Ma Cusson's Kitchen

Coal Plant #1 and #2

Coal Plant #1
1 rugged piece of coal
6 Tbsp Salt
1 tsp Wash Bluing
10 drops Mercurochrome
2 TbspWater

Preparation

• On a rugged piece of coal, any size, pour 6 tablespoons of salt
• Put 1 teaspoon of wash bluing on the salt
• Add 10 drops of mercurochrome
• Add 2 tablespoons of water, very slowly so as not to wash off the salt
• Place on a pie plate and as it grows transfer to a larger plate
• A small amount of water must be kept in the bottom of the plate at all times – about 1 tablespoon daily.

Coal Plant #2
1 rugged piece of coal or a brick
6 Tbsp Salt
6 Tbsp Wash Bluing
6 Tbsp Water
1 Tblspammonia water
A few drops Red or Green ink
Vaseline

Preparation

• Pour 6 tablespoons of salt over the coal or brick
• Pour 6 tablespoons of wash bluing
• Pour 6 tablespoons of water
• Pour 1 tablespoon of ammonia water
• Pour the liquids very slowly to avoid washing the salt off.
• Add a few drops of red ink or green ink
• In a few days a coral like growth will appear. It tends to grow rapidly toward the edge of the dish. Rub some Vaseline around the edge of the dish to keep the growth back.
• After the first growth has stopped just add a little ammonia water to the dish. Or you can let it dry out and keep it that way.

Notes/Variations

• Older than... well, coal... these recipes are fun to do with kids

Questions/Comments?