I know I did this once or twice as a kid, but it’s been decades since then, and I thought I’d share the experience with the Geekdad community. Last night, as part of a project my older son is working on for school, we made a batch of home made, dough-like play substance (looks around to make sure no trademark attorneys are reading). I didn’t remember how easy a process it was!
3 cups flour
1.5 cups salt
3 cups water
3 tablespoons cooking oil
6 teaspoons cream of tartar
Mix in a large pot until smooth. Heat on medium low, stirring constantly. Dough will begin to dry and become sticky. Continue heating and stirring until a ball forms in the middle of the pos, and the dough is no longer sticky to the touch. When it gets there, take it off the heat and let cool for a bit, then wrap it in plastic and cool. Add food colorings to make different colors.
It starts out looking a lot like paste, and considering half the ingredients are the same, that makes sense. At this stage, it’s rather hard to believe it will become a solid. Also, this is probably the best time to add coloring.
Mmmm… soupy goodness! After a little time, plenty of stirring, and the even application of heat, it will start getting lumpy, mostly on the bottom of the pan. Keep mixing!
Here’s what the real transformation looks like. The mass will very quickly move from a sticky, doughy mess to a very un-sticky, malleable ball of dough (or d’oh). Now you can take it off the heat, and let it cool until you can handle it.
And here’s the end product, ready for hours of play or crafting!
