Basic Recipe For Milk-Based Soap
                        Submitted By Joannine R.Gesualdo

                       Ingredients needed              Equipment needed:
                        3 pounds  pure                       16-ounce glass measuring
                       vegetable shortening            cup
                        17 ounces                               2 plastic or
                        extra-light olive oil                 stainless-steel spoons
                        12 ounces                                2-quart stainless-steel
                        safflower oil                             saucepan
                        8 ounces canola  oil               2 8-quart stainless-steel pots
                         3 pounds    goat                    4-quart stainless-steel pot
                               or cow milk,
 
 

                         12 ounces (312 g) pure          Molds (Vinyl window
                         sodium hydroxide (lye)         expanders work

                         1 ounce (28.4 g) borax           Plastic ladle
                         1/2 ounce (14.2 g) white
                         sugar                                     Paring knife
                         1/2 ounce (14.2 g)
                         glycerin                                 Digital Scale

                                                                       Plastic wrap and
                                                                       newspaper
                                                                       Glass candy thermometer
                                                                       Plastic spatula

                                                                       Silicone bakery paper for
                                                                       mold liners

                                                                       Spray-on corn oil to
                                                                       lubricate mold liner
                                                                       Putty knife

                                                                       Eye dropper to measure
                                                                       essential oils
                                                                       Blender

                       Preparing milk

                        Two important procedures must take place to "prepare" milk for
                        soapmaking. First, it must be pasteurized. Commercial milk has
                        already been pasteurized; raw goat or cow milk can be pasteurized
                        by slowly heating to 155°F (68°C), holding at that temperature for 1
                        minute, then covering and allowing to cool. Second, it must be frozen
                        and then thawed before use. Freezing increases its stability and makes
                        it less vulnerable to the ravages of the lye. Pour into freezable
                        containers (not glass), leaving 1/4 empty for expansion. Freeze until
                        solid, then thaw out the day before using.

                        1.   Observe soapmaking safety recommendations by wearing safety
                        glasses and rubber gloves at all times during the process. Prepare
                        your work area, laying out newspaper and making sure all ingredients
                        and equipment needed are within reach.
                        2.   Melt the vegetable shortening in an 8-quart pot over low heat.
                        3.   Weigh out liquid oils carefully on a digital scale; add to the
                        shortening. Heat until shortening is completely melted, then
                        immediately remove from heat. Set aside until step 9.
                        4.   Fill your sink with cold water. Add 4 to 6 trays of ice cubes.
                        5.   Put the cold milk into a 3- or 4-quart stainless-steel pot. Carefully
                        place into the ice water. Stabilize the floating pan by placing several
                        plastic cups filled with water around it.
                        6. Using the digital scale, carefully measure 12 ounces of lye into a
                        16-ounce glass measuring cup.
                        7.   Very slowly pour the lye into the cold milk, stirring constantly with
                        a heavy-duty plastic spoon. This process should be done slowly,
                        spanning no less than 15 minutes. Pouring too quickly will scorch the
                        milk, rendering it useless.
                        8.   It's important now to gauge the temperature of the lye/milk mixture
                        so that it does not drop below 80°F (27°C), and to keep stirring.
                        Remove from the cold-water bath as soon as the lye and milk are
                        combined. The milk will turn a bright yellowish color if the process
                        has been successful; if unsuccessful, it will congeal into a
                        custard-textured mass.
                        9.   Over low heat, reheat the oils to a temperature of 125°F (52°C).
                        Remove from heat.
                       10.   Slowly pour lye/milk mixture into the oil. Add the borax, sugar,
                        and glycerin. Stir constantly, being careful not to splash any on your
                        skin. You will probably notice the lye/milk mixture refusing to join
                        with the oils if you stop stirring. Be patient.
                       11.   The blender is an invaluable tool for making milk-based soaps
                        from this point on. It forces the lye/milk mixture and the oils to join
                        together. Use a plastic ladle to scoop evenly mixed amounts of the
                        mixture from the pan into the blender. Fill the blender halfway, and
                        secure the lid carefully before switching it on. Blend for 1 minute,
                        while stirring the remaining contents in the pan at the same time. The
                        liquid in the blender will become a lovely pale cream color.
                        After 1 minute, pour the contents of the blender into another 8-quart
                        pan. Now you will need to stir both pans and run the blender--you
                        may want to employ a partner. Repeat the process with the remaining
                        mixture until all of the original mixture has been blended.
                       12.   Quickly wash out the first sauce pan, dry it well, and repeat the
                        whole process. It is during this second blending that you can add
                        fragrance or essential oils, or specialty ingredients such as herbs or
                        grains. You will now see little or no separation of the oils from the rest
                        of the mixture. It will have thickened up somewhat, but even if it
                        seems a little thin, it will still be ready to pour. If it seems too thin, you
                        may want to repeat the blending process a third time.
                        13.   Pour mixture into prepared mold and screed the top surface. (Pull
                        the flat edge of a large putty knife or spatula across the entire surface
                        of the mold to even out the mixture.)
                        14.   Allow the liquid to sit uncovered and undisturbed in a draft-free
                        area. After 12 hours you may notice sweatlike beads on the surface.
                        This occurs occasionally and is nothing to worry about. Wipe off
                        those that don't evaporate on their own after 24 hours.
                        15.   Cut into bars after 24 hours, then allow cut soap to remain in the
                        mold for another 24 hours, or until it is solid enough to hold its shape
                        when removed. Allow bars to cure for 6 weeks in a dry, cool room.
                        Cover lightly with plastic wrap to protect from dust.