Ingredients:
- 32 oz tallow
- 4.2 oz lye
- 12.16 oz water
- 1.5 fl. oz essential oils (optional)
Instructions:
- Weigh tallow and put into a crockpot. I find it is easiest to melt the tallow before weighing it. If the tallow is below 100 degrees F, turn the crockpot on low to gently heat the tallow.
- Weigh the water in a heat-safe container or sturdy plastic bucket, and weigh the lye separately.
- Check the temperature of the tallow. You want it to be 100 degrees F. Let tallow cool if necessary.
- Once the tallow is 100 degrees F, take the lye and water outdoors. Wearing gloves and safety goggles, carefully and slowly pour the lye into the water. Stir gently.
- Once the lye water has turned from cloudy to clear, leave it to cool for 10 minutes.
- Carefully pour the lye water into the tallow.
- Use an immersion blender to mix the soap. After a few minutes, it will grow creamy, and start to thicken. Mix until it has reached “trace,” the light pudding consistency.
- Add the essential oils (if using) and blend again to incorporate.
- Pour soap into molds, top with wax paper, and wrap molds in towels.
- After 24 hours, remove soap from the mold and slice it into bars. Let cure in an area with good airflow for 4 weeks.
Recipe by Bumblebee Apothecary