Peppermint Playdough

I love making this with my students -- they get very excited and have lengthy conversations about what color we should make the play dough this time. In the holiday spirit, we all agreed on green, with peppermint oil to scent it.

• 4 cups water
• 4 cups flour
• 2 cups salt
• 8 teaspoons cream of tarter
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• food coloring
• 15 drops essential oil -- peppermint or tea tree work best -- lavender and more gentle smells are overpowered by the natural salty scent of the play dough

1) Place all the ingredients in the pot. The order is not important, and kids get excited about helping pour each ingredient in. I would add food coloring and essential oil last, by an adult. Stir well.

2) Stir over medium heat. Mixture will begin to thicken on bottom of the pot. Scrape off thickened dough with a sturdy spoon. This takes some elbow grease!

3) The thickened dough will be darkened slightly. When no more "liquid" dough remains, cook for one minute longer, turning constantly, and then remove from heat. Continue stirring for a few minutes, scraping dough off bottom of pot.

4) Place balls of dough on a counter and let cool at least 5 minutes before allowing little hands to touch.

5) Play!

6) Dough can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for many months to come.