Play-dough From Your Pantry

After many requests by local daycare providers for cream of tartar to make play-dough, we became curious. They told us how wonderfully soft it was, and not sticky like other homemade dough. They bragged that it could last for months if kept wrapped between use. Food colouring is all that was needed to create a variety of fun shades, and finished dough could easily be scented with essential oils, or spices. Since the main ingredients can be found at home, it was also an inexpensive alternative to store bought play-dough. We wanted to try this recipe ourselves, and share it with other parents. We were not disappointed!

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup salt 4 teaspoons cream of tartar (this is the magical ingredient) 2 cups lukewarm water 2 Tablespoons of canola oil (other vegetable oils work also) Food colouring plastic bags

Mix your dry ingredients together first, before adding your water oil and food colouring. In a sauce pan cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When your mixture turns into a firm ball, remove from the sauce pan and place the dough onto parchment paper to cool. Knead as you would any other dough, until the dough is smooth, and the colour is uniform. Add any essential oils at this point, and knead well to incorporate. Store in a plastic bag. If the dough feels sticky after being in the bag, simply add a bit of flour and knead until smooth again. There is also no reason to spend money on special cutters for play-dough, since regular cookie cutters work just fine. Use kitchen utensils, rolling pins, jar lids, etc. to make impressions and cut out shapes. Simple, inexpensive and fun! #momhacks #crafts #homemadeplaydough