on the first day of Christmas

December 20, 2009

my true love gave to me... soap.

What was supposed to be my holiday gift giving bar turned out slightly caustic. I knew something was wrong right away when it crumbled as I cut it, 24 hours after mixing it up. But I let it sit and cure for one month anyway. I even prepared labels for it, just in case.

I still entertained notions of giving it away but decided to test it myself first (phew...). It made my skin feel itchy and dried out. Darn, my first batch of failed soap and it was supposed to be for gifts.

Instead, I grated it all and it is enjoying it's current life as dishwasher soap. My first inclination was to use it for laundry but washing clothes with a coffee and chocolate soap didn't sound particularly smart. No matter, opening the clean dishwasher has never smelled so lovely.

I decided to recover with a "classic" recipe of mine, if I have such a thing. Orange Clove Pomander is perfect for this time of year and was a popular soap last time 'round. This latest batch looks a little different because I've changed how I pour and mold my soaps but it smells just as lovely. And two new additions are cornmeal and dried orange rinds for texture and exfoliation.

Of course because I made it somewhat last minute, 2 weeks before Christmas, (once I realized I couldn't follow through on my original plan) it won't be ready for use till next month. Until then the recipients are going to have to simply enjoy it's citrus-clove scent. Perfect for the holidays.

P.S. Thank you for your well wishes for safe travel. We beat the winter storm traveling up the east coast and are happily settled at my parent's home. I, in my mother's kitchen while the kiddos are outside playing in the fresh foot of snowfall. Oh, I love Christmas!