Step 1

Cut fat into small pieces and place in a saucepan or pot with high sides – this stuff is scorching hot as it melts)

Step 2

Put a small amount of water in the bottom of the pan, set the heat to medium and stir occasionally. As the fat melts any skin and impurities will be left behind and appear as crackling.

Step 3

The process will only take 20-30 minutes, keep an eye on it to ensure the grease doesn’t start smoking.

Step 4

Strain rendered fat though muslin/cheesecloth into a glass or metal container – do not use plastic, it’ll melt!

Step 5

The cracklins left behind in the cloth are technically edible, but they’re not as tasty as they look.

Step 6

If you want to store your tallow, heat a clear jar in a microwave for 30 seconds to bring it up to temperature to take the hot fat, then pour the clarified tallow in and allow to cool. If you’re making the body butter, just leave it in the strained container.

Step 7

Once cool, add the olive oil and essential oil and put in fridge until the mixture becomes solid.

Step 8

Whip solid mixture with an electric beater and store in a jar.

Step 9

Voila – body butter! Tallow can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a year, the whipped body butter can be stored at room temp for at least 4-5 months.