What can I use to replace a pastry blender?

Question

I saw that you can use forks but I don't understand when they said to criss cross the forks.

~Thanks in advance~

Answer 1

Your fingers....you just want the butter to be coated in the flour

Answer 2

The easiest method [I learned it from my great-grandmother] is to squeeze it between your fingers until you have a good consistency. But wash your hands very well first! And if you touch any part of you body while doing this kind of mixing, [except your hands touching themselves] then wash your hands again. Be sure to rinse them Very well, as you do not want the sent of soap in the dough!

Answer 3

Use two knives.  You "Criss cross" them by holding one in each hand and then rub them against each other with some flour/shortening between them as is you were sharpening them.  But rub the flat sides and not the edge.  This cuts the shortening into the the flour.

You might check ehow.com to see if they have a video of the procedure.

You can also mash it up with a fork but the more you work the dough, the tougher the crust will be.

Answer 4

fork, or food processor equipped w/ blade.

tough pastry is awful to eat.  It's supposed to be flaky and crumbly, fork-tender.  When tough, you can't cut it, it shrinks up, and doesn't taste good or feel good in your mouth.

Answer 5

Better yet, use 2 knives, and run them in opposite directions against eachother, like scissors. That will blend your pastry well.