Basil Glycerin Soap

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INGREDIENTS

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6 tablespoons fresh basil

1 teaspoon pale green mica powder

2 tablespoons isopropyl alcohol

2 pounds glycerin soap base

1 teaspoon basil essential oil

isopropyl alcohol

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SPECIAL UTENSILS

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soap mold

spray bottle

soap slicer (optional)

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Makes 10½ bars, 1″ wide. Takes 3 hours.

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PREPARATION

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Add basil to spice grinder. Grind until the basil bits are small as possible.. Add pale green mica and 2 tablespoons isopropyl alcohol to small mixing bowl. Mix with fork until well blended.

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Cut glycerin base into 1″ cubes. Add glycerin base to large glass measuring cups. Melt base in 30 second intervals. Stir after every time. Add green mica powder/isopropyl mix and basil essential oil. Stir with knife until well blended. Let sit for 15 minutes. (This inhibits basil bits from settling to the bottom of the soap mold.) Add basil bits. Mix with knife until well blended.

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Spray silicon mold with isopropyl alcohol. Pour melted soap into soap mold. If desired, lightly spray bubbles with isopropyl alcohol to make them disappear. Let soap sit for 3 hours. Use soap slicer to cut soap into slices 1″ wide.

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TIDBITS

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1) Perhaps the most famous Basil of all time is Basil Rathbone, who is most remembered for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.

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2) The next most renowned Basil is Basil II emperor of the Byzantine Empire, 976 – 1025. He proved to be more aggressive than the above actor as evinced by his nickname, “Bulgar Slayer.” Bulgars, or Bulgarians, come from Bulgaria. However, bulgur wheat is a nutrient dense cracked grain that improves blood sugar control, heart health, and digestion.

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3) Basilicas were first designed by the famous architect Basil Ica in Greece in 452 AD.

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