This is a really good play dough with a really nice, firm texture. It lasts for a couple of weeks if stored in an airtight container (I like a big ziplock bag). My kids just love this stuff (and so do I).

Best Play Dough Ever

2 cups flour
1/2 cup salt
2 cups water
2 tablespoons oil
1/4 cup cream of tartar
Food coloring (totally optional)

1) Put water and salt in a good-sized saucepan, mix thoroughly until salt is dissolved. Add oil. If you’re using food coloring, this is a good time to add that, generally several drops. You may find you need to use more coloring as the mixture is cooking (and you can knead in more later, though that’s not as effective as putting it in from the start).

2) In a bowl, combine dry ingredients and mix well. Slowly add this mixture to the water mixture in the saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

3) Cook and stir over low/medium heat until play dough is completely formed and no longer sticky. Cooked dough will look very like thick mashed potatoes.

4) Allow to cool somewhat. Turn dough onto a board and knead until smooth and cooled. Store in an air tight container or zip lock bag.

5) If you find that the dough is too sticky, knead a little more flour into it, and then microwave it to cook it further. You’ll have to experiment as to how long to microwave, but I find that cooking for about 1.5 minutes, turning it over in the bowl, and cooking for another 1.5 minutes is generally quite helpful.

NOTE: Always allow the dough time to cool before you start to handle it! It can be very hot right out of the saucepan or out of the microwave!

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