A flexible spatula, often referred to as a silicone spatula or rubber spatula, is a versatile kitchen tool used for various cooking and baking tasks. Here are some key features and uses of a flexible spatula: **Key Features:** 1. **Flexible Blade**: The blade of a flexible spatula is made from silicone or rubber, which is highly flexible. This flexibility allows the spatula to bend and conform to the shape of bowls, pans, and containers, making it easy to scrape every last bit of food or batter. 2. **Heat-Resistant**: Most flexible spatulas are heat-resistant, which means they can withstand high temperatures without melting or warping. This makes them suitable for use in hot pans, on griddles, or in the oven. 3. **Non-Stick**: Silicone and rubber spatulas are typically non-stick, which means they won't scratch or damage non-stick cookware and bakeware. They are also easy to clean because food is less likely to stick to the surface. 4. **Versatility**: Flexible spatulas come in various shapes and sizes. Some have a flat blade, while others have a curved or contoured shape. They can be used for tasks like stirring, folding, scraping, spreading, and flipping. **Common Uses:** 1. **Scraping Bowls**: Flexible spatulas are excellent for scraping the sides of mixing bowls, ensuring that no ingredients are wasted. 2. **Folding Ingredients**: They are often used to gently fold ingredients together, such as when making cake batter or folding whipped cream into a mousse. 3. **Stirring**: You can use a flexible spatula to stir sauces, soups, or batters in pots and pans. Since they are heat-resistant, they are suitable for cooking on the stovetop. 4. **Flipping Pancakes**: The flexibility of the spatula makes it easy to flip delicate items like pancakes, omelets, and crepes. 5. **Icing Cakes**: Flexible spatulas with a flat blade are great for spreading icing on cakes and cupcakes, creating a smooth and even finish. 6. **Removing Food**: Use a flexible spatula to lift cookies, brownies, or other baked goods off baking sheets or pans without damaging them. 7. **Mixing Ingredients**: When making salads, dressings, or cold dishes, a flexible spatula can help mix ingredients gently and thoroughly. 8. **Handling Sticky Dough**: They are useful for handling sticky doughs like bread or pizza dough, preventing them from sticking to your hands or work surface. Flexible spatulas are a must-have kitchen tool for both cooking and baking. They come in various sizes to suit different tasks and are known for their versatility, ease of use, and ability to handle a wide range of temperatures.