Easy No Cook Playdough

I'm a no fuss mom so playdough recipes that need the hob aren't for me! I've been using and perfecting this recipe for years and it works every time.

Easter holidays are in full swing in our house and yesterday little man asked to make some playdough so he could make Easter cakes. We make playdough every week and it's a 10 minute job that always guarantees hours of independent play. We made three balls in different colours yesterday and as long as they'll last the whole week in a zip log bag as long as you're quick to put them away when you're finished playing. The salt will make them crusty if you leave it out (although that's an awesome play activity to do outside in sunny weather as the sun "bakes" it into biscuits!).

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain flour

• 1/2 cup table salt

• 1/2 cup hot water (boil the kettle and let it cool for a couple of minutes)

• Food colouring (we use gels as liquids will mean you need more flour and they're generally brighter)

• Oil (we like baby oil but any carrier oil is fine - we've used olive, sunflower, almond and even sesame)

Method

• Add flour and salt to a large bowl and combine.

• Add colouring to hot water to your desired shade. Remember that it will get lighter as you work it through.

• Add the coloured water to the bowl and combine with a spoon (it will be hot!). When it starts to come together Add a tablespoon of your chosen oil and continue mixing.

• Knead into a dough with your hands.

• If your mix is too wet - add more flour until you get a soft dough consistency - I tend to do this in pinches until I get the right feel.

• Keep kneading until you have a ball of dough. It may feel tacky which is fine and will disappear once it stands for a few minutes but if it's sticky add more flour.

• You can also add scents, essences, herbs, tea leaves, glitter or sprinkles in for sensory playdough! Add dry ingredients at step 1 and wet ingredients at step 3.