The Sprout Turns 2!! Part 2

Since organized games and activities are a little much for 2 year olds, I was at a bit of loss as to what the Sprout's party could or should look like. I decided that since they still parallel play and bounce from activity to activity, I would plan for activities that encourage this.

Play dough is a current favorite in our household with the Sprout and the Little Housemate, so it seemed like a no-brainer to have a play dough activity station. Plus I have a weird nostalgic love of the smell of homemade playdough. My mom used to make it for us when we were little so I knew it was a simple process. But I'd never made it myself.

I pulled out a handy-dandy fundraiser cookbook. You know the kind. The ones that churches or schools put together and sell. The ones that contain lots of recipes that rely on cream of chicken soup (yikes). The ones that also contain a smattering of "miscellaneous" recipes in the back like chex mix and homemade dog biscuits and play dough. Yes, play dough.

Here's the recipe I used. I have no idea of the merits of this play dough recipe versus the hundreds of other variations on the internets. But this one is quick and easy and smells satisfyingly of cream of tartar. I made several batches in different colors for the party and then I was having so much fun that I made enough for party favors to take home.

PLAY DOUGH

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 cup water

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

food coloring

Mix the dry ingredients together in a saucepan and then add the wet ingredients. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until dough forms into a ball. Turn onto a flat surface and knead for a few minutes. Let cool. Store in a cool, dry place.

Play.

Thanks to the Angels on High Preschool in Muncie, Indiana for their cookbook and recipe.(Seriously, who wouldn't send their kid to a preschool with that name!?) My dear friend and college roommate is the director of this preschool and she is a fabulous cook who only occasionally uses cream of chicken soup.