This one's for the kids... or the big kids alike. I made play dough for the first time (since studying childcare when I was 19) for Taj's birthday a few months ago. And I was actually astounded at how easy it was and how I nailed it first time (second time though... different story).
Why would you want to make your own though when it's so easy and cheap to buy?
Well... for a few reasons. Firstly, it's so fun! Kids will love to help you too. But mostly, because the play dough you'll find at the toy shop is not the basic flour, water, salt mix anymore but is a concoction
"composed of water, a starch-based binder, a retrogradation inhibitor, salt, lubricant, surfactant, preservative, hardener, humectant, fragrance, and colour. A petroleum additive gives the compound a smooth feel, and borax prevents mould from developing. Play-Doh contains some wheat and may cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to wheat gluten. It is not intended to be eaten." (1)
Yummy!
Now, when dying your play dough, you can totally keep it au-naturale white, which does look kinda cool. Or there are natural ingredients you can use to colour your dough without having to use food colouring, many of which have never been tested for toxicity or other adverse effects (2). I love to use turmeric, spirulina, beetroot powder, even cacao powder works great (and smells even better).
Start small and add in more where you want more colour. And the same goes with your essential oils. Start small, and you can always add more.
Play Dough Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup salt
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 cups lukewarm water
2 Tablespoons of vegetable oil (coconut oil works too)
Food colourings such as spirulina, beetroot powder or turmeric
doTERRA Oils of your choice
Baking paper
- Stir together the flour, salt, and cream of tartar in a large pot.
- Next, add the water and oil. If you’re only making one colour, add in the colour now as well.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the dough has thickened and begins to form into a ball.
- Remove from heat and then place onto baking paper.
- Allow to cool slightly and then knead until smooth.
- If you’re adding colours after, divide the dough into balls (for how many colours you want) and then pop them onto baking paper. Start with 1/2 tsp of your colouring, sprinkling over your dough and knead in well. Add more to brighten it. Knead to spread evenly.
- Do the same with your oils. Start with 5-10 drops and add more if needed. Once it’s all mixed together you’re ready to PLAY.
Store the play dough inside zip lock bags or a sealed air-tight container to keep it soft and pliable for longer.
No comments:
Post a Comment