Pastry Blenders
A pastry blender is used to ‘cut’ butter into the flour. You can either use this simple and relatively inexpensive tool or you can your hands by rubbing the butter into the flour. This method is used in making quite a number of baked goods, like scones, some cakes and pastry, and biscuits.
This is what a pastry blender looks like. You can buy a pastry blender from most kitchen equipment stores or ask your granny, she might even have one for you!
Why the Rubbing Method?
The best reason for using the rubbing method I have read is from What Sarah Bakes:
“If you made three cakes with the same ingredients, but used different mixing methods to make it, you would get three different textured cakes.
Unlike the creaming method and the muffin method, the rubbing-in method coats the flour proteins in a layer of fat. This means that it is harder for water to get through, resulting in less gluten – which means a finer and more tender crumb. I particularly like using the rubbing method for a flaky pie crust or shortbread base where not much air is needed as a leavener.”
Tips when Rubbing in Butter
• Always use very cold butter. It should be cut into cubes.
• Always only use your fingertips when rubbing in the butter – it is the coldest part of your hand. You do not want to melt the butter.
• Rub the butter into the flour by using your fingertips and thumbs. You should try to incorporate some air into the mixture by lifting the butter and flour as you work.
This method is easier as it looks. Once you get the hang of it, it becomes quite therapeutic. Keep rubbing the butter & your hard work will pay off once you taste this buttery, ‘biscuitty’, crumbly savoury goods! 😉
Ingredients
- 2 Cups All-purpose Flour
- 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
- Pinch of Salt & Pepper
- Pinch of Smoked Paprika
- 125g Butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 Cup Grated Cheese (densely packed)
- 60ml Finely Chopped Garlic Chives (normal chives will also work)
- Handful of finely chopped Sundried Tomatoes
- Two Cups of Finely Diced Baby Spinach (normal spinach will also work)
- ½ Cup Milk
- 2 Large Eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Spray a baking dish (I used an 18cm x 18cm deep baking pan) with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper and smoked paprika.
- Add the butter. By using your fingers work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles corn meal. You can also use a pastry blender.
- Add the cheese, chives, sundried tomatoes and baby spinach. Mix with a wooden spoon until combined.
- Mix the milk and the eggs in a separate container, then add to the flour mixture and mix until well combined.
- Empty the mixture into the pan. Rub your hands with some butter and press down until it fits into the corners.
- Bake for ± 25 minutes.
- Cut into smaller pieces and serve immediately with butter and grated cheese.
Hi may I know the serving size for this
Hi there, I cut the bake into 12 pieces, but you are welcome to increase if you think 4.5cm x 6cm per piece will be too small and you would like to serve them a bit bigger. I think it depends on what else you will be serving your guests / family. If you are having a tea with a selection of sweet and savoury items, this size is good, or even smaller will work. If this is your main item then I’d increase the size.