Well, it’s another 30-degree-plus day here in Pozieres, QLD, but don’t let that fool you. It’s autumn now, so it’s time to finish getting the wood in for winter, pulling out the winter blankets and giving them an airing on the washing line, and checking on what I have left of those winter essentials, like moisturising lip balms and body butter.
I make my own body butter and need something that will cope with the wind we get up here and protect my skin in the cold winter ahead. My choice is Cocoa Butter Body Butter, and here is my recipe.
Ingredients:
- 100 g Cocoa Butter
- 50 g Sweet Almond Oil
- 50 g Vegetable Glycerine
- 5 ml Vitamin E Oil
You can get a kit with everything included here:
Equipment:
- 3 x 200 ml Aluminium Jars
- or another container of your choice
- Medium-Sized Pot
- Standing or Hand-Held Mixer
- Spatula
Directions:
- Place the butter, oil and glycerine into a medium-sized pot on medium heat and stir until they melt and are evenly combined, keeping the oils below 50°C.
- Transfer the mixture to a glass or metal mixing bowl and place it in the freezer for 20-30 minutes, or until the mixture has solidified to a gel consistency and becomes opaque and cloudy.
- Remove the oils from the freezer and beat with a handheld or standing mixer for 20-30 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a flexible spatula periodically to ensure the mixture is evenly whipped.
- Add the Vitamin E, a natural preservative, and blend for an additional 30 seconds to thoroughly combine the mixture. This is also where you can add colour or scent if you want to.
- Scoop out the finished body butter and distribute it evenly into the aluminium jars or other containers of your choice. Store below 32°C away from direct light. Use within 12 months.
HINT: At Step 4, add your favourite pure essential oil, such as Australian Sweet Orange Essential Oil or Lavender Essential Oil, to give your body butter your own personal touch. You can even add a ‘pinch’ or two of colours such as mica or clay.
ATTENTION: Children should always be supervised in the kitchen, especially when heating oils. Supervision is recommended.
As always, live well.
Valerie