Lavender & Coffee Soap

So easy to make and such a lovely way to cleanse and soften hands! This recipe suggests using all-natural alkanet powder to add a lavender tint to these beautiful soaps., if you wish, and essential oils for scent.

by Karyn Maier

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups shea butter soap cubes (about 12)

1 tablespoon sweet almond oil

2 tablespoon coffee grounds

1 tablespoon lavender flowers

25 drops Peru balsam essential oil

10 drops lavender essential oil

Alkanet root powder, optional for color

Directions

Gently heat the soap cubes in the top of a double boiler, or microwave in a glass bowl at 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted. Measure the melted soap after to be sure there's 1 1/2 cups total. If it falls short, melt another pair of cubes and add to the total.

Stir in sweet almond oil, scraping the bowl to incorporate any bits of cooling soap clinging to the sides. Microwave for 60-90 seconds, or until smooth. Add coffee grounds, lavender flowers and essential oils; stir well. Now add alkanet powder, if using, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the desired color is achieved.

Pour the well-mixed soap mixture into prepared molds. Note that some of the lavender flowers and coffee will settle to the bottom of the molds and is to be expected. (Adds to the rustic look!) Let the soaps cool in the molds for several hours or overnight. Remove from molds, wrap in homespun cloth, tissue paper or place into decorative boxes or tins. Store in a cool, dry place. Makes 4-5 bars, depending on molds.