The crossword solution for the term PREPARES, AS FLOUR is SIFTS, which is a five-letter word. Sifting is a process used to separate out lumps and foreign particles from flour, making it finer and more uniform in texture. This process is often done with a sieve or sifter, which is a device with a mesh bottom that allows the flour to pass through while trapping any lumps or foreign particles. Sifting is an important step in the preparation of flour for baking, as it ensures that the flour is light and airy, which helps create a better texture in baked goods.