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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.
12 Everyday Herbs for Natural Wellness
A gentle introduction to twelve well-loved herbs — from calming chamomile-style botanicals to adaptogens like ashwagandha — and how people traditionally use them.
Astrid van Essen
2 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
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
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
Discovering Allspice: The Spice That Captivates
Discover what allspice really is, where it comes from, and how to use it in both sweet and savoury recipes for that warm, festive flavour.
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
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