Gluten-free Play Dough

Okay, I've been busy tonight, this is the 3rd post this evening...Wednesday nights are spent baking and getting things ready to take to day care, etc., hence, the play dough.  Play dough is one of my little one's favorite things to play with, but not so healthy now that he's gluten-free.  I found this recipe in the Incredible Edible Gluten-Free Food for Kids cookbook (I really love this book!), it's super easy, and it smells good, too!

Gluten-Free Play Dough

2/3 cup rice flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
1/3 cup salt
2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1 tablespoon cream of tartar
1 package unsweetened Kool-Aid (or food coloring, but Kool-Aid is brighter and makes it smell good!)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup warm water
Extra cornstarch for kneading dough

Directions
1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the dry ingredients. (If using food color instead of Kool-Aid, add the coloring to the water instead of to the dry ingredients)

2. Add the oil and the warm water to the flour mixture and mix well.

3. Heat the mixture on medium heat for about one minute or until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan.  Remove from heat.

4.  Turn the dough out onto a cornstarch-floured board.  Knead in enough starch until the dough is no longer sticky.

5. Store in an airtight container when not in use. It will last longer if stored in the fridge, too.

6.  If the dough becomes too think or slightly dry after use, heat it in the microwave on high for about 30 seconds and knead.