Makin' Dough

Layla & I made playdough today.  Or rather, I made playdough while Layla hung out in the kitchen and had a massive fit because she wasn't getting enough attention.  But that's par for the course these days anytime I am in the kitchen cooking something.  The fridge magnets and toys only distract for so long before we're banging cabinet doors and begging to be picked up.

I am covered in salt and food dye, but I think the results are well worth it!  We haven't had a chance to "test" it yet, because I had to put her down for a nap in the middle of making this batch.  I'm posting the recipe at the end, so I don't have to go hunting around for it when I want to make it again.

Cooked Homemade Playdough Recipe
2 cups flour
2 cups warm water
1 cup salt
2 Tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
1 Tablespoon cream of tartar
food coloring
scented oils or vanilla extract (optional)

Mix all of the ingredients together, and stir over low heat. The dough will begin to thicken until it resembles mashed potatoes.  When the dough pulls away from the sides and clumps in the center, as shown below, remove the pan from heat and allow the dough to cool enough to handle.


NOTE: if your playdough is still sticky, you simply need to cook it longer!  Keep stirring and cooking until the dough is dry and feels like playdough.

Turn the dough out onto a clean counter or silicone mat, and knead vigorously until it becomes silky-smooth. Divide the dough into balls for coloring.



Make a divot in the center of the ball, and drop some food coloring in.  Fold the dough over, working the food color through the body of the playdough, trying to keep the raw dye away from your hands and the counter. You could use gloves or plastic wrap at this stage to keep your hands clean.
Work the dye through, adding more as necessary to achieve your chosen color.