1/2 c. cornstarch
1/2 c. water
2 tsp. salt

Mix until smooth. Add 2 cups hot water, boil until thick; put in separate containers and add food coloring. Store in covered containers. Use on freezer wrap paper or wax paper. Try finger painting on a cookie sheet. The experience will be worth it and the mess will be less. If the child wants to save the picture, a print can be made by laying paper carefully over the cookie sheet and "peeling" the print off the cookie sheet.

NOTE: Not for human consumption!