Very Good Play Dough

 My mom just called.  My niece has "a little cold" and will be spending the day with my mother, who has in turn decided they should make play dough.  She called for Aunt Daisey's recipe.  The recipe I have originated  from my very good friend in Bothell, WA over 5 years ago, where she acquired it, I do not know.  Scribbled at the top of my recipe is "Very Good Play Dough,"  the paper itself is covered in oil marks and food coloring. The kids and I have made lots and lots of Very Good Play Dough.  So today we pass on our Very Good Play Dough to my niece and anyone else who cares to play dough.

Mixing together the ingredients is a very kid friendly activity.  The recipe is very flexible and very forgiving.

In a medium saucepan mix together:

       2 Cups flour

       1 Cup salt (maybe a little less)

       4 teaspoons cream of tartar

 Combine and add to the saucepan:
       2 Cups warm water
       2 Tablespoons of oil + a teaspoon more
       1 or more teaspoons of food coloring

 Stir, stir, stir, because stirring is loads of fun!  Don't worry about getting the lumps out before you cook the dough.

Next cook over medium hear for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.  It can burn easily, so really stir constantly.  Test for readiness by squeezing a piece of the dough.  If it is sticky keep cooking, if it is springy, it is done.  The dough will get VERY difficult to stir, and you may think it isn't working, but keep going, it will work, almost like magic.

 Let the Play Dough thoroughly cool before poking your fingers into it.

If you have made Play Dough for all your friends try hard to resist poking your fingers into all of their Play Dough...though they probably won't mind.
This Play Dough keeps for a VERY long time if stored in an airtight container.  These pictures were from my daughter's birthday almost 6 months ago, and she is still playing with dough we made that day.

To my sweet niece, I hope the dough helps brighten you day! Have fun, and feel better soon!
Love,
Aunt Daisey