Do you ever miss the days before Pinterest? Before 117 million results come popping onto your computer in .53 seconds of searching? I do. Now, don’t get me wrong sometimes it’s really fantastic but other times I wish I had just a couple options. Back when we pulled cookbooks out of our cupboards and weren’t searching “best ____ recipe” to find a million options claiming they are the best.
The other morning I wanted to make something fun with A so play dough sounded like a great idea. I didn’t want to make our usual jello playdough for a change. I wanted good ole regular playdough. I knew I could type something into Pinterest or Google and have plenty of options but instead I went to my cupboard and got out my elementary school cookbook that also had kids activities in it. We used the cookbook my whole childhood and some of my favorite recipes hide in there.
And regular, good old fashion play dough we made. It was simple, it was soft and it was easy. Today I’m going to share with you 2 versions of this recipe. They are virtually the same except measurements & one you cook and one you do not. So, keep that in mind when checking it out below. I personally love the no-cook version because it’s easiest for my toddler to help me since it’s not on the stove. For the non-cooked version I use hot water but I am the one who pours it into the mixer then let her add ingredients with super vision and it’s a small enough amount of water that we never have had it splash out. Part of my favorite thing about creating with A is that she can join in during every part. It’s fun for her and it builds her skills and confidence. When I have made the cooked version I make it during her nap so it’s simply a fun surprise. Do whatever works for you!
NO COOK Ingredients:
2 c flour
1 c water
1/2 c salt
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Tbsp Cream of Tartar
NO COOK Instructions:
Heat your 1 cup water until almost boiling (I use my water kettle!) , then add your 1/2 cup salt to dissolve into your mixer with your dough hook attachment. Proceed to add your vegetable oil and your cream of tarter. Next add your flour. Continually mix your dough until it feels like a soft and silk texture.
COOKED Ingredients:
1 c flour
1 c water
1/2 c salt
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
2 Tbsp Cream of Tartar
COOK Instructions:
In a sauce pain heat your 1 cup water until almost boiling, then add your 1/2 cup salt to dissolve into your mixer with your dough hook attachment. Proceed to add your vegetable oil and your cream of tarter. Turn down your head to low. Next add your flour by the half cup. Continually mix your dough until forms a ball in your pan and be still. Knead the dough until it’s soft on a floured surface until its soft and silky.
We store ours in a quart size ziplock bag after every use and it lasts for several weeks.