What is the primary use of a pastry blender in culinary tasks?

The primary use of a pastry blender is to cut shortening (or other fats) into dry ingredients like flour. This technique is essential in pastry-making, as it helps to create a crumbly texture that is desirable for biscuits, pie crusts, and other baked goods. When using a pastry blender, the tool's wire blades efficiently distribute the fat throughout the flour, ensuring that the fat is in small, uniform pieces, which is crucial for achieving the right flakiness in the final product. This method prevents the fat from melting before baking, allowing the pastry to rise and become light and flaky. Understanding this function can significantly improve your pastry-making skills and the quality of your baked items.