I had a fault with the closing of the lid with mine. I thought it was just a rubbish lid design, which was very finicky, until it stopped working altogether!  Fortunately it was still within warranty and was fixed with no fuss at all. I was without Thermie for a week though, which was a bit traumatic. Since being back I realise how problem free the lid should have been! 

I wonder why citrus oils shouldn't be worn in the sun? I guess there is a very good reason.

They are photosensitive, so your lips (or whatever part of your body has the citrus oils on) are likely to burn badly in strong sun.

I got this recipe from https://crafts.tutsplus.com/articles/how-to-make-a-simple-shea-butter-lotion--craft-8049

I was originally trying to find a natural eczema cream for DD2, but have gone on to make this into my go to body lotion, a replacement for Aqueas cream for DD2's bathtime  (I've probably spelled that wrongly), and making a thinner version which goes into a pump dispenser (previously liquid soap dispenser) to use after washing hands.

I also use it as an intensive face moisturiser once or twice a week, with great results.

It can be made substantially thinner by simply using more water and glycerine.  I make it richer for DD2 by making it as is, or by sticking to the richer, slower to absorb oils.  I make it lighter and more quickly absorbed for my daily use by including hemp oil, apricot oil and grapeseed oil to replace some of the coconut (or sometimes just in addition to). 

It has proven to be very versatile and forgiving, allowing me to mess about with it successfully.  Next time I'm going to boil some marigold flowers for a while, and then use the water from that as the 'filtered water', as marigold is very healing for sensitive skin.

Anyway, here goes with the original version:

(makes 200g)

Water Phase

130g distilled water.
5g vegetable glycerin.

Oil Phase

10g shea butter (any kind).
20g fractionated coconut oil.
10g sweet almond oil.
10g emulsifying wax.
Cool Down Phase

1g preservative (I’m using Vitamin E oil, and I just squeeze a splosh in).
10 drops lavender essential oil or other skin-safe fragrance (optional.  I don't add any in DD2's jar, only in mine.  So I stir it through at the end after I've poured 1 jar off).

Directions:

To start you want a very clean Thermomix so that there is no contamination. She washes hery Thermomix bowl with 100ml of vinegar and 500ml of water and heat on Varoma, 5mins, Sp 4.  If I've just taken it out of the Dishwasher then I don't bother.  If it's been sat there, or used for something else, then I do.

Place the filtered water and glycerin in the TM bowl.  Heat to 70'/2 minutes/Sp 3

Pour into empty jug until needed.

Add oil phase ingredients to TM bowl making sure the wax pellets aren't sitting on the blades (or they won't melt). Heat to 70 for 2 minutes, Sp 3.

Insert butterfly and place lid on top with MC inverted.  Start your Thermomix at 5mins/70'/Sp 4. 

Slowly pour the water phase onto the top of the lid.  When you are adding the water, add it slowly to start with and then you can speed it up, just like a mayonnaise.  You want it all to mix for another couple of minutes after you have incorporated all of the water.

When it is finished it is very runny, nothing like a cream.  Don't fear!  Pour it into your sterilised containers and let it set with the lid off. 

Make sure you wash your bowl, lid, MC and butterfly in hot soapy water immediately. When I make moisturiser I actually pop these all (minus the blades) in the dishwasher (after running my finger round and using the 'scrapings' to rub into my arms, hands and legs - waste not want not )

It is best to keep your cream away from sunlight and only use clean hands to dip into it.

It's a bit like whipped cream when it sets, and it's lovely.

These are the original lady's comments:

You can add some essential oils into the oil phase if you like but I don't.  I add mine after.

I often make a batch, or a double batch, pour and let it set. Then I doctor up each little jar to suit the end purpose or recipient. 

For example, I make several small jars for my children simply to use as a carrier for their essential oil blends.  I have one for sleeping, one for mosquito bites, one for studying etc.  They each have a little first aid kit in their bedrooms.

  Then I make up a cream for my husband, it is scented with more masculine oils. 

Into my own I love to add some of the more nourishing oils like rosehip and camellia with some essential oils like lavender, orange and rosemary.

TMX notes came from http://mymelbournethermo.com.au/2013/10/handmade-moisturiser-in-thermomix/

It's slightly greasy, but amazingly moisturising.

I made this for dinner tonight. I didn't have any gravy granules (and don't really know what they are) so I used cornflour instead. My family really liked this and Ll went back for seconds. Personally, I found it a little sweet, but once I'd smothered it in chilli sauce,  I enjoyed it too

It's never seemed sweet to me - perhaps it's a different personal taste thing, or a different type of chutney. But I'm wondering as I type this whether I've typoed too large an amount of chutney in the recipe???  I'll go and double check now!

UPDATE:  no, the quantities look ok.  I use a level tablespoon when I make it. Must be a personal taste or type of chutney thing. I'm always using a very savoury chutney.

I like the look of this, Snappy. I'm going to give it a try and see if I can get my 5 year old to eat it!

I made this today using the mc as the measure and made a double quantity of the mix which made a normal size fruit cake. I used spelt flour, Gogi berries, apricots, dates, raisins and walnuts. A little slice of heaven!  This is a recipe that will be a fixture.

Hi everyone. My father in law arrived with a huge bag of both dark and light soft brown sugar, and another of unrefined granulated sugar. I don't have the storage for it all, so thought it was a great excuse to stock the cake tin/ freezer with some yummy things.

Does anyone have any favourite recipes which they'd recommend which use brown sugar?