I've posted about homemade playdough before, but we made it again today and it was such a fun, creative way to spend a cloudy afternoon at home. This recipe makes a good amount which we divide into five or six colors. I like gel food coloring because the colors are brighter and it doesn't make the dough sticky. I've made this to give away as gifts and for birthday party favors. You can mix glitter into it, too. It lasts for a very long time. Give it a try.
Homemade Playdough
Ingredients:
3 cups flour, sifted
1 1/2 cups salt (not Kosher salt)
6 tsp cream of tartar (is there somewhere to buy this in bulk?)
3 1/4 cups water
3 Tbl. vegetable oil
gel food coloring
Whisk all the dry ingredients together in a large pot until no lumps remain. Whisk in the wet ingredients, except the food coloring until no lumps remain. (I let the kids do all this at the kitchen table). Cook on the stove over high heat 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until dough forms (it is like magic, just keep stirring!). Separate into several portions and add food coloring. Store in air tight containers.
My mom used to make homemade playdough for me (back in the late ’70s). Glad to hear it’s still being done!
I remember the best part of homemade playdough, was using it while it was still warm- felt so wonderful!
Bulk cream of tartar: Penzey’s Spices.
My problem with making playdough: how can you possibly stir something for 3 minutes straight when you have two kids under the age of 3? Several crises are sure to interfere!
Have you tried looking for cream of tartar at a local food coop or natural food store that sells herbs and spices in bulk? I have found many things that way