Instructions: Place the water, lye and grease into a large kettle on a medium flame. Stir continuously with a large wooden spoon.

The water will evaporate as the mixture thickens. The mixture will thicken and spit up like gravy, indicating that sponification has taken place.

Remove the mixture from the stove, stir it to help it cool evenly. It is important to stir the hot soap while it is heating to prevent it from scorching on the bottom of the pan.

Add the remaining ingredients, except for the perfume. Add color if desired.

Add perfume. Pour into molds.

NOTE: Saturated fats usually give a better performance in soap making, which is why lard and tallow were once used exclusively in this process.

Hydrogenated vegetable oils, however, which are solid at room temperature, can be excellent substitutes for lard or tallow and are generally preferred by vegetarians. Liquid vegetable oils can be used, but you might need to reheat several times to get a hard soap. Unless you like the smell of peanuts, avoid using peanut oil. "Making Potpourri, Colognes and Soaps" by David A. Webb TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania

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