How to Make Tallow for Lamps

Tallow has been used for candle-making and soap-making for centuries, and there are many older lamps that use tallow. Making your own tallow for lamps is excessively easy, and with today's modern appliances you don't even have to spend all day by the stove unless you want to. Be aware, however, that making tallow does entail using a large amount of animal fat, so if you are uncomfortable with the idea you might be better off finding a suitable kerosene or vegetable oil substitute for your lamp.

Things You'll Need

• Slow cooker (like a Crock Pot) OR a large stock pan
• Beef (suet) or other animal fat (usually available from your local butcher)
• Sharp knife or grinder
• Handheld oil filter
• Glass jar with lid

Instructions

1. Chop the fat into small cubes. Or if you want, you can put it through a grinder.

2. Place the fat into the slow cooker or a large stock pot on LOW heat.

3. Allow the fat to heat for three to four hours, until it melts.

4. Use the oil filter to skim any solid lumps from the top of the fat. Discard these lumps.

5. Pour the liquid into a glass jar and cover it tightly. The tallow is ready for immediate or future use.

6. Store in a cool, dry place. The tallow may form again into a solid mass, but will be soft, so it's easy to scoop it out of the jar.