Homemade Playdough

This week we rediscovered the joy of homemade playdough.  I've had this recipe for years and made it many times, but not for a number of months.  We've had some of the "store" playdough around so there didn't seem much point.  However, when Sophia got the store playdough out to play with the other day, the last of it was pretty much unusable.  I promised her we'd make some more.  The next morning she pulled out the playdough toys first thing after breakfast and I remembered that we had to make some or she'd have nothing to play with.  I started pulling out ingredients and realized that my jar of alum was almost empty.  Alum is the one ingredient that you might not typically have on hand.  It is found in the spice section of the grocery store.  We had to make a quick trip this morning to get some more.  The playdough mixes up very quickly and this recipe doesn't require cooking on the stove like some do.  You need some boiling water but that's as much cooking as is needed.  I always do the initial mixing and kneading as the dough is extremely hot when you start.  But as it cools slightly I divide it up between the kids so they can knead it while it is still nice and warm.  It is a warm fun experience.  They love it.  This stuff is so much better than the stuff you buy.  It feels wonderful and smooth in your hands, and the kids love to pick what color we will make.

 Here's the recipe:

2 1/2c flour
1/2c salt
1T alum
Mix these together in a bowl.

 Boil 2c water
Add 3T canola or vegetable oil
20 drops food coloring
(add some essential oil for scent if you like)

Add the liquid and stir with a wooden spoon to incorporate most of the dry ingredients.  Then carefully use your hands and continue mixing everything together.  Eventually I dump it out on the counter and knead it until it is nice and smooth.  Store in a ziploc bag.  I guess you could put it in the fridge but we never do.  When it starts to dry out or get nasty we just toss it and make some more.