In case you didn't get enough pumpkin spice at breakfast, how about adding it to play time? Jude's playdough was getting a bit tired and I jumped at the chance to make a seasonal batch. I think this is my favorite playdough we've made. It smells wonderful and our "secret" ingredient makes it extra smooth and less susceptible to dry outs.
Pumpkin Spice Playdough Recipe (adapted for the recipe found in Unplugged Play)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup of salt (a little more if you use kosher)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil*
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon/nutmeg/cloves)
- optional: food coloring or natural food based dyes (such as beet juice and turmeric)
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients (except coloring) in a large pot.
- Stir over medium heat until a big ball forms. (It should be smooth and no longer sticky.)
- Remove from pot and allow to cool until the dough can be worked by hand.
- Divide the dough into however many different colors you want.
- Work the colors into the dough by adding a few drops at a time and kneading. (We used food coloring for red, yellow, and orange and left one brown. Similar colors could be achieved with natural juices: beet, carrot, turmeric.)
- Enjoy!
* Coconut oil is my secret ingredient. I makes the best play dough ever. If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it.
For the play portion of our dough we went on a nature walk to gather fall's bounty: leaves, horse chestnuts, acorns. Then Jude got busy rolling dough, making prints, and having a blast.
If you haven't had a chance to try homemade playdough, I encourage you to give it a try. It is so much nicer, cheaper, and more natural than store bought. Plus, the making is part of the fun! I think this autumnal playdough would make a perfect addition to the kid's table on Thanksgiving, don't you? Now, hurry, make some pumpkin spice play dough before everything turns peppermint!
Here's to (seasonal) homemade fun!