shortening?

Question

what is shortening...i am baking cookies and it says to use shortening?! any help is usefull thanks in advance

Answer 1

Use butter for good taste and texture. You could use crisco or margerine, but they are artificial and don't taste as good.

Answer 2

I'll agree with most of the answers above. Shortening is a hydrogenated vegetable oil, however before you think "Trans-fat" you can buy a Crisco brand that is trans-fat free. If a recipe calls for shortening, your best bet is to stick with using it because it just has different baking properties than either butter or margarine (which does have trans-fat in it.) Don't let it sit too long or else it will start to smell like axle grease and you won't be able to use it for anything other than just that.

Answer 3

It's not always a good idea to substitute butter for shortening. If cookie recipe calls for shortening and you use butter, the cookies will likely spread out more when baked. But it you are desperate for home made cookies right now, give it a try. If you substitute margarine for butter, make sure it is not low fat margarine. There is too much water in the low fat product.

Answer 4

Shortening is a solid fat made from vegetable oil. Look for the brand name "Crisco." Using shortening in cookies keeps them softer and moister than if you use butter or margarine, but if you want that "butter taste," I suggest Butter-Flavor Crisco. It's sold in blocks like butter, but is found in the baking aisle.

Answer 5

Crisco is shortening. This is lard or solid hydrogenated vegetable oil. It is white in colour, and comes in a box or tub. It is tasteless really.

It will be in the baking aisle at your grocery store. It does not require refrigeration.

However, when baking, I always find it gives a better result if it has been slightly cooled in the fridge prior to mixing.

Hope this helps...

Kimberly Edwards :D
http://www.cookingwithkimberly.com

Answer 6

Shortening usually refers to vegetable shortening which is partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. This makes it solid at room temp. Shortening can also refer to rendered animal fat or a blend of the two. It will say on the can. It does not usually refer to lard however which is rendered pork fat. This will in most cases be specifically called for in recipes.

Answer 7

I have found that when a recipe calls for shortening, your best bet is Crisco. Butter can be used also, but Crisco is best simply because it is grease.

Answer 8

A fat, such as butter or lard, used to make cake or pastry light or flaky.

Answer 9

old cooking books say shortening, what it actually means is butter or margarine...

don't worry i only learnt from asking, all of my grandma's cooking books state shortening in them...

Answer 10

butter flavor crisco