Food Time!

Well this one isn't really food, but it is for the holidays! It's a recipe to make sure your house smells like Christmas and Home and Happiness; perfect for when you have some guests over and you don't have anything baking or candles (because the good ones are so dang expensive:)

Home for the Holidays

4 whole cinnamon sticks

16-20 whole cloves

3-4 slices of orange, cut into circles not wedges

1 tbsp allspice or pumpkin pie spice

A dash of vanilla extract or a leftover vanilla shelled bean

In a heavy, large saucepan, add 1 quart of water over low heat. Add all ingredients and simmer. This will give off a warm, inviting smell for you and your guests. You can add water as needed.

Leftovers project: When finished, discard water. Dry contents on a paper towel and lay out on a cookie sheet in one layer. Set oven to the lowest temp. or place in a warming drawer for several hours (varies depending on your oven.) This will let it dehydrate, especially the orange slices. Makes a nice potpourri and vase filler.