A rich, chocolate indulgence at zero calories a pop: sounds appealing, right? Karen Gilbert’s darkly divine bath time treats are simple to make, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and more thoughtful (and kinder to the waistline) than a box of chocolates. ‘Don’t forget to slap on a ‘do not eat’ warning – they really look and smell like the real thing,’ says Karen.
Looking to treat someone who’s not a minty fan? Leave out the essential oil if you want an unadulterated chocolate hit – or swap it for something more ‘them’. ‘Try blends such as orange, geranium and rose otto for a ‘Turkish delight’ scent,’ says Karen.
Ingredients
100g dark cocoa butter
50ml almond oil
20 drops peppermint essential oil
Equipment
Double boiler (one saucepan nesting inside another saucepan, like when melting chocolate; the base saucepan holds simmering water)
Chocolate moulds or ice-cube tray
Kitchen foil or an airtight jar
Method
1 Melt the cocoa butter in the double boiler, or in a bowl over a pan of boiling water.
2.Remove from the heat and add the almond and essential oils.
3. Pour into the moulds and leave to cool, then place in the refrigerator to set. Once they’re set, remove from the moulds. Wrap in foil or store in an airtight jar.
All done? All you need to do now is box them up – and treat yourself to a couple. For a truly indulgent soak, just drop a couple in your next bath.
The above recipe is taken from Natural Beauty by Karen Gilbert (CICO Books, £12.99). For further info, visit www.cicobooks.co.uk. Karen Gilbert runs workshops around the UK; see www.karengilbert.co.uk for more information.
Photography by Stuart West