Playdough!

We were once at a birthday party with the kids where the loot bag at the end contained a bag of homemade playdough and cookie cutters.  Ever since, playdough has been a huge hit in our household.  We have quite a mix of store bought and homemade playdough floating around.  As it gets dry and crusty, there is never a meltdown to throw it out, because making it and choosing the color is always an exciting event.  Here is an easy 5 minute recipe.....  If left in a sealed bag, it can be played with daily for several weeks before needing to be thrown out.  All that salt keeps it sanitary-ish.  The whole concept of germ infested playdough grosses me out, so it's nice to make it from scratch and toss it out every now and then.

This recipe can easily be doubled.

1/2 cup salt
1 cup flour
2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tbsp oil
1 cup water
Food coloring (paste gives a much more bright, vibrant color)

Put all ingredients in a heavy pot.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heavy plastic or wooden spoon until it forms a ball.  Let cool completely before sealing in a ziploc bag.  Enjoy :)

My helper :)

Almost there!

Finished product