Title: Tallow Soap
Categories: Soap *
Yield: 9 Pounds

6	lb	Clean fat
1/4	c	Borax, optional
13	oz	Can lye granules
1 1/2	pt	Water
TO MAKE 1 BAR
1	c	Clean fat
1	ts	Borax, optional
5	ts	Lye granules
1/2	c	Water

Measure the clean fat. Heat slowly until completely melted, and then cool to approximately 110øF. Add borax if desired. Stir the fat occasionally during cooling.

Dissolve the lye in the water and cool to about 85øF. Pour the lye solution into the fat, pouring slowly in a thin, steady stream with slow, even stirring. Continue stirring until a thick, honeylike texture is obtained. This should take about 10 to 20 minutes.

If the soap mixture does not become thick within 30 minutes, and there is a greasy layer on top, it may be too warm. In this case, set the container in cool water and keep stirring from the sides and bottom. On the other hand, if the mixture is lumpy, it may be too cold. If this happens, set it in a pan of warm water and stir until the lumps disappear.

Pour the thickeneed soap mixture into your molds. Cover and keep warm for at least 24 hours. This allows the saponification process to take place slowly and will prevent the mixture from separating.

Remove the soap and cut into bars. Allow the soap to cure for at least 3 weeks in a dry place.

Source: "Natural Beauty at Home" by Janice Cox

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