We’ve got a lockdown activity to keep the kids busy for a couple of hours. If you want a break from cooking then how about making play dough? This version is suitable for children who are coeliacs or anyone on a diet that restricts gluten.

Making playdough is lots of fun for kids and it’s a welcome distraction from screen time. This gluten-free version is a silky soft texture and safe for kids that are continually putting hands in their mouth or the ones who can’t resist eating it – which is most of them!

You don’t need a lot to make dough, but double check everything you use is suitable for your child’s allergies. Here is what you’ll need.

Ingredients

• 3 cups of W&G gluten free plain flour
• 4 tbs cream of tartar
• 1 cup of salt
• 1 ¾ cup water
• 2 tbs oil
• Food colouring

Method

Add the flour, cream of tartar, salt, water and oil to a large bowl and mix until well combined. Start stirring with a spoon, but you may find it easier to combine everything with your hands as it thickens.

Once the mixture turns into a dough-like texture, separate into pieces, depending on how many colours you want to use. Carefully add a few drops of food colouring to the dough and knead it until mixed through.

Tip: There is more than one way to make play dough. Another option is to mix all the ingredients in a saucepan over low heat. But we thought it would be more fun to just mix it with our hands, it worked beautifully!

Once the kids have finished playing with the dough it doesn’t need to be tossed out. Instead, store it in zip-lock bags until it’s next needed. You may need to add a little oil to bring it back to life again.

We hope you enjoyed this alternative use for our flour. Stay safe and sane!