Coconut oil

Version No. 3 came from The Seasoned Mom blog, where the author claims her technique takes just five minutes to whip up. This balm had the shortest and thus least expensive ingredient list — coconut oil, beeswax and essential oils — but it took me at least twice as long.

The directions call for melting 5 tablespoons of coconut oil and 3 tablespoons of beeswax in a glass measuring cup in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. • Honey-Glazed Ham • Slow Roasted Prime Rib of Beef with Creamed Horseradish Though it is not explained in the recipe, in the comments the author says she used a chunk of solid beeswax, melted it and then measured 3 tablespoons. It wasn’t clear to me whether the coconut oil was handled in the same way, so I melted them separately, measured the correct amounts and then combined them, adding the essential • Roasted Red Potatoes • Fresh Seasonal Vegetables oils to the final mixture.

The result was the firmest balm of the bunch. While not unpleasant, the texture didn’t feel as decadent as the others. But this option was by far the cheapest, and would be great for crafting on a budget.

COST: EASE: RESULTS:

• Chocolate eclair • Cannoli • Carrot Cake • Raspberry Rugelach • Chocolate Brownie • Cheesecake Assortment • Cream Puffs • Chocolate Mousse • Italian Cookies • Creamy Rice Pudding