Directions:

(read precautions above first)

1. Mix lye solution by measuring the water first, then sprinkling the measured lye crystals on top of the water. Stir with wooden spoon until the lye is completely dissolved. Mixture will heat up, so allow to cool to about 100 – 110 degrees.
2. In the meantime measure liquid olive oil and add it to the measured shortening & coconut oil. Pour all into a porcelain-lined pot and heat to 110 – 100 degrees. (or use a large glass measuring cup & heat in a microwave)
3. When the oils and the lye water are both between 100 – 110 degrees, carefully pour the lye water into the melted oils & gently stir with a wooden spoon to get everything blended.
4. Continue stirring until mixture reaches ‘trace’. It's at this point the soap mixture will thicken to almost pudding consistency. There will be trails left behind when you drizzle soap from the stick blender that will stay on the surface for a short time before disappearing. For me that takes about 20 minutes or stirring with intermittent blasts from a hand-held blender stick.
5. At trace, add measured essential oils and dried mint, giving everything a final stir to get it all blended.
6. Pour raw soap into 8.5″ x 8.5″ x 1.5″ deep soap mold, top with a piece of plastic wrap & then cover everything with thick towels. Leave undisturbed for 24-48 hours
7. Carefully remove soap from mold and place soap block on a wire rack to air dry for another 24-48 hours.
8. After this time, cut into 9 bars and place bars on a wire rack exposed to the air to fully cure for at least 6 weeks. The longer you cure the soap the harder the bar will be & the longer it’ll last in the shower.