Milk, Honey and Bran Soaps

• 8 ounces grated bath soap or 8 ounces bath soap, flakes
• 2 tablespoons powdered milk (that can be skimmed, goats or buttermilk)
• 3 -4 tablespoons bran flakes
• 30 -40 drops essential oils (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or 1 tablespoon avocado oil or 1 tablespoon almond oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 5 tablespoons distilled water or 5 tablespoons bottled water

1. In a large glass or ceramic bowl mix the grated soap with the milk powder, bran, essential oil (if using) and the olive oil.
2. In a small glass bowl, heat together the water and the honey, 40/50 seconds in the microwave.
3. Add this to the soap mix, mix it quickly with a spoon or fork, then use your hands and knead into a pliable dough.
4. If you have done that and it feels sticky use some oil on your hands for the next step.
5. Divide this mix into 3 or 4 pieces.
6. You can now make them simply into soap balls, or flattened balls, like little hamburger patties, the latter are easier in using then the balls.
7. The third option is to use a cookie cutter, round or heart shape is nice.
8. Evenly fill the cutter with a soap portion, using the palm of your hand to smooth it out and pressing the soap down, then gently push it through the cookie cutter, do this on a piece of parchment paper.
9. You can oil the inside rim of the cutter with some oil if needed.
10. Let your soaps dry in a warm airy space on parchment paper for several days, turning them over every day.
11. They are usually dry and ready to use in 3/4 days, but drying them a bit longer improves them.
12. When drying they will shrink and don't make them too thin or they will curl up, use deep/high cookie cutters.

bath soap, powdered milk, bran, olive oil, honey, water

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/milk-honey-and-bran-soaps-63801 (may not work)