The Fickle Hobbyist

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Bath bombs may seem intimidating if you’ve never made them before, but I promise, they’re actually quite easy.

The hardest part about making these bath bombs is probably finding all the ingredients.  I procrastinated a bit with these, so I had to look locally for the citric acid crystals and coconut oil.  However, if you want to make these, I highly suggest searching around online for them, because you can find much better deals online.

I followed the recipe from the NonPareil magazine as a guideline, but changed it just a bit.  I’ll add a couple different recipes at the end in case you want to try out a few and see which one you like the best.

I couldn’t find the quantity of citric acid crystals that I needed, so I substituted generic Alka Seltzer.  I think using the crystals would make it much more fizzy, though.

You’ll need:

• 2 cups baking soda
• 1 cup citric acid
• 1 Tbsp bentonite clay (I did not use this)
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tsp fragrance oil
• small spray bottle with witch hazel

For the meringue top you’ll need:

• 3 Tbsp meringue powder
• 1 lb confectioner’s sugar
• 6 Tbsp water
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 5-6 drops of fragrance oil
• coloring optional

First, assemble the bath bombs.  Mix all dry ingredients together.  In a small dish, melt coconut oil in the microwave for 15 seconds.  Add fragrance oil and coloring if you’d like.  Mix in with dry ingredients.  I used a fork to cut in the oil like you would when you are cutting in shortening.

Next, lightly spritz the mixture with your spray bottle full of witch hazel as you mix it.  (I think using your hands works best)  You are looking for a consistency of lightly wet sand.

Be careful not to add too much witch hazel, as it can cause the mixture to fizz. When the mixture holds together easily, you have got it where you want it.

Next, have your cupcake liners ready and pack the mixture into them.  I chose to use mini cupcake liners because I think mini anything is way cuter than actual size.

You’ll want to let these dry before moving onto the next step.  At least 15 minutes.

For the meringue, add all ingredients to a bowl and blend with a hand mixer for 5-7 minutes until stiff peaks form.

Add this to a pastry bag with a star tip and decorate the top of the bombs as you would a regular cupcake.

Allow them to dry overnight before packaging them.

I just think they are so cute!  I can’t wait to put these out on the “dessert” table.

Here are a couple other recipes so you can choose one that works best for your needs.

2 TBSP citric acid or alka seltzer

2 TBSP corn starch

1/4 c baking soda

3 TBSP coconut oil

1/4 tsp essential oil (any essence) (sesame, almond, etc)

food coloring (optional) or soap coloring

Mix powders together – set aside.  Melt coconut oil in microwave.  Add fragrance & color.  Slowly add dry ingredients, blending well, shape into 1 inch balls & allow to dry overnight on wax paper.

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1 cup citric acid crystals

1 cup baking soda

1/2 cup corn starch

1/2 cup light oil

scented oil & coloring

form, and dry

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1/4 cup citric acid

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup epsom salts (I would put in grinder, so it wouldn’t be lumpy)

2 TBSP borax

1/2 cup baking soda

2 TBSP coconut oil

liquid soap colorant

essential oil of your choice

1.  Mix together dry ingredients, set aside.

2. Melt coconut oil in glass measuring cup in the microwave for about 20 seconds or until it is liquid, not hot.

3.  Slowly add the oil to the dry mix.  A a little bit at a time until the mixture makes a clump when you squeeze it in your hand.  The mix will be very dry and crumbly.

4.  To make the bath bombs different colors, divide the mixture into 4 small bowls before adding colors and fragrances.

5.  Add 5-10 drops each of the liquid color and essential oil to the coconut oil, and mix.

6.  Press firmly into the molds.  Cover the mold with a piece of wax paper, and then place a cookie sheet on top.  Carefully flip the whole thing over so that the cookie sheet is on the bottom and the mold is on top.

7.  Carefully remove the mold.

8.  Cover with a dishtowel, and allow to dry and harden for several days.  NOT a great rainy-day project.  The humidity can cause the bombs to activate.

9.  Pack the bombs in the zip lock bag.  When ready to present, wrap in clear cellophane and put in decorative box.

Enjoy!

-Autumn

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