play dough

We made play dough today. It is the best. It occupies the kids for sooooo long when it is new. They made all kinds of "cookies" and other treats, as well as tons of snow men (play dough men?)

I don't *think* I've posted the recipe here before. At any rate, it is easy, fun, and cheap. It actually makes a great gift too- make several colors and get small plastic containers to put them in, get a few cookie cutters, etc. and Viola! Great gift for that little kid on your list.

2 c. flour
1 c. salt
4 tsp. cream of tartar
2 c. hot water
2 T. oil
food coloring

Combine all ingredients and blend well- use a wire whisk to get all the lumps out. I mix up everything except the food coloring first and then divide it into 2 or 3 portions so we can make different colors. This makes about the equivalent of 3 or 4 of those little Pla-Do tubs you buy at the store.
Mix food coloring in well, and then cook over medium heat in small saucepan, stirring constantly. It will thicken up very quickly, and you keep mashing it around and turning it over until there are no more slippery parts. It should look like play dough.
Turn out onto the counter to cool, then knead.