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Fizzy Bath Bombs

Source of Recipe

From "The Hands-On Home" by Erica Strauss


Recipe Introduction

"These bath bombs require a bit more work than your basic bath salts, but they are just so fun! Basically, you're doing a chemistry experiment in the name of spa day. How could anyone not like that combo? These make great gifts, and kids love them."

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 2 cups baking soda
â—¦ 1½ cups cornstarch
â—¦ 1 cup citric acid
â—¦ ½ cup Epsom salts
â—¦ 2 to 4 tablespoons water
â—¦ Food color (optional)
â—¦ 20 drops essential oil (optional)


Recipe

In a large bowl, mix together the baking soda, cornstarch, citric acid, and Epsom salts.

In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of the water with the food coloring and essential oils, if using.

With one hand, stir the dry mixture constantly with a whisk. With the other hand, drizzle in the wet mixture a drop at a time, until it just holds together if you squeeze a bit in one hand. If the mixture doesn't hold together at all, drizzle more drops of water, one or two at a time. If you start to see fizzing, that means there is too much water in one area and you should stir that area quickly to distribute the moisture.

Pack the mixture into molds very firmly, then smooth the surface of each bath bomb. Carefully unmold the bath bombs onto a sheet pan or other flat, dry surface. If any of the bath bombs break during unmolding, just scoop up the crumbs and repack them in the mold.

Let the bath bombs dry for about 24 hours, until fully dry. Package them as desired for gifts or use for your own personal spa day. Kept away from moisture, the bath bombs will last for at least 6 months, though the essential oil scent may fade over time.


Makes about eight ½-cup bath bombs


• To Use:
Fill a tub with hot water and drop in one or two bath bombs. Enjoy the fizzing-geyser experience.