I have been making play dough ever since my children were toddlers. Their children have enjoyed the Kool-Aid version with cream of tartar that smells wonderful but stores best in the refrigerator because it seems to dry out in times of low humidity and becomes sticky in damp cool weather. I recommend zip bags or plastic wrap for storage because a frost-free fridge will dry the surface if the dough is stored in a plastic container, at least that has been my experience.
Recently, my niece wanted to make some play dough for a preschool activity box she is assembling for her daughter. She wanted a recipe that would store well without refrigeration. I researched dough recipes and found an article that claims that citric acid is a better antimicrobial for play dough and also improves the texture. Additionally, my niece was concerned if the dough smelled too appealing, Valentine might eat it. She is still at the age where taste-testing is a learning experience.
Last week we tried my favorite play dough recipe from April, 2011:
Kool-Aid® Playdough1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid®
1/4 cup salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 cup hot water
Mix flour, salt, cream of tartar, and Kool-Aid® together well with a fork in a medium pan. Add hot water and oil. Stir over medium-low heat 3 to 5 minutes. When mixture forms a ball in the pan, remove. Knead until smooth. Put in a plastic bag and refrigerate. Dough is smooth, non-sticky, and smells nice.
We omitted the drink mix and cream of tartar and replace them with 2 tablespoons of citric acid and food coloring.
The dough does seem more springy and softer than the original version. I might make more and try scenting it with essential oils like lavender and the citric oils like lemon, orange, and lime. They are inexpensive and also have antimicrobial properties. Also, I will be observing how well the dough stores in a plastic container (the article recommends zip bags).
Note: The link to the article on citric acid links to another blog entry that reviews 3 gluten-free dough recipes.
