Play Dough!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

So, I'm quickly running out of fun things to do with Emily as the temperatures reach over 105 degrees every single day! It is too hot to play outside, the baby pool is boiling, and she is SO OVER ME!

I decided to try a homemade play dough recipe that I found online. This recipe is edible (although EXTREMELY salty and not very tasty) so if your toddler or pre-schooler finds it appetizing, it will not hurt them.

When we first started playing, she was a little confused but fascinated by the things I could do with this giant green ball of goo, but she eventually got in on the action. We used a fork, a straw, and a cookie cutter to make fun shapes and impressions. We even took an impression of our baby doll's face!

If you are interested in trying homemade play dough, here's the recipe:

1.5 cups flour
3/4 cups salt
3 tsp. cream of tartar
1.5 tbsp. oil
1.5 cups water

~mix all ingredients in a large saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat until the goo starts to pull away from the edges and form a ball.
~kneed the ball (or help your child kneed) for 1-2 minutes until it becomes a play dough-like consistancy.

We added green food coloring, but if you don't have any on hand, no biggie. This recipe also makes PLENTY for two children.

I have a friend who recommended peanut butter play dough so that your child may have a snack when they're finished playing. Her recipe is:

1 part peanut butter
1 part honey
1 part powdered milk

Save your play dough in a ziplock bag to keep it fresh!

These are both fun, quick, easy and inexpensive recipes, and your child will feel very accomplished at helping you "cook!" Enjoy!