life stories: play dough

we love making our own play dough.  don't get me wrong, though.  this is not the play dough in the yellow tub with the colorful lid.  each have their own place.  i love home made play dough and will always make my own.  the other can come in and out of the house, too, and we'll reuse some of those containers for a variety of uses.  

along our summer together in our cozy home, we enjoy the art of making and pretend baking with play dough.  we create long snakes, skinny worms and other imaginary pets.  this morning it was a hand shaped pancake with designs on top, made by the sweet son.  

today has been such a sweet day of decorating the space at church for this week's vacation bible school and a good reflective day from worship this morning (more to come as i ponder the themes presented).  i wanted to give you something of life here that you could carry with you in your life journey.  now for the sharing!  listed for you below is the play dough recipe i've used ever since working in the MC lab school through college & grad school.  source unknown.  it's safe to bet that this recipe is like many others out there, but it's a never-fail recipe in my dough making experience over the past decade.

Cooked Play Dough

1 c. flour

1 T. oil

1 c. water

1/2 c. salt

2 t. cream of tartar

food coloring (i use icing coloring and mix with the water before adding to the other ingredients)

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan or electric skillet.  Mix well and cook over medium heat.  Stir constantly until mixture forms a ball.  Remove from the pan and let the dough cool a bit on a clean surface.  Knead until smooth.  Store in an airtight storage container after it's completely cooled.

Be warned:  if you use red, pink, and some purple icing colors, your hands may reflect a tinge of pink.  Wash immediately or use gloves if you're concerned about semi-dyed hands.