Edible glitter, playdough: Recipes to for fun days inside during self-isolation
From edible glitter to DIY playdough and quirky snacks, it’s time to try some new activities in your own kitchen.
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Kids love messing about in the kitchen. Sometimes that means cooking — and sometimes it just means making a big mess.
If you’ve got little ones that need entertaining this weekend, try these craft and cookery ideas to stave off quarantine boredom.
They’re easy to make and the best thing about them is they’re all made with food — even the paints and pottery moulds.
SALT CERAMIC MOULDS
Like plaster painting moulds, but a cheaper option for artsy kids.
Easy / 6:00 Prep / Makes 1
ingredients
1 cup salt
1/2 cup cornflour
1/2 cup boiling water
Method
Mix all ingredients together.
Heat over low to medium heat in a non-stick saucepan until thick.
Add a couple of drops of fragrance of choice, if using.
Pour mixture in moulds and harden at room temperature.
KIDS’ WATER-BASED PAINT
Kids’ water-based paints can get expensive, so make your own.
Easy / 0:20 Prep / Makes 4
Ingredients
1 cup salt
1 cup plain flour
1 cup water
4 liquid food colouring
Method
Mix the salt, flour and water together in a bowl, until well blended.
Divide mixture and add a few drops of desired food colouring. Stir through.
Pour mixture into old squeezy sauce bottles.
EDIBLE FINGER PAINTS
Quick and cheap edible finger paints your kids will love.
Easy / 0:15 Prep / 4 Servings
Ingredients
4 tbs sugar
1/2 cup cornflour
3 cup cold water
4 drops liquid food colouring
Method
Stir sugar and cornflour together. While stirring, slowly add water and heat over medium heat until mixture thickens.
Paint will thicken further when it cools.
Divide into four containers and add food colouring.
PLAYDOUGH IN A PAN
A soft playdough, which keeps for months.
Easy 0:05 Prep 0:05 Cook Makes 3
Ingredients
1/2 cup salt
1 cup plain flour
2 tbs cream of tartar
1 cup water
1 tbs oil
3 drops liquid food colouring
Method
Mix all ingredients together in a medium-sized saucepan.
Stir over heat until dough is pliable.
Allow to cool, and store in a well-sealed plastic bag or container.
View all notes
NOTES
3 drops of colouring is an estimate - please adjust to your liking.
NO-COOK PLAY DOUGH
This is a quick and easy recipe that kids can help make as well as play with.
Easy / 0:15 Prep / Makes 4
Ingredients
2 cups plain flour
1 cup salt
1 tbs oil
1 cup cold water
2 drops liquid food colouring
Method
Combine plain flour and salt.
Add water, food colouring and oil. Mix until ingredients are combined
Knead well.
If consistency is too wet add a little plain flour.
NOW FOR THE SNACKS...
EDIBLE GLITTER
You’ll love adding a little sparkle to your cupcakes. These easy glitters are quick to make and will keep everyone busy.
Easy / 0:05 Prep / 0:05 Cook
Ingredients
1/2 cup raw sugar
1/2 tsp food colouring
Method
Preheat the oven to 150°C. Place your sugar in a snap-lock bag. Add your choice of food colouring a couple of drops at a time and massage through the sugar until you reach the desired colour.
Lay out your coloured sugar on a foil-lined baking tray and bake for ten minutes. Remove the sugar and allow it to cool on the tray for one hour.
Add your glittery sugar to an airtight container and store away from direct light.
SHERBET
Sherbet is an old-fashioned favourite sweet for children. Now you can make it at home using simple ingredients like jelly crystals, baking powder and icing sugar. Delicious and so easy that your kids can make it with you.
Easy / 0:05 Prep / 1 Serving
Ingredients
1 tsp citric acid
2 tbs icing sugar
3 tbs jelly crystals
1 tsp baking soda
Method
Measure ingredients into a small bowl.
Mix them well and enjoy!
MARS BAR CARS
Great for treats.
Easy / 0:20 Prep / Makes 12
Ingredients
12 Mars Bars
12 Arnott’s Tiny Teddy biscuits
45 g Skittles
1/2 cup icing sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
Method
Make a few holes on top of the Mars Bars with a skewer.
Push Tiny Teddy into holes as drivers.
Mix the icing sugar and cocoa with a little water.
Stick Skittles on sides of the Mars Bars with the icing to make the wheels and steering wheel if desired.