Best (foodsafe) paper mache paste recipe?

I need the help of real humans as I've never made paper mache as an adult and don't remember the recipe.  But I'm confident it didn't include glues and the teacher had said when joe started munching on the paste, not to worry, it's food safe.

What's your go to recipe for paper mache paste?
Any other suggestions for working with this medium?

Either that or a search engine that can filter out ai slop.  Because an hour on google and ducky gave me nothing but cookies, adverts that broke my browser,  and information that surely must be wrong. 50% white glue is probably not as  food safe and non toxic as I would like

Also, is there any reason not to add clove essential oil to the mix?  It prevents mould and pests.  But it is an oil, and maybe won't mix?

I want this silly thing to out last me.

You should be able to use wheat paste.

Here is a video about using wheat paste to glue cardboard together to make furniture and more (I have it start where he talks about making the wheat paste).

Jeff Bosch wrote:You should be able to use wheat paste.

Here is a video about using wheat paste to glue cardboard together to make furniture and more (I have it start where he talks about making the wheat paste).

https://youtu.be/45JhacvmXV8?t=181

That's fantastic, thank you.

I like that he used clove oil so that answers my question.

During the 1800s, a lot of furniture was made from paper mache and I bet they would have used cardboard too if i had been more common.  They were only designed to last 40ish years, but I've seen a few in museums and homes and they are stll amazing.

Wheat paste as he calls it looks the same recipe we use in weaving to strengthen fragile yarn (sizing).  It's incredibly strong but washes out moderately easily.  

For some reason, I don't remember paper mache paste being cooked... but it was a long time ago.

The cooking develops the gluten, making it stronger and makes it stick together better.