Calendula hand cream

This weekend I have finally got round to making some handcream, which I've been meaning to do for a few weeks now.The skin on my hands has got terribly dry this winter, a combination of cold weather and washing in cold water, I will be very glad when we have hot running water.

I've made some calendula cream and i am very pleased with it, it certainly seems to be working as well and if not better than the cream bought form the shop a few weeks ago, so here is the recipe:

place 50ml of oil (I used olive) in an enammel pan or pyrex bowl, with a good pinch of dried marigold petals. Sit this to steep somewhere warm such as the airing cupboard or on to of the range (warm plate only). Allow to steep for a couple of hours, or overnight.

When oil is ready strain and add appox 1 tbsp of gratted beeswax and melt into the oil.Place another good pinch of marigold into a jug and pour on 50ml hot water, allow this to steep for about half an hour. strain and put back in jug and reheat.

Making sure both oil and water are hot (but not boiling) very slowly with a balloon whisk, whisk the water into the oil only adding a tiny amount at a time (like making mayo), if you do it too quick it will split.

Spoon into a jar and hey presto.

Also finally the snow drops are out in full flower in the garden, took them long enough.