Absolutely, no machines required. I often use two knives. The key thing is to get the pea-sized bits and to add very icy-cold water in very small amounts, say a teaspoon at a time, until the dough holds together. The recipe doesn't specify it, but it usually helps a lot to then wrap your dough plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes minimum to a few hours, before rolling it out. Bon appetit!
I learned using two forks.
Here's a quick recap of alternative methods.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-to-use-if-you-dont-have-a-pastry-cutter-4017860
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6 Comments
I gave up baking a long time ago so I don't really have any baking equipment like a pastry blender. I just use my hands when I need to make pie dough.
Best to cut the butter into small pieces then stick them back into the fridge to get them hard again.
Work quickly so the butter doesn't melt and do not overwork the dough.
Best of luck.
Here's a quick recap of alternative methods.
https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-to-use-if-you-dont-have-a-pastry-cutter-4017860