As a kid I always loved playing with play dough. I remember my mom making homemade play dough. Play dough (aka Play-doh) is easy to make at home, here’s how to make your own non-toxic toy with custom colors and fragrances.
This is the classic method that involves a bit of cooking on the stovetop. I prefer it because cooked playdough has a better texture than uncooked varieties. Makes about 6 small balls (size of a chinese orange)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 tablespoon cream of tartar (find it in the spice section)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup water
- food coloring
- optional – fragrances (cinnamon, vanilla, mint, etc)
Directions:
- Mix first 4 ingredients in a pan (non-stick pans work best).
- Add water and optional fragrances and mix well. Note: I like to add the color after I make the Play Dough, that way I can make lots of different colors.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 3 – 5 minutes. Dough will become difficult to stir and form a “clump”.
- Remove from stove and knead for 5 minutes–add food coloring during kneading process.
- Play dough will keep for a long time stored in a covered plastic container or plastic sandwich bag.
Warning: Keep away from dogs and other pets. Play dough is non toxic to humans but contains a lot of salt, a dog may eat enough to cause a dangerous salt imbalance.
