6 lbs. clean fat, lard or bacon grease
5 c. cold water
1 (12 oz.) can lye

Use iron containers and wooden stirrers (do not use glass, stoneware or aluminum containers).

Slowly add lye to cold water, stir until dissolved. Cool solution to about 75 degrees. Melt fat and let cool to lukewarm.

Pour lye solution into melted fat in a thin steady stream with slow and even stirring. (Rapid pouring or stirring causes separation.) Continue stirring until wooden spoon can stand on its own (about 30 minutes). When all lye is incorporated into the fat, pour into a cardboard or wooden box lined with plastic wrap and let stand for 2 to 4 hours. Remove and cut into bars. Keep dry at room temperature for 2 weeks to cure.