1 cup flour
½ cup salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
Combine above ingredients in a large saucepan.
Gradually stir in:
1 cup water
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon food coloring
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until a ball forms. Remove from heat and knead until smooth.
I’ve made this recipe TONS of times…and mostly with children (preschoolers) helping. The exact measurements are not vital…Since small children rarely get it exact, and it always turns out fine. This recipe gives you the basic recipe…it won’t make much dough…I usually triple or quadruple it. And store it in large ziploc bag (squeeze all the air out) and it’ll last for MONTHS. Another cool thing…add a scent to it! Try the extracts…peppermint, almond, vanilla, etc…Just like a tsp or so is usually plenty. And I like to let the kids play in it as soon as its cooled enough to not burn them, but still warm. They love that! Also…at first, don’t give them any tools/toys…just allow them time to explore the dough with just their hands. Then, if you want, I would only give them very simple tools…you don’t need special playdo tools either…just pick up some odd cutting/rolling type things at yard sales or thrift stores! Examples…
plastic knives/forks/spoons
straws
very dull pizza cutter (or toy plastic one)
toothpicks
popsicle sticks
cookie cutters (just basic shapes…circle, square…)
tin can (use tape on edges)
Use your imagination!
It’s also fun to give them small plastic animals/people to use with the dough. Cars don’t work as well because the wheels get gunked up.