Basic Play Dough Recipe

2 cups water
2 T (tablespoons) cooking oil
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
2 t (teaspoons) cream of tartar
several drops of food coloring *(icing coloring gives vibrant color - dip clean toothpick into gel icing colorant and stick into uncolored play dough while kneading)

Pour water and oil into saucepan.  Whisk in flour, salt, cream of tartar and food coloring.  Stir continuously over medium heat until play dough leaves sides of pan.  Remove from heat while continuing to stir for a couple of minutes.  Plop onto cutting board or other smooth surface and knead while it cools.  (You may need to wait a minute or two until it is warm instead of hot – ESPECIALLY if your child is “helping” you.)  Once completely cool, store in airtight plastic bag or a plastic container that it fills.  (The more air in there, the more it will dry out.)