Ingredients:
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup salt
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 cup water
* Food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Add Water and Oil: Add the water and oil to the saucepan.
3. Cook and Stir: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove From Heat: Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. Knead and Color:
* For a single color: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes. You can add a few drops of food coloring at this point, kneading it in until the color is evenly distributed.
* For multiple colors: Divide the dough into portions and add different food colors to each portion. Knead each color separately.
6. Store: Store the dough in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for several weeks.
Tips:
* Smooth Texture: If the dough is too sticky, knead in a little more flour. If it's too dry, add a few drops of water.
* Creative Colors: Experiment with different food color combinations to create unique hues.
* Adding Scents: For a fun scent, add a few drops of vanilla extract or essential oils while kneading (use essential oils meant for children, as some are toxic).
* Using Leftover Dough: If you have leftover dough, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just let it warm up to room temperature before playing with it.
Important Safety Note: Always supervise young children when they are playing with Play-Doh. Make sure they don't put it in their mouths or eyes.