zesty Lemon Pepper Seasoning Blend: A Fresh, Homemade Gift Idea for the Holidays
Make your own lemon pepper seasoning with dried zest and cracked pepper. A bright, aromatic DIY spice blend that’s perfect for everyday cooking and Christmas gifts.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


5 Easy DIY Spice Blends You Can Make at Home
Discover five easy DIY spice blends you can make at home — from garam masala to za’atar. Fresh, customisable, and perfect for gifting at Christmas or birthdays.
Astrid van Essen
4 min read


Spice-Infused Mocktails with Health Benefits: 3 Refreshing Recipes to Try
Discover 3 spice-infused mocktail recipes that taste amazing and offer natural health benefits. Featuring turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and clove blends.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read


7 Healing Spices to Add to Your Smoothies
Discover 7 healing spices to add to your smoothies — from turmeric and ginger to cardamom and fennel. Easy ways to boost flavour, balance digestion, and support natural wellness.
Astrid van Essen
5 min read


Foraging Hawthorn Berries: A Guide to Identification and Use
Learn how to forage hawthorn berries safely. Identify ripe haws, discover their folklore, and make simple recipes like syrup, tea, and simmer pots.
Astrid van Essen
3 min read
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