It doesn't really matter how old you are, there's something immensely pleasurable about playing with soft, squishy dough - especially when it's still warm and has not long come out of the pot.
When my children were small, I cooked a huge batch of play dough on a weekly basis, sometimes daily.
We lived in a cul de sac at the time and, in that close-knit community, there were a dozen or so kiddies who popped in regularly. I would often send each of them home with a Chinese food container into which I had stuffed a soft ball of pink, blue, red or yellow dough. School holidays are just a few weeks away (aren't they always?!), so it's fitting that I share my play dough recipe. I must admit I've been waiting ages to publish this, mostly because I do not yet have grandchildren and I couldn't find a little person whose mum or dad had time enough to bring them over for a play date and photo session. Hence, the stock image above. I prefer to use cooked dough and natural food colouring made with fruit and vegetable extracts. Hoppers sell their range through health stores across Australia. The more salt you use in the dough, the better. Not only is it a preservative, but it also seems to discourage the wee folk from eating it. Make sure you've got a set of cookie cutters, rolling pins and a garlic press ready... and have fun! COOKED PLAY DOUGH 2 cups plain (all purpose) flour, sifted 1 heaped cup cooking salt 2 cups cold water 4 level tablespoons cream of tartar 3 tablespoons vegetable oil a few drops natural food colouring (per instructions on pack) Combine the ingredients in a large saucepan and, while mixing with a sturdy wooden spoon, cook over a low heat until the dough forms into a soft ball. You'll know it's ready as it won't be sticky to touch. Store the playdough in an airtight container. Discard the dough as soon as it begins to look grubby, or has dried out.
Tell me dear readers, have you ever made play dough? I bet you've played with it!
16 Comments
17/3/2016 08:35:41 am
I haven't smelled playdough for years but it definitely had that distinct smell! I can still see the little pots of it too :)
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Lizzy
17/3/2016 04:21:29 pm
Yes, you could buy it in pots, Lorraine, but home made has always been much better. : )
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Lizzy
17/3/2016 04:21:01 pm
There's always hope, Glenda. I do, however, have grandpuppies xx
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17/3/2016 11:00:30 am
I'm still basically a kid, so this is the perfect recipe for me. :-) Loved play dough when I was a tad. Don't think my mom ever made it, though (and I know I didn't). Fun stuff -- thanks.
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Lizzy
17/3/2016 04:21:51 pm
Oh John, I hope this will see you making some?! : )
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Simone Mason
17/3/2016 04:24:49 pm
Good morning Lizzie. My children are going to be so happy. Thank you for sharing.
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17/3/2016 05:16:38 pm
thanks for bringing back memories, lizzy! ours was always a pink colour. and I'm sure we tried to eat it, too... :-)
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Peter
17/3/2016 07:01:54 pm
We had fun, can you make it again please?
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17/3/2016 11:42:10 pm
Wow, that is a lot of salt. If I have time I will make this with my niece and get a photo of them using it 😀
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18/3/2016 05:28:14 pm
So fun!!! My Mum made playdough for us when we were little kids and we loved it. :-)
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19/3/2016 05:17:41 am
My Mum used to make us salt dough to make Christmas ornaments and Easter scenes. Regrettably I never did that with my daughter but so pleased to see you sharing your memories and recipe here. Happy almost Easter to you. Lol how I thought this was a grandchild that your hadn't previously declared! :-)
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Lee
20/3/2016 10:33:37 pm
Your timing is perfect, Liz. My kids are going to love their mumma.
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22/3/2016 05:16:18 pm
My dear Mom made us play dough too but I can't recall where she might have gotten her recipe from. I do recall it being soft and warm which was lovely, although it really does dry out your hands!
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Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes; postcards and morsels from my travels; conversations with cookery writers and chefs; and news on food, cookbooks and cooking. - Liz Posmyk
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NB: I use Australian standard measuring cups and spoons in my recipes.
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