Play Dough

I'm off to babysit the three little ones (cousins) that I nanny for from time to time. Since they are all six years old, I need lots of ideas for entertaining them and keeping them happily busy.
Making play dough is always a hit.

Here's my recipe:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
4 cups water
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup cream of tartar (helps it stay fresh for a long time)
Food coloring, if desired

Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan. Cook and stir over low/medium heat until play dough is completely formed and no longer sticky. (Really, it will cook up to a nice play dough consistency as long as you watch it closely and keep stirring!) Mix/knead in food coloring, if you want colors! Allow to cool at least part way before beginning to play with it! Store in an air-tight container or a zip-lock bag.