BASIC PLAY DOUGH RECIPE

Here is my basic, tried and tested, almost flop-proof playdough recipe. The secret to keeping it exciting and interesting is that I try to make it look or smell different every time. Do this by adding different food colouring or flavours to the dough. This is a wonderful way to take a simple activity and turn it into a multisensory experience. Please note, this recipe is completely taste-friendly.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup flour • 2½ teaspoons cream of tartar • ¹/³ cup salt • 1 cup water • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil, as well as extra to coat it in before you store it (this prevents the dough from drying out and crystallizing on the outside) • food coloring (water based food coloring is preferable, as it does not stain the skin as much as gel colouring) • flavour or essence (optional)

METHOD:

• In a large saucepan, combine all of the

dry ingredients. • Mix in 2 tablespoons of oil, as well as

1 cup of water. • Stir the mixture continuously over

medium low heat. • Once the mixture starts to thicken, add

in the food coloring. • Stir until the dough begins to pull away

from the sides of the saucepan. • Tip the dough out onto a plate, and

allow to cool. • Once the dough is cool enough to

handle, knead it into a smooth ball. • Once you are ready to store it to play with another day, roll into a smooth ball, coat it with oil, and either cover it with cling wrap, or store it in a ziplock bag.