This is a very inexpensive, quick-to-make alternative to the stuff that you can buy in the store under a slightly different name. Let’s be clear: this is technically edible, but not really food. The recipe is an unattributed entry in The Woodland Chapel Cookbook, printed sometime after 1988. 

1 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp. cream of tartar
1 c. water
2 tsp. food coloring*

*The original recipe calls for this amount, but as little as a few drops will likely do. More will create a darker color. Once the play dough is finished, it won’t stain skin, though it’s not a bad idea to have kids play with it over wax paper if you’re concerned about fabric or wood surfaces.

Mix the flour, salt, and tartar in a medium pan, then add the water and food coloring. Whisk as well as you can before turning on the heat to avoid too many lumps.

Cook over medium heat and stir for about 3-5 minutes until the water reduces and you have a thick paste. It will look like a globby mess and you’ll be sure it’s not turning out, but it will. If you don’t get all the food coloring fully mixed before it’s reduced, just tell the kids that it’s a fancy kind of play dough with swirls or something.

Let it cool. Store in an airtight container or a plastic bag.