Make your own homemade Modeling dough

This is a good modeling dough for children which can also be used to make Christmas tree decorations.

To make 1½ lb/700g dough

• 8 tablespoons table salt (do not use rock or sea salt)
• 4 floz/115ml hot water
• 4 floz/115ml cold water 8 tablespoons cornflour
• 2 drops food coloring (optional)

Mix the salt and hot water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Place the cold water in a small bowl and stir in the cornflour; mix well. Add food coloring if desired. Add the cornflour mixture to the boiling salt water and stir vigorously to keep it from forming lumps. Cook over a low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is stiff. Remove from the heat and, using a large spoon, carefully turn the mixture onto a bread board. Leave the dough to cool and then knead it until smooth. Use immediately or wrap in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

If you want to dry the models, leave them standing at room temperature for 3 days, or bake them at Gas Mark ¼, 110C/225 F for 2 hours.

Christmas tree decorations Roll out the dough to ¼ in/6mm thick and then use biscuit cutters to make a variety of shapes. Make a hole at the top of each one with a toothpick (so a string or wire can be inserted later) and bake them as above. Decorate as desired.