Oranges, Cinnamon and Cloves

  

One of the first things we used to make at the 

beginning of the Christmas season was pomander balls. 

We usually made them right after Thanksgiving

at around the same time I plant my paper whites

and before we start baking cookies.

I say... used to... because we haven't made any new

pomander balls in quite a few years.

But I remember how good the house smelled and how lovely and relaxing it was to sit and put the cloves in the oranges...

...mix up the spices in my big yellow-ware bowl and cover the oranges with the fragrant mixture.

 

After the fruit was dry I would tie red ribbons around them and 

use them as ornaments and in arrangements around the house.

I can smell the cinnamon and cloves now.

 

There are several variations in the recipe

for making pomander balls. 

They usually call for orris root which I think helps to

cure the oranges, limes or lemons and hold the scent.

Do you make pomander balls as part of your Christmas tradition?

Mr. Flea's Mom always baked

Christmas tree and candy cane cookies early in the season

and the smell of those delicious cookies baking

in the oven drives Mr. Flea wild!

 Mmmm....

Freshly cut Christmas trees...

.... wonderful spices.... vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg.....

Christmas is in the air!

Can you smell it?

:)