Cut in

To mix a solid, cold fat (butter or shortening) into dry ingredients (typically a flour mixture). Butter is "cut in" when the mixture is crumbly and looks like coarse meal. This can be done with a pastry blender, two knives, a fork, your fingers (must be cool so fat does not melt) or a food processor (metal blade, but don't over-work work into a paste). If using knives, hold blades closely together and move back and forth in opposite directions in a cutting action.