1-1/2 cups water
1/2 cup salt
Heat till hot and add:
1 Tbsp alum
2 Tbsp mineral oil OR baby oil
1 Tbsp glycerin
Food coloring (as desired)
Flavoring (such as oil of cloves, peppermint, cherry, etc. -- need only a few drops)
In mixer, add 1-1/2 cups flour
Add slowly, 1 additional cup flour (more or less).
It's ready to play with when cool enough to handle. Store in refrigerator in plastic Ziploc bag. Your kids will have play dough for a year.