When I had my first child, my sister, Beth, sent me her recipe for play dough. It’s super fast and easy to throw together and keeps the kids entertained for hours.

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup table salt
1 Tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon alum or cream or tartar
1 cup boiling water
Food coloring
glitter (if you’re feeling brave)

In a bowl, combine first 4 ingredients. Carefully add the boiling water and food coloring. Combine until the dough comes together and is soft and pliable. Knead in glitter, if using. Provide rolling pins, biscuit or cookie cutters, and bread knives.
Store in a sealed plastic bag or glass jar.