Easy Homemade Play Dough

Several years ago I was a Preschool Teacher. I loved it! I taught Pre-Kindergarten to kids whose birthdays missed the cut off. The school I taught at didn't have a big budget, so I learned to make things. This is one of the best Play Dough recipes I've ever used. It would last 1/2 of the year for my class, as long as it was properly stored.

By the way, do you know why Preschools have Play Dough for kids? It develops the muscles that children need to write! That's also why they cut so much. You learn something new every day!

Now I know that this isn't easy "food", but letting your kids play with this while you cook might make dinner preparation go faster!

Easy Play Dough

1 cup Flour
1 cup Salt (non-iodized is OK)
1 Tablespoon Cream of Tartar
1 Tablespoon Vegetable oil
1 cup Water
Food Coloring to desired color
1/4 teaspoon almond extract or peppermint extract, or a few drops peppermint oil

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3 - 5 minutes, until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat. Remove from pan and put on a cutting board. When dough is cool enough to handle, knead until smooth. Store in an airtight container that is easy for children to open and close.

Hint of the Day: Watch your store for "Neon" food coloring. I have only been able to find it in the stores occasionally. The colors that result are fantastic! The colors are similar to store-bought Playdoh, and the green ended up looking like "Shrek". Half the fun of Play Dough is the color - don't skimp!