Rubbing in with arthritis

Nowadays I usually use a basic food processor to do the rubbing-in.

Melt the fat and stir into the flour ?

You can buy a metal tool, called a pastry blender or pastry cutter. Various places sell them, one example
www.lakeland.co.uk/33723/tala-pastry-blender?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20891625552&gbraid=0AAAAADtoD6OjFv5HLQBore7wA4U6MhYc0&gclid=CjwKCAjw-8vPBhBbEiwAoA39WpPRzgEYG8bigLiqEGDAq6AfrUVlv02oAMG6s_aS8YejKHSMrcPWKhoCh_AQAvD_BwE

Use a cheese grater if you can.
It is like breadcrumbs without rubbing in.
The fat has to be very firm of course, half an hour in the freezer will do it.

I use my blender for rubbing in, particularly for making crumble topping and pastry.

If you use vegetarian suet it comes in small granules so easy to mix in. Ok not suitable for all recipes but thought I would mention.

I put the ingredients in the food processor. In fact, I often weigh out flour and fat, blend it in batches and freeze at the ‘breadcrumb stage’ ……… that way the food processor is used for more than one recipe and saves on washing up.

jusnoneed

You can buy a metal tool, called a pastry blender or pastry cutter. Various places sell them, one example
www.lakeland.co.uk/33723/tala-pastry-blender?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20891625552&gbraid=0AAAAADtoD6OjFv5HLQBore7wA4U6MhYc0&gclid=CjwKCAjw-8vPBhBbEiwAoA39WpPRzgEYG8bigLiqEGDAq6AfrUVlv02oAMG6s_aS8YejKHSMrcPWKhoCh_AQAvD_BwE

My MiL had one of these and used it for all pastry, crumbles, etc.

My hands are shocking now so it’s food processor for me, and less handling makes better pastry.

Thank you for answering my query. I shall certainly follow this up. Rhubarb crumble today but I make flapjack topping melted batter, honey and oats with a sprinkle of nuts.

Sympathy re the arthritis. Since I've been on AI drugs my fingers aren't as nimble but I always make pastry in the Magimix. Takes no time at all.

I can't remember the last time I made pastry but I used to use soft butter or marge ( I know that's against what pastry cooks advise) and mix it in with a fork. My pastry always turned out well.

I've always used a food processor to make pastry

put butter in freezer then grate.

Astitchintime

I put the ingredients in the food processor. In fact, I often weigh out flour and fat, blend it in batches and freeze at the ‘breadcrumb stage’ ……… that way the food processor is used for more than one recipe and saves on washing up.

That's a brilliant idea, thanks!

I used to do batches of rubbing in with my food processor for my mother, it freezes well in bags, or keeps in a sealed container in the fridge for a while.

jusnoneed

You can buy a metal tool, called a pastry blender or pastry cutter. Various places sell them, one example
www.lakeland.co.uk/33723/tala-pastry-blender?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20891625552&gbraid=0AAAAADtoD6OjFv5HLQBore7wA4U6MhYc0&gclid=CjwKCAjw-8vPBhBbEiwAoA39WpPRzgEYG8bigLiqEGDAq6AfrUVlv02oAMG6s_aS8YejKHSMrcPWKhoCh_AQAvD_BwE

I have arthritic hands and use one of these for any rubbing in. It has the added advantage of not overheating the fat. (I was always taught not to rub in with hot hands.)

jusnoneed

You can buy a metal tool, called a pastry blender or pastry cutter. Various places sell them, one example
www.lakeland.co.uk/33723/tala-pastry-blender?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20891625552&gbraid=0AAAAADtoD6OjFv5HLQBore7wA4U6MhYc0&gclid=CjwKCAjw-8vPBhBbEiwAoA39WpPRzgEYG8bigLiqEGDAq6AfrUVlv02oAMG6s_aS8YejKHSMrcPWKhoCh_AQAvD_BwE

I've used a pastry blender for many years. Very cheap, easy to use.

Samsaral you love baking so continue through your older years without any worries about arthritis and invest in a basic food processor. You will be amazed at the speed and the results, and of course the lack of pain in fingers and wrists. All hand-held gadgets require some sort of manual dexterity whereas a button on a food processor only needs a push or twist. Good luck, I think you'll be pleased.

If you can't find a pastry blender, try using a fork, preferrably a fairly large one.

@ Samsara1 my grandmother always used one of these and she made wonderfully light pastry, pies and tarts. Her father was a baker and had his own shop. Nanny said that as a child, living above the shop she awoke to the smell of baking bread every morning. I think she got her skills ftom her dad.

Thank you so much for all your advice. I'm going to get a pastry cutter i think. When we moved to a smaller house some kitchen equipment had to go sadly so bye bye nice food processor. I have a little electric chopper thingy for nuts and small veg etc.