1 c. flour
1 c. water
1/2 c. salt
1 tbsp. cream of tartar
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
Food coloring or powdered tempera

Mix the flour, water, salt, cream of tartar and vegetable oil together in a saucepan. Add a few drops of food coloring for pastel-colored play dough or a sprinkling of powdered tempera for brightly-colored play dough. Cook on high, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches play dough consistency. Let cool. Keeps for several weeks if stored in a plastic bag or covered container.