a fresh batch of play dough

Carson and I are really into play dough lately.  We "bake" with it, build with it, squish it, squash it, throw it to the dog and sometimes we even eat it (I only took one little taste)!

We used to make our own play dough all the time when I was little.  Now, since Carson's been caught sneaking a piece into his mouth here and there, it seems that we should be using the homemade version around here too!  It's completely edible (though I certainly won't be trying it twice).

It's an easy, easy project with ingredients that you probably have around the house.  You may not have cream of tartar, but go ahead and buy some so you can make these cookies when you're finished making play dough!

Here's what you need to make play dough:

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup water 
food coloring

Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar and oil.  Add water and mix well.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes.  It will quickly go from soupy, to lumpy to one big clump.

When the clump forms, remove from stove, let cool a little and knead slightly.  Add food coloring,(separate into multiple pieces if you'd like) and continue to knead until it's all mixed and play doughy!

Carson chose the colors.  We've got red, blue and black.  I would have gone for some turquoise, myself, but he was set on black.
I used 2 drops of gel food coloring to get vibrant colors.  If you're in the market for new food coloring, I love this stuff.  It comes in great colors and a little goes a loooong way!

Store your dough in a sealed plastic bag and it will last a long time!  This makes quite a bit.  I halved the recipe to get a more reasonable amount for one little toddler.