Rolling in the Dough

I admit it. I still love play dough. The salty smell of it brings back happy childhood memories, and it's always more fun when you make it yourself. And with the easy homemade playdough recipes below (edible and non-edible), you and your kids can prepare playdough in no time and at a fraction of the cost.

You can also turn simple household items into playdough tools, such as cookie cutters, plastic butter knives, forks, pizza cutters, a garlic press, melon baler, rolling pins, etc.

Remember to store the playdough in Ziploc bags or an airtight container so that it lasts for a long time. And here's a cool tip: Add vanilla, orange, or lemon extract to homemade playdough recipes - it helps preserve the dough, prevent mold, and makes it smell nice.

Most of all, don't forget to have fun and be creative.

Traditional Play Dough
1 cup flour
1 cup warm water
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon oil
1/4 cup salt
food coloring
Mix all ingredients, adding food coloring last. Stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from pan and knead until blended smooth. Place in plastic bag or airtight container when cooled. Will last for a long time.

Mister Rogers' Easy Play Dough
2 cups flour
1 cup water
Mix together well. You can put dry Kool-Aid or Jell-O in the mix if you want colored dough.

Kool-Aid® Play Dough
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid
1/4 cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 cup water
Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar and Kool-Aid® in a medium pot. Add water and oil. Stir over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes. When mixture forms a ball in pot, remove. Knead until smooth. Put in a plastic bag and refrigerate.

Edible Peanut Butter Dough
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup honey
1 cup instant nonfat dry milk
Mix together until smooth.