Are any instructions on melting included? I am hoping to make a rub with essential oils and have never worked with cocoa butter.
218222
No instructions included, but that is exactly what I do. I use a double boiler. Check pinterest for recipes and directions.
218223
I melt it in the microwave oven using defrost setting, and in a microwave save container.
542957
I use a hand blender, first I heat the shea butter with coconut oil until both melt. Then I cool it for a while. Then I add any other oil I might desire (I use Argan Oil) and use the blender to whip it into a light and fluffy texture. I scoop it into a jar and enjoy my own healthy, natural, and quick absorbing whipped body butter. I have friends who added essential oils like lavender, but I do not.
472986
It depends on what are you using it for hair, skin (etc)? The form it comes in is like hard butter. So if you're going to use any essential oils you'll need to melt it first.
217418
You can certainly make the highest quality chocolate using our cocoa butter. Depending on how glossy you want for your final product to look like, cocoa butter will give you so smooth ourersurface but not too glossy. thank you
272061
I use it to make homemade soaps. I melt it and then put it in with my other oils, I would try to melt it slowly you don't want to heat it too much,just till it is melted ,you don't want to lose the great properties . And you don't want to burn yourself ,let it cool before applying it .I really hope this helps you ❤️
2025478
You prepare this Shea butter, by whipping it with hand blender and add what ever essential oils you want .or you melt the Shea butter down slowly over low heat add coconut oil ,olive oil and your favorite essential oils I love this Shea butter. Hey check out the you tube videos on whipped Shea butter with essential oil there's some great ones out there.
1742877
I follow a Paleo/Primal lifestyle and I use it for everything. I melt & mix with cacao powder and honey or maple syrup for chocolate bark. I fry in it. I use it for baking instead of butter or oil. I use 1 Tbsp every day to pull oil. It has more uses than I could possibly answer here. You won't be disappointed.
943241
The only temperature settings for this product are on and off... While this would probably work great at melting wax, etc... It would likely keep them at too hot of temperature for instant use... Remember that food temps have to be kept at hotter temperatures (to kill bacteria, etc in food) than what body butters, scrubs, and lotions would be kept at for comfortable use... I would think you could subject someone to severe burns if you used oils, etc right from the crock... But, I have never tried it... and must admit... Its a clever idea! ... Over time, I could really see a sugar scrub carmelizing in the crock... which would definitely create some issues... The only temperature settings for this product are on and off... While this would probably work great at melting wax, etc... It would likely keep them at too hot of temperature for instant use... Remember that food temps have to be kept at hotter temperatures (to kill bacteria, etc in food) than what body butters, scrubs, and lotions would be kept at for comfortable use... I would think you could subject someone to severe burns if you used oils, etc right from the crock... But, I have never tried it... and must admit... Its a clever idea! ... Over time, I could really see a sugar scrub... » Read More The only temperature settings for this product are on and off... While this would probably work great at melting wax, etc... It would likely keep them at too hot of temperature for instant use... Remember that food temps have to be kept at hotter temperatures (to kill bacteria, etc in food) than what body butters, scrubs, and lotions would be kept at for comfortable use... I would think you could subject someone to severe burns if you used oils, etc right from the crock... But, I have never tried it... and must admit... Its a clever idea! ... Over time, I could really see a sugar scrub carmelizing in the crock... which would definitely create some issues... « Show Less
1348164
If You Break It Into Pieces & Rub Them In Your Hand It Melts & Makes It Easier To Apply....I Melt Mine Down & Mix It With Coconut Oil & Almond Oil & Let It Get Hard For 20min & Mix It & That Makes It Easier
640351
I made a diaper rash cream with it and only added coconut oil and beeswax. You want the oil and butter to incorporate well so it needs to melt. I don't have a double boiler so a glass bowl over pot of boiling water works just fine. Let it get really melted and then whip it til iit turns a whitish color. This shea butter is excellent and you won't be disappointed with your hand cream!
868605
for one cup, mix the cocoa (2TB) with about 2 TB brown sugar and 1 TB water first then add 1 cup milk and heat until it starts to boil. Add a splash of vanilla at the end. Just experiment, my measurements may be off a little.
2229723
While I have not tried chocolate myself yet, from looking at the manual- and from the variety of temp controls- I am quite sure it can melt the chocolate itself. Probably in cream or something as a sort of temperature buffer.
246181
I'm reading these questions, because I've received this item as a much-wanted gift. (I'm thrilled!) And, coincidentally, I've just read an interesting series of posts about using a pestle and mortar for making nut butters on another site. See link. (I hope it's OK to post it.) Look for the comment and answers from a poster named Nablusiya. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/796482?page=all
1261128
I agree with CDR-the cocoa butter has a strong scent. I was not successful adding oils and getting the smell to come through over the cocoa butter smell. Orange goes well with the cocoa butter, but still it's hard to detect.
448611
No, you would use cocoa butter, coconut OIL, or shea butter. see a recipe at www.wellnessmama.com
2200335
I use it for my hair; I melt a 1:1 ratio of this shea butter with extra virgin coconut oil in the microwave, mix it up well, let it cool, pour it into a small tupperware container, and let it set up at room temp. I use maybe a half pea-size bit in the morning to smooth and defrizz my hair. You probably can use it for a lotion just by itself, after you pry a chunk out and warm in it your hands a little...It's not a liquid, though, like if you squeezed lotion out of a bottle; it's solid enough that you'd have to warm it a bit just to be able to use it like a lotion that way. I've also only ever used it mixed with something else, so I don't know how well it would work on its own. I use it for my hair; I melt a 1:1 ratio of this shea butter with extra virgin coconut oil in the microwave, mix it up well, let it cool, pour it into a small tupperware container, and let it set up at room temp. I use maybe a half pea-size bit in the morning to smooth and defrizz my hair. You probably can use it for a lotion just by itself, after you pry a chunk out and warm in it your hands a little...It's not a liquid, though, like if you squeezed lotion out of a bottle; it's solid enough that you'd have to warm it a bit just to be able to use it like a lotion that way. I've also only... » Read More I use it for my hair; I melt a 1:1 ratio of this shea butter with extra virgin coconut oil in the microwave, mix it up well, let it cool, pour it into a small tupperware container, and let it set up at room temp. I use maybe a half pea-size bit in the morning to smooth and defrizz my hair. You probably can use it for a lotion just by itself, after you pry a chunk out and warm in it your hands a little...It's not a liquid, though, like if you squeezed lotion out of a bottle; it's solid enough that you'd have to warm it a bit just to be able to use it like a lotion that way. I've also only ever used it mixed with something else, so I don't know how well it would work on its own. « Show Less
2165699
I no longer have my book, but I can tell you how I make it. The clear plastic part of the pot has graded cup marks. I use milk (most of the time skim, but I assume the creamier the better) and pour it into the pot based on how many cups I want to make. If I am using packets of hot cocoa I just put in one packet for every cup I am making. Plug it in, and push the button on the front. It will automatically stop when it is ready and warm....maybe 3-5 minutes. I think it comes out just perfect, but for my kids, I put a little cold milk in the mug before I pour the hot chocolate in....cools it down for them. An important thing for cleaning......when you clean, the center spinner is a magnet and milk gets trapped underneath. Just put your hand in and pull out the magnetic spinner, or you will have a sour smell/taste the next time you use it! Good luck.....if I can help you out any further, let me know......this has to be one of my favorite appliances!!!