Some parents try to avoid artificial dyes and flavors, and most of the time that’s me. We are a happy healthy balance of whole, fresh (or frozen) foods, with a sprinkle of carefully selected processed food for convenience. Plus everyone knows chicken nuggets taste better when they’re shaped like dinosaurs. So the thought of dying pasta rainbow colors might seem like the opposite of a happy healthy approach to toddler momming.
Why in the world would you want to color pasta?
1. Color Wheel Learning
The first time I decided to color pasta I tried to do it while Sassy was upstairs having free play. Naturally she came down and wanted to help, and I realized I was missing out on a learning activity right there in the process of making them! Sure, I had planned for her to use the rainbow spaghetti in her sensory bin the next day, but right now she was going to learn about the color wheel.
We talked about the different colors as I dropped them in the water. We discussed what happened if we mixed colors. I explained how the pasta was absorbing the colored water. She was fascinated by the process, and eager to see the finished product.
2. Sensory Play
Pasta is a great way for children to have fun in their sensory bin. Choose between raw or cooked colored paste, perhaps in an assortment of shapes. Give them some spoons, scoops, or even small rings to dig, sort, and pick up the pasta using their fine motor skills. Let the kiddo self guide their play activity.
And if you’re feeling ambitious, sprinkle some glitter in for added fun. Everyone loves glitter.
How to do it…
Option 1:
Boil the pasta according to the box directions. Then separate into bags or bowls with 2-3 drops of food coloring plus 2-3 tablespoons of water. Shake or stir. Drain and rinse before playing (or eating).
Option 2:
Soak raw pasta in separate bowls or bags of colored water (2-3 drops of food coloring per 2-3 tablespoons of water) for 3-5 minutes. The longer it soaks, the deeper the color will get. However, if it soaks too long the pasta will soften. If that happens, dry in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with a junk towel. Remember, they will stain, so don’t use nice towels. Drain and rinse each color separately to prevent colors from becoming muddy.
Oh and by the way…
Cooked colored pasta is totally safe to eat! Just season as normal. If it is for play, be sure to toss it after use. Don’t try to store for another day of play, once it’s exposed to kiddo’s hand germs it will get super gross very fast.
Blue elbows with black eyed peas, garlic and Parm!
So will you be coloring pasta anytime soon? Let me know what other ideas you have! And don’t forget to check out the other fun kiddo activities you can do at home!