• Measure the water into a non-reactive heatproof container.
• Carefully pour the lye into the water. (Never pour water into lye.) Stir carefully. Combining the water and lye will create a chemical reaction and the water will become VERY hot.
• Set the lye mixture aside. While the lye cools, heat coconut oil and tallow to about 90 to 100°F. The tallow will take longer to melt than the coconut oil. If you achieve the desired temperature before it's completely melted, just turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for a few minutes. The residual heat will melt the tallow all the way.
• Pour the lye solution into the warm coconut oil and stir by hand briefly. (Note: The lye and oils should both be about 100ºF when you combine them; you may need to allow the lye mixture to cool a bit.)
• Use an immersion blender to bring the soap to trace.
• Incorporate essential oils.
• Pour soap into shallow bowls and allow to cure for 3-4 weeks before using.

Using this solid dish soap

• Wet sponge and rub onto soap until suds form.
• Use sudsy sponge so thoroughly wash dirty dishes.