how to make play dough

A few months ago we were out at a restaurant with my friends Lisa and Patricia and their daughters.  The girls were a squirmy, wild bunch who had difficulty remaining in their seats with the excitement of each others company and, at least in Naiya's case, the novelty of dinner with so many friends.  As is often the case, there were crayons for the girls to play with, but these held minimal interest for them.  Then Lisa pulled from her trusty bag three tubs of play dough.  With forks, spoons, table knives and the new delightful treasure the children cut, carved and sculpted so that we adults had at least some free moments to converse. 

I have since started carrying play dough in my bag for just such occasions.  Since I've been on a "how-to" kick I figured I'd pass along our simple, ten minute, make-your-own play dough recipe.

A couple of dough balls in a mason jar also makes a great gift!

Play Dough Recipe
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/3 cup salt
2 Tblsp. cream of tartar
1 Tblsp. vegetable oil
food coloring

In a medium sized pot mix flour, salt and cream of tartar.  Add water and oil. Stir over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes.


Once the dough forms a ball, remove from heat and allow it to cool. Once cool, knead the dough on a floured surface. 

 

Separate into various balls (depending on how much of each color you would like).  Indent each ball and drop food coloring into indentation.  (For the colors seen here I used 10 drops.)

Knead until color is distributed evenly throughout dough.  Once the coloring is mixed into the dough it will, oddly, not stain hands or surfaces.  Store in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag.