Play Dough

This is from the Bethel Play Group from 1979. The ladies always made sure we had some in hand. Now I make it for my sons. It turns out well and keeps on the shelf for a REALLY long time in a freezer bag. When you first knead it, be careful, it is still quite hot. Edited to add: I made two batches today. One used up some alum I had in the cupboard from last year. That one never really got to a good texture, and I had to add LOTS more flour. The second one used fresh alum, and it came together in no time and didn't need any extra flour. I made them using the microwave. I boiled the water in a large bowl first. Then added the salt. After stirring it in, I microwaved the water again for a minute just to make sure it was hot enough for adding in the food colouring (and subsequently, the alum and other stuff). It worked out perfectly. I tried adding in some lemon extract to give it a scent but it didn't seem to take.

• Ready In: 15 mins
• Serves: 1
• Yields: 1 clump

Ingredients

• 2  cups water
• 1⁄2 cup salt
• 2 -200  drops  food coloring
• 2  tablespoons  oil
• 2  tablespoons alum
• 2  cups flour

Directions

1. Boil water.
2. Add salt and stir until salt dissolves.
3. Add food colouring to boiling water and remove from heat.
4. Add oil, alum, flour. Stir well.
5. Turn out onto counter.
6. Knead until it takes on a shiny texture.