What is a Pastry Blender?
A pastry blender is a handled U-shaped utensil made up of wires or thin metal blades. It’s used to “cut” fat—shortening, butter, or margarine—into small bits and evenly distribute it throughout your dough. When dough is baked, those small bits of fat melt, resulting in flaky, tender crusts and pastries. • Benefits Cutting fat using a fork or spoon can be time-consuming. And using your hands is a big no-no because your body heat melts the bits, preventing them from being spread equally through the mixture. If you’re a big-time pie-maker, consider buying a pastry blender. It will quickly, evenly break down and mix fat into dough nicely. • Using a Pastry BlenderTo cut your dough, simply press the pastry blender into the bowl until shortening, butter, or margarine is consistently broken down into bits and thoroughly mixed into dough.
