Slow Cooker Monday: Play Dough
Monday, 16 May 2011
This week’s Crock Pot recipe is brought to you by the letter “P”…as in play dough! It’s another one of those things that a slow cooker can surprisingly make – like lasagna or granola. Slow cookers are definitely not just for soups and stews.
This isn’t exactly a food recipe (although some kids might show you otherwise) but it is too fun to pass up. Besides, you can make lots of “food” with play dough, like the pepperoni pizza above. Plus some cute, funny monkeys to eat it all up.
What is your favorite thing to make in a slow cooker?
Recipe:
Slow Cooker Play Dough
Adapted from A Year of Slow Cooking
The original recipe recommends cooking on high for a couple of hours, stirring every 30 minutes. After only 30 minutes, mine was already fully cooked and then some. I had to add an extra 1/2 cup of water because it was so dried out. I’m not sure if my slow cooker runs hotter than most, but I recommend trying the recipe on low unless you’re in a real hurry. If you do it on high, check and stir every 10-15 minutes.
- 2 C flour
- 1 C cornstarch
- 1 C salt
- 1/4 C cream of tartar
- 2 C hot water
- 2 t oil
Place dry ingredients in slow cooker and stir to combine. Mix in water and oil. Cover with lid and cook on low, stirring every 30 minutes until it forms a ball.
Remove from slow cooker and place on a clean surface. Let cool for a few minutes and then knead (be careful – it will be hot). If it’s sticky, add some cornstarch, or if it’s dry add some water.
Put some drops of food coloring on top and knead the dough until the color is evenly distributed. Store in an air-tight container.
No. 1 — May 16th, 2011 at 11:09 am
Does it smell like the brand-name stuff? Love that!
Wheels recently posted More House-piration!
No. 2 — May 16th, 2011 at 11:16 am
Neat idea. I’ve heard you can bake chocolate chip cookies and brownies in a slow cooker, too.
I’d like to try cheesecake in a slow cooker, i bet with the moisture it would turn out just right.
i tried baked potatoes in my slow cooker recently, it was a hit.
Melissa Daams recently posted Sweet Rolls-O-Rama – May Linky Party & Philly Friendship Braided Bread
No. 3 — May 16th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
I made play-doh for the first time just a couple months ago. Never thought to do it in the slow cooker though!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts recently posted Dessert Wontons
No. 4 — May 17th, 2011 at 1:32 am
Who knew you could make play dough in a slow cooker! You never cease to amaze me with your inventiveness.
Jennifer (Delicieux) recently posted Cauliflower Sformato
No. 5 — May 17th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Oh, I’ll be all over this recipe! The fact that I know what’s in it won’t make me as upset when I see Dudette popping a piece in her mouth as she’s prone to do (as most 5 year-olds are prone to do). Thanks for sharing this, and for your advice about the temp and timing.
The Mom Chef ~ Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time recently posted Piña Colada Cheesecake from Paula Deens Best Dishes 2011
No. 6 — May 17th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
what a awesome idea/recipe.
Lauren recently posted Chocolate Chip Snickerdoodle Cupcakes
No. 7 — May 17th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
What a great idea! I thought I’d seen all the cool mom tricks over the years…
Jen recently posted Can’t I Just Play Hooky
No. 8 — May 17th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
What a great idea!! I love this!!
No. 9 — May 17th, 2011 at 6:12 pm
So cute, I Love it!
Lindsey@Lindselicious recently posted Crockpot Chicken Adobo
No. 10 — May 20th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
You are a genius plain and simple…a genius! I have the little nice and nephews that come by for weekends sometimes and this would put them into happy play heaven
Magic of Spice recently posted Whats for lunch Farmers Market Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing
No. 11 — May 23rd, 2011 at 5:30 pm
@ Magic of Spice – thank you! They will love it, you should definitely make it for them.
No. 12 — May 23rd, 2011 at 5:30 pm
@ Lindsey – thanks!
No. 13 — May 23rd, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@ Kelly – thanks!
No. 14 — May 23rd, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@Jen – thanks! There’s always more tricks to be learned…the internet is great for finding more than you ever thought possible!
No. 15 — May 23rd, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@Lauren – thanks!
No. 16 — May 23rd, 2011 at 5:32 pm
@The Mom Chef – definitely! I know a certain 2 year old who practically snacks on the stuff. It’s always nice to know where all the ingredients in something came from before you feed it to your kids (or anyone you love).
No. 17 — May 23rd, 2011 at 5:33 pm
@Jennifer – thank you! I can’t say I make up all my ideas. I get lots of inspiration from other bloggers.
No. 18 — May 23rd, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@Erin – it’s fun to make on the stove top too. This gives you a little break from constant stirring though
No. 19 — May 23rd, 2011 at 5:34 pm
@Melissa – I’ll have to look for brownie and cookie recipes, that would be amazing! I definitely have seen cheesecake recipes and I bet you’re right about the moisture. Is your baked potatoes recipe on your blog? I’ll have to give it a try!
No. 20 — May 23rd, 2011 at 5:35 pm
@Wheels – hmm, it’s been a long time since I’ve smelled the store bought version. I don’t think it smells the same though – not sure what they put in that stuff!
No. 21 — May 24th, 2011 at 6:20 pm
This is a recipe I’m saving. I am going to have fun with this.
Joy recently posted 2nd Annual Blogger Bake Sale
No. 22 — May 24th, 2011 at 7:43 pm
@Joy – great, have fun!
No. 23 — December 21st, 2012 at 8:54 pm
Hi Stephanie! I found your site/recipe thanks to AllFreeCrochet. The editor linked to your recipe through AllFreeSlowCookerRecipes. I have a question about the food coloring; does it come off on hands or clothing once it’s been mixed in? Is there any particular type/brand of food coloring you’d recommend to use over another? Thanks for sharing this recipe!
No. 24 — December 26th, 2012 at 9:33 am
Lori, I just use regular old food coloring that you can find in the baking aisle. I’ve never had any issues with the color coming off once the dough is mixed and cooled. Hope you enjoy!