Peppermint.  Hot.  Chocolate.

Really, there's nothing more to say.  (Except maybe "All.  Over." but that might be taking things to an uncomfortable level.)  Every holiday season I have to indulge in at least one peppermint hot chocolate latte because nothing says seasonal cheer like a hot cup of this minty goodness!

Last year, I adapted this heaven-in-a-cup into a perfect body scrub and this year got to thinking that this combo would make a great soap--and a delicious prelude to slathering your body in my candy cane body butter.  Who needs the actual hot chocolate when you can pamper yourself with these beauty treats?

Ingredients:

1 lb shea butter soap base

30 drops peppermint essential oil

30 drops spearmint essential oil

1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder, sifted

Chop shea butter soap base into half -inch chunks and place in a microwave-safe bowl.  Heat for one minute and stir.  Then continue to melt base in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring between each heating until liquefied, about 5 minutes.  Once soap is melted stir in essential oils and sifted cocoa powder.  Pour into muffin tins and allow to set, about an hour.  (You can speed this up by placing them in the fridge for about 20 minutes.)  Remove soap from molds by gently inserting a butter knife around the edges of the muffin tin until the soap pops out.  Wrap individually in plastic wrap or tuck multiples in an airtight container.  Store in a cool, dry place indefinitely.  Makes about 4 soaps.  Enjoy!