pastry blender

A pastry blender is a kitchen tool used to cut fats, like butter or shortening, into flour when making baked goods such as pie crusts or biscuits. It typically has a handle and several metal blades or wires that work together to cut and mix the fats evenly without overworking the dough. This process creates small, pea-sized lumps that help give baked items a tender, flaky texture. Using a pastry blender allows for better control and ensures a consistent mixture, which is key to achieving high-quality baked results.