Homemade Play Dough

What kid doesn't love play dough, right??  It is a classic "toy" suitable for boys, girls, little kids, big kids, and adults who are kids at heart.  A long time ago, when I taught preschool and before I had kids of my own, I learned how to make play dough from scratch.  I think homemade play dough is way better than the "real" stuff.  It costs less to make.  It lasts longer.  And, let me tell you, there is no greater therapy in life than kneading some warm, freshly made dough!!

I've made play dough with my girls countless times, but recently realized that I've never shared the recipe here on the blog.  It is time to fix that, so here is the recipe I use for homemade play dough!

**The play dough made from this recipe uses all non-toxic ingredients.  It doesn't taste good, but it is not harmful if ingested!

Play Dough

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup water

1/2 cup salt

2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tbsp. vegetable or canola oil

food coloring (optional)

 Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan. (You can add any color food coloring you like to achieve the desired color.  With no coloring, it will be white.)

(We added just a little yellow this time.)

Then, put the saucepan over medium high heat and stir continuously.

(Hint: This is a great time to enlist your helpers!)

As you stir, the liquid will begin to thicken and turn gloppy.  (Is that a word?)

See? Gloppy.

Eventually, it will come together into a ball of dough.

Remove the dough from the pan and roll it out.  IT WILL BE HOT, so this is a job for an adult.  (This is where that therapy I mentioned earlier comes into play!)

Once the dough is cool enough, it's time to play!!

When it's clean up time, store the dough in a plastic storage bag or other air tight container.

Have you ever made play dough at home??  What recipe do you use?