Playdoh Chefs

Another program Allyson piloted in 2009 was the Playdoh Chefs program. Our library space doesn't really allow us to do baking or cooking programs, which is hard to do these days with all of the food allergies out there. But playdoh is one way we can 'bake' at the library and we now do this as a regular program several times a year.

Allyson tried at her recipe at home ahead of time. Meanwhile, Linda decided that should could make chef hats for all of the children that were attending the program (2 sessions, 15 children each.) She made the hats out of sheets of crepe paper and cardstock.

I also ordered these cute little aprons that also serve well as smocks. The children looked absolutely adorable as chefs!

As I mentioned, we now host the program several times during the year. The chef hats were cute but very time consuming to make so we no longer make them for the children. We usually set the tables up in a "U" shape with the librarian in the middle. There are five ingredients for playdoh, so we put five children at each table so they each have a chance to add an ingredient and mix! The librarian running the program also makes a batch to show the children which ingredients go in the batch at which time. It also gives the kids a little bit more dough to play with. There's also an extra batch in case for some reason one was a dud. Allyson comes up with many wonderful programs, and this is definitely one of my favorites!

Here is the recipe if you'd like to make playdoh @ your library or...@ home!

1 cup flour

1/2 cup salt

1 tbsp oil

1 tsp cream of tartar

1/2 cup warm water and food coloring (put food coloring in same container as the water)

Mix all ingredients in large bowl. Knead with hands. Add more flour if sticky, add more water if crumbly.Keep refrigerated in ziploc bag when not in use!