Add color to this no-cook dough using ingredients from your kitchen, and you won't have to worry if some ends up in your toddler's mouth (though the taste probably won't be to her liking).

1 cup flour

3/8 cup salt

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Natural dyes:

Brown — 3/8 cup plus one tablespoon hot water and 4 tablespoons cocoa powder

Fuchsia — 3/8 cup hot beet juice (we used the liquid from a 15-ounce can of beets)

Orange — 3/8 cup hot water and 1 tablespoon paprika

Yellow — 3/8 cup hot water and 1 teaspoon turmeric

In a medium-size bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the oil and your chosen natural dye, and stir well. Knead the dough on a floured surface for a few minutes. If the clay is too soft, add a bit more flour. Store the clay in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

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