Introduction: Millennium Falcon Massage Bars


Whether you are an interplanetary smuggler or a QA Manager, it's important to take some time out and pamper yourself or that special nerd in your life.  These cocoa butter bars are not only perfect for a long relaxing massage, but will also help revive your skin from the effects of the dry desert winds of Tatooine or the bitter Hothy cold. 

So, dim the lights, put on some smooth Cantina music and enjoy...

Step 1: Ingredients


Since massage bars are intended to basically become massage oil upon contact,  cocoa butter with its melting point of 93.4°F/34.1°C is the ideal base. Below is a super simple recipe. Once you master this, try out some suggestions from Step 4!

Note: Remember not to store near a heating vent or leave in the car too long on warm days or you may have a melty falcon on your hands.

Basic Recipe (Makes one Falcon)
  • 1/3 cup raw cocoa butter
  • 1 Tbs almond oil
  • 1/8 tsp vitamin E oil

Tools
  • Any saucepan, but preferably one with a spout for minimal pouring issues (I used a small, cast iron butter warmer, which was perfect)
  • Spoon
  • Silicone Falcon ice tray (the Han in carbonite would also be fun)
  • Knife/Cutting board

Step 2: Melt


Here we go...

  1. Melt the cocoa butter under low, low heat and stir occasionally until liquid
  2. Turn off the heat and stir in vitamin E and almond oil

Step 3: Pour and Cool


Then simply...

  1. Pour into mold and place in the freezer for an hour or so (until fully set)
  2. The mold will set at room temperature or in the fridge, but since the mold is fairly intricate, I had the best results hardening the bars as much as possible to keep the Falcon intact (especially the two pieces in the front)
  3. Remove from freezer and pull the sides of the mold lightly to loosen them from the piece
  4. Press up from the bottom of the mold, keeping pressure fairly even and, keeping a close eye on the front
  5. Set bar(s) in a dry place and allow to cure for 5-7 days, just to get out some of the extra moisture
That's it!

Now, they won't blow up or anything if you use them right away, but letting them hang out for a week will allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate and stabilize the bars a bit more.  I would definitely recommend the cure time if you plan to give any as presents to ensure that no moisture will collect in whatever packaging you use.

Step 4: Experimentation Time!


Now that you have mastered the basics, try adding essential oils, or use coconut oil (Melting point 76°F/24°C) instead of/in addition to the almond oil, hide a present in the middle or whatever else you can think of.


Orange Peppermint
10 drops orange extract
5 drops peppermint extract

Chocolate Coconut
2 Tbs coconut oil (do not use almond oil and reduce cocoa butter by 1 Tbs)
10 drops chocolate extract

Lavender
10 drops lavender extract
3 drops peppermint extract

Note: If any of your additions are heavier than the melted cocoa butter, allow it to sit out at room temperature until it is about the same viscosity, then stir well.  Otherwise, the other ingredient(s) will settle at the bottom.

Hmm...I feel like I should re-imagine this Instructable with some CGI...


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