What is the function of pastry blender?

Table of Contents:

1. What is the function of pastry blender?
2. What foods can a pastry blender make?
3. What does it mean to cut in lard?
4. What cuts shortening into dry ingredients?
5. How do you cut shortening without a pastry blender?
6. How do you grate butter without a grater?

What is the function of pastry blender?

Simply a series of curved blades or wires attached to a handle, a pastry blender—like Martha's own tool ($22, macys.com)—is designed for the sole purpose of gradually cutting cold butter into flour without over-blending or heating it up.

What foods can a pastry blender make?

A pastry blender (aka pastry cutter) is a hand-held tool used both to cut solid fat into flour, and to blend it in thoroughly. It consists of a handle that has half-moon shaped wires attached to it at both ends. It is used most often for pastry dough, scone dough, or baking powder biscuit dough.

What does it mean to cut in lard?

Cutting in the fat in a baking recipe is the process of working fat (typically butter, lard, or shortening) into the dry ingredients until it is starting to coat the flour and the pieces of fat are very small and so the fat is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients before the liquid is added to the recipe.

What cuts shortening into dry ingredients?

To cut in, you can use either two knives or a pastry blender. If you are using knives, hold a knife in each hand and cut across the shortening in opposite directions, working it into the flour—this may take a bit of time.

How do you cut shortening without a pastry blender?

You can simply substitute with two kitchen knives! Take the two knives like pictured above and "cut in" the shortening into your flour. It is a simple tip but one that may come in handy when you are in a bind.

How do you grate butter without a grater?

Cut the butter into 1 tablespoon sized slices. Add the flour and cold butter to the bowl of a food processor. Use a pastry blender which ultimately works pretty similar to the knife method but is easier. Proceed with your recipe as instructed.