What does it mean to cut in lard?

Answer 1

To "cut in lard" means to incorporate solid fat, such as lard, into dry ingredients when preparing a dough or pastry. This technique involves using a pastry cutter, two forks, or fingers to break the fat into small pieces, which helps create a flaky texture in baked goods. The goal is to evenly distribute the fat without fully melting it, allowing it to create layers during baking. This method is commonly used in recipes for pies, biscuits, and pastries.