Family Fun in the Kitchen

Play Dough Recipe 
Not New, Just Tried and True

 

Twenty-five years ago, when my 4 small children kept me very busy, a dear lady in Gainesville, Florida typed this recipe on a card and handed it to me. Now, when grandchildren come to visit, I pull out that oil-splattered index card and continue to make memories around play dough.

 

 Combine in sauce pan:  1 cup flour

                              1/2 cup salt

                              2 teaspoons cream of tarter

 

Combine in a bowl:  1 cup water

                              2 tablespoons cooking oil

                              A few drops of food coloring

 

Pour the liquid mixture into the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine.

 

Stir constantly as you(the adult) cook the mixture over low to medium heat. Consistency will change dramatically when done. The dough will come together in a ball.

 

Put the dough on a cutting board or waxed paper. Push, pull, punch, and knead it as it cools. Add a few more drops of food coloring, just to see it mix in!

 

Secrets to Fun: 

 

I let the child stand on a chair or step stool right next to me at the kitchen counter. He or she measures, stirs, chooses the color, pours, and kneads to the best of their ability. My job is guidance and praise. At a safe distance, the child watches as I cook the dough on the stove.

 

We take the dough to the kitchen table or a child-size table and we make things together…. using bowls, plastic forks, cookie cutters, all kinds of safe-but-real kitchen gadgets.

 

When interest wanes, we put the dough in a plastic bag or air-tight container and store it in the frig.

 

For more fun, we fill the sink with sudsy water and wash all of the bowls, pans, and kitchen gadgets.

 

(Many thanks to Odessa George of Gainesville.)

Lots of family history happens  in the kitchen.