In the eco-loving spirit of Waste Not, Want Not, whenever I peel an apple — be it for apple cinnamon pancakes or a mouthwatering apple pie — I always save the peels and upcycle them in a way that is both yummy and aromatic.

Introducing my personal Apple Cinnamon Tisane Recipe! 

Tisane is a fancy word for herbal teas that are infused with plants, fruits, flowers or the like, but do not include leaves from a bona fide a tea plant.

What I love about this recipe is, not only does it taste great. But it also adds a wonderful, natural scent to my home that is especially lovely during the holidays.

Ingredients

• Water

• Lemon juice

• Fresh apple peels

• Cinnamon

• Sugar

Directions

1. As you peel each apple, place the peels into a cup or bowl that is filled with a mixture of water and lemon juice (at a 3:1 ratio). This will slow the peels from browning too quickly.

2. Once the apple peeling is done, pour the liquid and the peels into a small- or medium-sized pot or crockpot. If needed, add more water to the pot until it is 3/4 full.

3. In the pot, sprinkle a layer of ground cinnamon on top of the water, coating the entire surface. You can add other spices like nutmeg or cardamom, if you please!

4. Simmer on medium-low. Be sure to keep watch as the water evaporates. When the water gets low, you can add more water to keep the aroma going.

5. After you have enjoyed the lovely fragrance of cinnamon apples gracing your abode, turn off your stove or crockpot.

6. To enjoy it hot: Ladle spoonfuls of the tisane into your favorite mug. Add spoonfuls of sugar to your liking.

7. To enjoy it cold: Cover the pot, and let the tisane cool to room temperature. Next, pour the tisane into a pitcher; refrigerated it overnight; then serve it in your favorite drinking glass with ice and sugar.

8. If the apple cinnamon flavor is full-on, add additional water to balance it out.

9. Enjoy. Yum!