Homemade Playdough

Need a Christmas gift?  Well I guess whoever really NEEDS a Christmas gift?  In anycase, here is one that can meet any budget.  It's about the best homemade playdough recipe I've come across.  I love it 'cause it doesn't use as much salt as other recipes do, therefore the hands don't dry out as much.

Homemade Playdough

3 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp Alum
1/2 cup salt
3 Tbsp oil
2 cups boiling water
Food colouring

Mix all the ingredients with a spoon.  Once your hands can handle the heat, knead the dough until it's smooth, about 5 minutes.  Your hands should come out clean since it is playdough.  If it's too sticky then add a bit of flour. 

Divide the dough into the amount of colour portions you're going to make.  Place one portion on a plate to catch any food colouring that might accidently drip.  With each portion make a little well in the centre and add about 5 drops of the colour.  Knead in the colour.  Then add another 5 drops.  Each colour will need about 10 drops to reach a nice colour.  I find if I add all 10 drops at once it colours my hands.  Cover the other portions while you do this so they don't dry out.

I keep mine in Ziploc bags but let them cool off before closing the bag.  That's it.  They should stay soft for a long time.

Blessings,

Christina