Rainy Day Recipes!
School’s out and while we hope that every day will be sunny, a few rainy days are unavoidable! Here are three fun recipes that I found in the summer issue of Parent and Child magazine that may make a wash out into a winner!
Play Dough
Ingredients
- 3 c. flour
- 3 c. water
- 1½ c. salt
- 6 T. cooking oil
- 6 t. cream of tartar
- Food coloring
Directions
- In a pot, mix flour, salt and cream of tartar.
- Color the water with food coloring and stir it in along with the cooking oil.
- Over low heat, stir until the dough forms a big ball.
- Dump the playdough onto a heat resistant countertop or cutting board.
- Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before kneading.
Ideas for play
- Children will enjoy playing with the playdough while it is still warm – it feels good!
- Set out cookie cutters, craft sticks, and other kitchen utensils for exploration!
- You can also consider adding vanilla or peppermint extract before cooking!
Homemade Sand
Ingredients
- 4 c. dried, used coffee grounds
- 2 c. cornmeal
- 1 c. flour
- ½ c. salt
Directions
- Dry the grounds in the sun or in your oven on low heat.
- Make sure that the grounds are extremely dry – otherwise they’ll mold.
- Stir all ingredients together and there you go!
Ideas for play
- Provide bowls, funnels, scoops and wooden spoons for pouring fun!
Flubber
Ingredients
- 1½ c. glue
- 4 T. Borax (laundry detergent aisle)
- 4 c. water
Directions
- Mix 2 c. of water and the glue in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 2 c. water and the Borax.
- After it’s dissolved, pour the Borax mixture a little at a time into the glue mixture and stir.
- You might not need all of the Borax mixture.
Ideas for play
- Squish it, poke it, or try sticking a bit of it at the end of a straw and blowing a bubble.
- Watch it ooze through your fingers. Hang a berry basket in your doorway and place some flubber inside.
- Watch it stretch through the holes in the basket.
Note: vinegar will take flubber out of clothes, mayonnaise will take it out of hair!
Many thanks to Parent and Child for these clever recipes! Don’t forget to observe kitchen safety when using the oven and stove top to avoid injury during your play time!
