Flat Broke with Two Goats

by Jennifer McGaha

Melt the coconut oil in Crock-Pot turned to low. When coconut oil is completely melted, add olive oil. Wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area, slowly stir the lye into the frozen milk. (Note: Always add lye to the milk, never the other way around.) Once the lye has dissolved into the melted milk, slowly stir the lye/milk mixture into the oils in the Crock-Pot. Using a stick blender, blend in quick bursts for several minutes, until the mixture begins to “trace.” At this point, the mixture should resemble a thick pudding (think butterscotch), and your blender should leave a “trace” or mark as you blend. You can test this by scooping out a spoonful of the mixture and plopping it on top of the remaining mixture. If it holds its shape, it’s ready. Continue with either the cold or the hot soap-making process. For cold-processed soap: Turn off the Crock-Pot, and stir in essential oils and other additions (such as oatmeal). Pour mixture into prepared molds. I use two standard glass loaf pans lined with wax paper. Smooth the mixture into the pan evenly. Let sit for 24 to 48 hours before unmolding and cutting into bars. (For a lighter-colored soap, you may put the molds in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the next day, and let sit for 24 to 48 hours before cutting.)