Who doesn't enjoy a nice long candle lit bubble bath or relaxing bath bomb soak every once in a while?
Prep + Creation time: 5 minutes
Setting time: 24 hours
What you'll need to make one bath bomb
2 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons baking soda
1 tablespoon of citric acid (or 1/2 tablespoon cream of tartar)
1 tablespoon of cornstarch (controls the fizz - plain flour also works, but not as well)
1 tablespoon epsom salts
1/4 teaspoon oil (Canola oil works well as it has no fragrance)
3/4 teaspoon essential oil or scented liquid
a drop of food colouring
Method:
- Place all dry ingredients into a bowl and whisk with a fork until all lumps have been removed before setting aside.
- In a small jar, mug or bowl combine the liquids.
- While quickly whisking the dry ingredients pour in the liquid (some recipes also suggest spraying the liquid into the bowl, but as this is only for 1 bath bomb a spray bottle wont work unless you intend on making a large batch). Continue whisking until the mixture has started to clump together and is completely dyed the colour you added. (note: Don't add any further liquid or food dye after this point as the liquid will continue to react with the citric acid and you will be left a pre-bombed bomb. I made this mistake with one of my pomegranate and mango bombs and found it foaming out of the mould within minutes).
- Once fully combined, scoop mixture into moulds (I chose cupcake patties this time around).
- Using the back of a dry spoon press down firmly, compacting the mixture as much as you can.
- Leave the bath bombs in their moulds to set for at least 24 hours before use.
- Don't over wet your mix; aim to achieve the same consistency that is needed to make really good sandcastles. Damp enough to hold together but not sloppy.
- Avoid steamy kitchens! Set your creations aside to dry in a damp free atmosphere to avoid white 'bobbles' forming on the surface of your bombs.
- Select your Citric Acid carefully; Super fine granules (table salt size) are best. Powder is too volatile, whilst coarse granules have a lumpy appearance and may "bobble" as your bath bombs dry out.
- Be fussy about your Bicarb! Fine food grade Sodium Bicarbonate is best. Technical grade may contain unwanted impurities and granular varieties will result in a coarse looking bath bomb.
- Remember, hot water activates the fizz in the bombs - cold water doesn't work.
- According to aromatherapy, different essential oils have different affects - vanilla brings a sense of calm and comfort; thyme re-energises the body and clears the mind; and lemons enhance mental clarity and reduces stress. For a quick overview of the different scents and their affects check out the online dictionary at http://www.auracacia.com/auracacia/aclearn/ar_dictionary.html
