Monday, December 13, 2010

Gingerbread Bakery

This month to go along with the “Gingerbread Man unit” we have made fun gingerbread play doh. To make it, we us our favorite play dough recipe and add, a few teaspoons of cinnamon or nutmeg. Many of the classrooms have turned the dramatic play area into a Gingerbread Bakery. They have added the following props to make bakery: rolling pins, cookie cutters, beads, and foiled covered plates. I have added the recipe in case you would like to duplicate this at home.

Here is the recipe:
1 c. flour
1/2 c. salt
1 T. cooking oil
1 T. cream of tartar
1 c. water
cinnamon or nutmeg (about two teaspoons)
food coloring (if you want to give it a color)
Measure the ingredients into a nonstick pot and stir until well mixed. Then cook over medium heat until the dough pulls away from the sides and forms a ball. Dump the dough out onto a cutting board and knead it until smooth. Keep the play dough in an airtight container or ziploc bag; it usually lasts a few months. Enjoy!
You can use this recipe and change the cinnamon or nutmeg for other fun things. This time of year some people use peppermint extract and make and red food coloring for a fun holiday doh. In January you can put glitter to make it look like fun winter/snow play doh. Be creative and have fun.