Playdoh is a childhood ritual that every parent at some time gives in to. Let's face it - it fun stuff to play with- even as an adult!  Here's an economical way to keep having that kind of fun.

1 cup Flour

1 Cup Water

1/2 cup Salt

2 Tbsp Cooking Oil

2 tsp Cream of Tartar

1tsp Food Coloring

Combine all ingredients in medium saucepan and place on medium to high heat. Stir regularly until a ball of dough is formed. Remove from heat. Place on a smooth surface and knead like bread dough until smooth.

A couple of notes:

• Buy food coloring by the bottle. Buying the little bottles that come in a four pack doesn't last long.
• Store your playdoh in ziploc bags or other airtight containers.
• Does NOT need to be refrigerated
• Does not have an expiration date.

Personally, I cut each color in half and save the second half for later. I also saved the original playdoh containers we got and re-use them with my recipe. Make several colors at a time and let the kids help by pouring in the water, salt, etc. It's a great way to keep them occupied on a rainy day.

If you've checked out the price of Playdoh toys in the store lately, you know they are expensive and pretty specialized to a specific task. My kids have learned to raid the kitchen for items that are more fun because they are "real".

Things We Use:

• Rolling pin
• Butter knives
• Potato masher
• Frosting spreader (the kind with a wavy edge on one side)
• Ice cream scoop
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie Cutters
• Burger/Pancake flippers

We have also at various times used my pastry filler, my egg slicer and my plastic colander to come up with some interesting 'speriments'.  The only limit is your imagination and the patience of a parent in making "spaghetti".