Orange Peel Potpourri

Tis the citrus season.

A couple weeks ago, I bought my 1st huge box of navel oranges.
{Yes, I've bought oranges lotss of time, just not a ginormous box of them!}

It instantly took me back to my childhood.
Dad would buy a big box of oranges from the local high school band when they'd come by
selling them door-to-door.
He'd keep the box in the bedroom closet where it was dark & cool.
They were the best oranges.

I bought mine from Florida citrus seller that came to our area selling the boxes straight off the truck ...
& they did not disappoint.
The oranges are so sweet & juicy.

Now, on to the potpourri.

My hubs decided to juice several of these to surprise me with a big ol' glass of fresh-squeezed OJ
the other morning.
When I saw the pile of orange peels, I decided to throw them in a pot to boil.

 I added in a couple spices from the cabinet.

Let me tell you, I had NO idea the goodness that would waft forth from that little pot!
And for days!!
I have boiled these for several days & they almost look like they are candied, at this point.
My kitchen smells uh-mazing!

I simmered these on low, adding water throughout the day as it cooked down.
At the end of the evening, I put the cooled kettle in the fridge & pulled it out the next morning
to simmer all over again.

I'll probably toss this out this evening.
I'll like putting the peels of any citrus through my garage disposal.
Cleans it & makes is smell so good.

And tomorrow morning, I'll start a whole new fresh batch.
{I've been keeping peels in a plastic storage container in my fridge.}

You have got to try this.
Especially at this time of year, this easy orange peel potpourri will make your kitchen
whole house extra cozy.

Easy Orange Peel Potpourri
orange peels {1 or 4 ... it doesn't matter how many}
spices {I used about 1/2 a teaspoon of cinnamon & nutmeg -- you could variate here
w/cloves, nutmeg, etc}

Place above ingredients in small kettle & cover with water.
Simmer on low, adding in water as it cooks down.

You could add in cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon.
You could even throw in cranberries.

Very versatile ... very wonderful.