Simmer & Spice by Allyson Dvorak

My creative process begins with a memory. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of coming home to the comforting smell of cinnamon and apples as my mom simmered a pot on the stove. It made our home feel warm, cozy, and safe. Now, I want to create those same feelings and memories for my own family—and for the people who bring Simmer & Spice into their homes.

Each simmer pot is developed by hand. I season my apples using spices inspired by recipes and old cookbooks, and I carefully dehydrate my fruit, with some taking up to 24 hours to reach the right texture. Every blend includes classic ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, but the exact combination is where the creativity comes in.

A scent can be tested and adjusted 20–30 times before I consider it finished. I continually change the balance of fruit, spices, and aromatics until the fragrance feels just right. For me, creating Simmer & Spice isn't just about making something that smells good—it's about capturing the feeling of home and turning a simple simmer pot into a memory.