A pastry blender is a kitchen tool designed to mix flour and fat, such as butter or shortening, to create a crumbly texture for pastries and doughs. It typically features a handle with several curved metal blades that cut through the fat, allowing it to blend evenly with the flour. This tool is especially useful for making pie crusts and biscuits. Using a pastry blender is straightforward. Simply place the ingredients in a bowl and press the blades into the mixture, lifting and cutting until the desired consistency is achieved. This method helps to incorporate the fat without melting it, which is crucial for achieving flaky pastries.