"Flavored" Playdough- a beat the heat activity!

Who doesn't love playdough!?

And "flavored" playdough? The kids were all over this recipe.

We used butter flavored popcorn seasoning for this one, hence the yellow, but you can use whichever dry spice you have in your pantry. The dry spice adds the color, smell, and flavor! This playdough is made of 100% edible ingredients, though I'll warn you, as playdough goes, it's not super tasty...

Making this playdough is not only super simple and fun, but there are so many teachable moments! As a teacher, I am always taking full advantage of teachable moments when they arise.

Moments while making this playdough include: 

math- measuring all ingredients

art/science- the coloring of the playdough and making different colors

Patience- it's got to sit on the stove for awhile, and then it needs to cool.

The importance of writing down a recipe and it's directions clearly and completely! What happens when you can't read your own handwriting, or you've abbreviated and now don't remember what it stands for?? doh.

This is such a great project that can be made again and again with different "flavors". The kids loved it and it kept them busy for a few hours while it was too hot to be outside.

"Flavored" Playdough

makes about 2 cups

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup salt

2 tsp cream of tarter

1 tbs + 3tsp of "flavoring" (has to be a dry spice!)

2 tbs vegetable oil

1 cup water

Mix all dry ingredients in a medium bowl with a whisk.

Stir in oil and water.

Cook in a saucepan on medium/low heat until a thick dough forms.

Turn out onto counter and allow to cool. Knead dough until smooth.

Add food coloring drops for fun!

Store in ziplock baggies.