March Break is here and the kids have already had breakfast, jumped on the beds, played hours of Minecraft and have started to drive you a little bit crazy. What can you do with them now that you’re a whole morning into a week (or two for some!) of this madness? Gather up your kidlets  and make something magical. Teach them just how simple it is to whip up a batch of homemade playdough. Then listen to the sounds of happy children busily making amazingly imaginative things out of it while you put your feet up and congratulate yourself on being the most wonderful parent ever.

Kids are amazed when they learn how easy it is to make playdough. The final product can be stored in air tight containers, or left to air dry to save a finished creation. To make coloured dough, divide into small balls and then add food colouring and knead. You can also knead in glitter to make it sparkly!

Recipe #1 (no cooking required)

Ingredients

• 2 cups plain, all purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• Up to 1.5 cups boiling water (adding very slowly until composition is correct)

Directions

1. Mix the flour, salt, cream of tartar and oil in a large mixing bowl and add the boiling water, stirring continuously until it becomes a sticky, combined dough.
2. Allow it to cool down then take it out of the bowl and knead it vigorously for a couple of minutes until all of the stickiness has gone and it is the perfect consistency. If you find it’s still a little sticky, add a bit more flour until it’s right.

Recipe #2

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups salt
• 6 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 3 cups water

Directions

1. Pour ingredients into a large pot.
2. Stir constantly over medium heat until a dough ball forms that pulls away from the sides.
3. Knead dough until the texture matches play dough (1-2 minutes).
4. Store in plastic container. Should last for at least 3 months.

Recipe #3 

Ingredients

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 3/4 cup water

Directions

1. Have your child mix the baking soda and corn starch in a pot. Use hands to make sure all the lumps are broken up.
2. Add water.
3. Put the pan on the stove over medium heat and stir constantly.
4. As soon as the mixture gathers together, remove from heat. Don’t overcook or it will crumble.
5. When it cools, have your child knead it into a smooth dough.

What’s your favourite playdough recipe?

Image credits: Carnivore Locavore and Kevin Jarrett

Well.ca

well.ca