Homemade Playdough

OK, I'm sure you are aware that homemade playdough is far superior to the stuff you can buy. It's also really, really easy to make. Why don't I do it more often? Anyway, what I am probably the last person on earth to realize is that if you add a packet of kool-aid when you're making it, it makes it smell pretty good too! Who knew? Anyway, I signed up last fall to make play dough for Juna's preschool class, and it was finally our turn to do it. So tonight, purple play dough was born. The color was prechosen for us--obviously--Juna would have only chosen pink! Here's the recipe for those of you who have never tried it--give it a whirl. It really is very easy.

Cooked Playdough
2c. flour
2/3c. salt
2c. water
2T cream of tartar
2T oil
1 packet unsweetened kool aid mix (whatever color playdough you're making)
food coloring (pastes or gels provide the most vibrant color)

Cook all ingredients over low heat, stirring until dough pulls away from the pan and clumps up--don't worry, it really will be pretty obvious that it has gotten much thicker and hard to stir. Remove from pan and knead until smooth.

***Warning--until this is "done", it's pretty staining, so watch light counter tops, clothes, etc. However, once it has been kneaded, it seems fine.