Today I needed to organize for a grandmother's play day.
My daughter and her husband have tickets to the ballet, which means I get to have time to play with their two beautiful children (I am not prejudice).
Knowing that this time with the grandchildren works best if I am a bit organized, I set out to make some salt play dough.
The recipe that I like to use is so much better than the recipe that I remember using as a child. It isn't as salty and it is way easier (The latter is my real moving force).
Here is what you need to make the dough.
My daughter and her husband have tickets to the ballet, which means I get to have time to play with their two beautiful children (I am not prejudice).
Knowing that this time with the grandchildren works best if I am a bit organized, I set out to make some salt play dough.
The recipe that I like to use is so much better than the recipe that I remember using as a child. It isn't as salty and it is way easier (The latter is my real moving force).
Here is what you need to make the dough.
Flour, salt, oil, water, and either alum powder or cream of tartar.
Start by placing 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, and 1 Tbs alum powder or cream of tartar into a medium sized bowl. Stir and make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients.
Start by placing 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, and 1 Tbs alum powder or cream of tartar into a medium sized bowl. Stir and make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients.
In a small sauce pan place 2 cups water, 2 Tbs. oil and any food coloring that you would like. Bring it to a boil.
Pour the boiling mixture into your flour mixture.
As you can see I chose a red food dye to make a dark pink color.
Next you stir the two mixtures together
Next you stir the two mixtures together
Have you ever tried to stir and take a picture at the same time? It isn't as easy as it sounds. Sorry for the blurry image.
So here is were I confess a few things.
Back to making the dough. Scoop the dough out of the bowl and onto the counter
So here is were I confess a few things.
- I found this recipe when my daughters were just 5, 4, 3, and a few months old, so I don't remember where I found it and I can't give credit to the fabulous person who first gave it to me. SORRY!
- Second, I lost the card this recipe was on a few years ago, so every time I make it I just hope I am getting the proportions correct. Now that I have it written down and I know that I have it right, I won't have to hope I am doing it correctly anymore. WHEW!
Back to making the dough. Scoop the dough out of the bowl and onto the counter
Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and the consistency of play dough. When you are kneading the dough it will be hot, but if you work quickly, you will be able to do it without burning your hands. The dough also cools fairly quickly.
See how well it holds it's shape.
My mother did teach me not to make faces at people but I couldn't resist.
Since there are two children I thought it best to make another batch of dough in a different color.
Since there are two children I thought it best to make another batch of dough in a different color.
I just had to make two faces. They really were a lot cuter in real life.
With two different colors guess what the first think my grandson did?
You are so right! He smooshed them together.
With two different colors guess what the first think my grandson did?
You are so right! He smooshed them together.
Even though my beautiful play dough didn't stay a beautiful color for long, it did keep the children entertained for an hour.
My favorite thing to make is a play ground with a slide and tetter-totter for a little ball family.
My favorite thing to make is a play ground with a slide and tetter-totter for a little ball family.
I hope you will be able to enjoy this recipe as much as I have.
Salt Play Dough
Salt Play Dough