Fabulous Playdough Recipe

Milan in particular has been loving our new playdough, and who can blame him? I've found the world's best playdough recipe: so silken soft and malleable, it's just a pleasure to hold in your hands. (Or, in Dominic's case, it's pure pleasure to tear it into tiny bits, drop them off the high chair tray, and see if the dog will eat it. FTR: She doesn't eat it. He keeps trying...)

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp cream of tartar (alum also works)
1 cup water
food colouring

Heat oil at medium-low heat.

Mix your food colouring with the water until you get the depth of colour you're after. Put it all in the pot with the oil and cook over low/medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly.

It looks too goopy/sticky at first. Don't worry! It thickens as it cooks, and if you add more flour it will end up dry and crumbly. When it's a nice, thick consistency, remove from heat and knead dough a few times on the counter. It will feel a bit sticky. It becomes less so as it cools.

Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the fridge. (It will last longer if you do this. I keep mine in a plastic bag in a bin the kitchen at room temperature, and it lasts at least a couple of months.)