Play Dough

This makes the best playdough.  It's far better than the kind you buy.

2 cups flour

1 cup salt

½ cup cornstarch

1 tbs. oil

1 tbs. alum

2 cups water

food coloring or package of unsweetened Koolaid (optional)

Combine all ingredients in saucepan, cook on low heat (stirring constantly) until the mixture is too hard to stir anymore.  At this point it will most likely be leaving the sides of the pan.  Remove pan from heat, dump dough onto the counter and knead until smooth.  Let cool and store in plastic bag or covered container.  This play dough is a bit softer than commercial, and easier to mold.  You can also let it dry for ornaments, etc.