Homemade Playdoh or my son the ingrate

I have been thinking about getting H some Playdoh, but have not wanted to spend the money. He is so mercurial that dropping money on anything other than Matchbox/HotWheels/DubCity cars is pure folly.

So, a few days ago, I floated the idea of playing with clay. We may have even seen some children playing with clay on Sesame Street. I am not sure, since Caillou, Sesame Street, and all things Pixar on an endless loop around here, it is getting blurred.

Also, vertigob had Mommy's Night Out with Miss Amy (thanks for that, by the way, Miss Amy! I had fun, you are still a great date!) last night...and...let's be honest here...Mommy has a hangover. There I said it. I had two margaritas and I feel like Nicholas Cage in Leaving Las Stinkin' Vegas. So, there is some additional blur that is not usually present. This is not your every day, run of the mill, sleep deprivation. Blech.

In my semi-blurred state, I decided to go to the all-knowing internets for a homemade Playdoh recipe and see what all you guys had to offer.

Wow! This page has tons of recipes, activities, advice, the whole shebang. Done and done.

I decided to try this one:

Cooked Playdough (flour and salt)

3 cups flour
1.5 cups salt
6 tsp cream of tarter
3 tbsp oil
3 cups water

1. Dissolve salt in the water.
2. Pour all ingredients into a large pot.
3. Stir constantly over medium heat until a ball forms by pulling away from the sides.
4. Knead the dough mixture until the texture matches playdough (1-2 minutes).

Store in plastic container. Should last for at least 3 months.

NOTE: This recipe is made from edible ingredients and not toxic in small amounts for children. However, a dog got sick after eating a batch of playdough. It is not intended as a food item. Please be sure to put it away after your children have finished playing.

I used Kosher Salt (just because it is what I had around and in the volume necessary for this recipe. I kind of freaked out when the mixture in the pot started to get gummed up and clumpy. However, as soon as I got it onto the wooden board (lightly floured) to knead it, it was fine. Also, kneading the really warm dough was soothing and kind of therapeutic. I wondered if it would feel good to people with arthritis. I will have to check that out.

Here is the conversation:

H: What is it?
Me: It is like clay, you can make things out of it.
H: Is it a car?
Me: No. It is like clay.
H: I need my knife.
Me: Okay.
H (taking whacks at the dough with his knife): Why is it warm?
Me: Because I just finished cooking it for you.
H: I don't want to play with this any more.


Oh okay, kid thanks. Why do I bother? Ingrate.

He is back to playing with his cars. So much for Arts & Crafts time.