~ OATMEAL LAVENDER SOAP ~

Grate bar of castile soap.  Boil 1 cup of water, turn off heat, then add about a handful of fresh or dried lavender leaves and flowers.  Cover, let steep for about an hour or more (the longer it steeps the better).  Strain.

Mix the grated soap and strained lavender infusion.  Place mixture in a heat resistant GLASS bowl or saucepan  (a 4-cup or 8-cup measuring bowl makes an excellent double boiler).  Place glass bowl in a large saucepan (any metal is fine for heating water to use with the glass measuring bowl as a double boiler filled with boiling water) filled with about 2" of water.  Place on the stove and turn the burner to medium high.   When the water begins to boil, turn the heat down.

Gently stir the soap mixture over medium heat -- if you stir too much the mixture will become sudsy. Continue to stir until soap looks and acts like lumpy marshmallow cream (about 10-15 minutes).

   Add essential oil and ground oatmeal.  Stir the mixture thoroughly to disperse the ingredients.

Place in molds that have been coated with castor oil.  Freeze for about an hour.  Remove soap from molds -- it helps sometimes to run warm water on the mold. 

Place soap on a rack in an airy, well ventilated, cool place to cure for about 2-3 weeks (make sure you turn the soap during the first few days).  You can also rub extra lavender oil on the bars.

Makes 4, 3 oz bars.

Note: this soap is really great for dry, sensitive skin.