Step 1: I mixed 4 cups of the flour with 1 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of water in the mixing bowl (this mixture makes two large organs plus a bone or two). When the ingredients were well mixed and the dough started taking shape, I turned it out onto a working surface and kneaded the dough for 10 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it's satiny smooth and an indented fingerprint slowly pops back. If the dough is not kneaded enough, it won't hold its shape. If it's too dry, add a few drops of water at a time while kneeding, if it's too sticky, add a little more flour.

Step 2: Once I chose the specific organs I wanted to recreate, I did a little research. Since I wanted the organs to look realistic, I needed some idea of how big to make them and what the overall shape should be. If it's a large organ, I recommend creating a basic armature out of aluminum foil, rolling out the dough to about 1/2" thickness and covering the armature with the dough and then adding detail. If you make a large organ out of a solid piece of the dough, it'll take much longer than necessary for it to dry out in the oven.

To better define the organs, I used whatever modeling tools I had on hand (I used a knitting needle and an embroidery hook- most action they'll get all year!) I also created coils to make the veins and aorta on the heart. Some of the pieces were difficult to attach, so I dampened the dough with a tiny bit of water to help the pieces adhere.

I made as many organs as I needed to fill the platter I bought. Organs like the liver and kidneys are pretty easy to replicate and all the naturally occuring cracks in the salt dough actually help with the realism. However, organs like the heart and brain are a little more complex and needed some time finessing. It was a challenge, but it was totally worth the effort. (I imagined Dr. House looking over my shoulder and critiquing my work the whole time.)

Step 4: When the objects were thouroughly hardened, I let them cool on a baking rack and started mixing my colors. For reddish organs like the heart, I started with a layer of blood-red. When that dried, I layered on darker reds and blues as needed. I added another layer of a deep blue for the veins. For the brain, I painted a deep red into the crevasses and then brushed a charming brainy gray/beige over the top, making sure to leave the channels of red showing.

Step 5: After the paint dried, I added a layer of varnish to completely seal the pieces. The last thing I want is an infestation of bugs in my display, no matter how appropriate that might seem.

Mmmm...now where's that bottle of Chianti? (Many thanks to Daniela for the clever tutorial title!)