Shortening

N/A (Processed Fat) Baking Ingredient

Shortening Baking Ingredient

At a Glance

  • Category Baking Ingredient

The Forktionary Angle

"The Silent Workhorse: How Shortening Transforms Textures"

Definition

A solid fat, usually vegetable-based, used in baking to make pastries and other baked goods tender and flaky.

Key Baking Function Flakiness in Pastries
Melting Point Range 92-125°F (higher than butter)
Typical Shelf Life (Unopened, Room Temp) 1-2 years

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Shortening are:

Neutral Creamy (texture)

Chef’s Secret

For the flakiest pie crusts, ensure your shortening is very cold and avoid overworking the dough, which develops gluten.

Best Substitutes

Butter

- adjust liquid slightly
Ratio 1:1

Lard

Ratio 1:1

Margarine

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose hydrogenated vegetable shortening for most baking needs. Avoid trans-fat-free versions if you need specific textural properties.

Recipes Using Shortening

Preparation Low In Something 30 Minutes Or Less Low Sodium

55 Minute Dinner Rolls

Whip up these fluffy, delicious dinner rolls in just 55 minutes! Perfect for any meal, this recipe is adapted from the "Carbohydrate Counting Made Easy" cookbook, endorsed by the Knoxville Area Community Hospital's Diabetes Support Group. Each roll boasts only 134 calories, 4g protein, 2g fat, and 26g carbs, making it a guilt-free treat for everyone. Inspired by our experience at Camp Hertko Hollow in Boone, Iowa (515-276-2237), a fantastic diabetes camp providing kids with a supportive and inclusive environment. Learn more and register your child: http://www.diabetes.org/communityprograms-and-localevents/diabetescamps/ia-hollow.jsp

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Oven Meat 3 Steps Or Less Oven

711 Kirkwood's Barley Casserole

This easy barley casserole recipe is a comforting classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner! Customize it to your liking – add your favorite spices, use ground meat or swap for mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. Ready in under an hour, this simple dish is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a flavorful and satisfying meal!

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Equipment Oven 15 Minutes Or Less Equipment

Alice's Doughnuts

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of Alice's Delightful Doughnuts! This recipe delivers light, fluffy doughnuts with a perfectly crispy exterior. Easy to follow instructions and readily available ingredients make this a perfect treat for any occasion – from weekend brunches to special celebrations. Get ready to experience doughnut perfection!

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Preparation Easy Low In Something 4 Hours Or Less

Apple Danish

Indulge in a taste of history with this irresistible Apple Danish recipe, passed down through generations! Made with tart Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this delectable pastry is perfect for a cozy afternoon coffee gathering, a special weekend brunch, or a delightful breakfast treat. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this classic, time-tested recipe – a true culinary heirloom!

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Served Hot Taste Mood Low In Something Main Ingredient

Apple Dumpling Dessert

Indulge in this irresistible Apple Dumpling Dessert! Layers of flaky, tender pastry envelop juicy apple pieces, all drenched in a sweet and fragrant cinnamon syrup. No dry bites here – every spoonful is a perfect balance of warm apple and melt-in-your-mouth crust. This classic dessert is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.

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Weeknight Main Ingredient Course Pies

Apple Of Her Eye Pie

Get ready to ditch your old apple pie recipe! This Apple Of Her Eye Pie is a game-changer. Sweet apples and sharp cheddar cheese create an unexpected flavor harmony that will leave you craving more. Imagine flaky, buttery crust enveloping juicy apple chunks with a delightful cheesy twist. This isn't your grandma's apple pie – it's a culinary adventure! Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.

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Time To Make Finger Food Dinner Party Low Calorie

Applebee's Onion Peels

Recreate the magic of Applebee's crispy onion rings at home! This Top Secret Recipes-inspired recipe delivers perfectly golden, crunchy onion rings with a flavorful, savory coating. Get ready for a delicious appetizer or side dish that will impress your family and friends. Easy to follow instructions and readily available ingredients make this recipe a must-try.

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Preparation Low In Something Preparation Easy

Applejack Donuts

Relive childhood memories with these irresistible Applejack Donuts! Inspired by a beloved bakery, this recipe recreates the warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated delight that's perfect for weekend brunches or a special treat. These fluffy, apple-spiced donuts are easy to make and guaranteed to be a family favorite. Get ready for a delicious sugar rush!

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Healthy Healthy Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less

Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies

Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor! These Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic, featuring moist, chewy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Made with wholesome applesauce, these cookies are a delicious treat for any occasion – perfect for a cozy night in or a bake sale hit! Get ready to experience the ultimate oatmeal cookie upgrade.

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Breads Equipment Dietary Course

Aunt Bernice's Cornbread

A treasured family recipe passed down through generations, Aunt Bernice's Cornbread is a taste of Southern comfort food at its finest. This recipe, originally using white cornmeal, delivers a deliciously moist and subtly sweet cornbread with a perfectly crisp crust. Prepare to be amazed by its simple yet unforgettable flavor!

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Oven Number Of Servings Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

Aunt Carrie's Banana Bread

This isn't just banana bread; it's a legend! For over 50 years, this recipe (from a cherished, yellowed newspaper clipping) has been a family favorite. My Aunt Carrie, a renowned caterer, considered this her most requested treat. Her handwritten success notes are testament to its irresistible flavor. Get ready to bake a slice of history – moist, nutty, and utterly unforgettable!

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High In Something Preparation Refrigerator Low Cholesterol

Australian Damper

Authentic Australian Outback Campfire Bread! This hearty, rustic loaf is traditionally cooked in the embers of a campfire, making it the perfect companion for your next camping adventure or a unique addition to your bush cooking repertoire. Learn how to make this simple yet incredibly flavorful bread, a true taste of the Australian outback.

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Holiday Event New Years For Large Groups Course

Bacardi Double Chocolate Rum Cake

Indulge in this decadent Double Chocolate Rum Cake, infused with Bacardi rum and a luscious raspberry filling! Easy to make, yet incredibly rich and moist, this show-stopping dessert is perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat. The combination of dark chocolate, sweet raspberries, and a hint of rum creates an unforgettable flavor experience.

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Apples Dietary American Course

Baked Apple Dumplings

Indulge in the warm, comforting embrace of classic New England Baked Apple Dumplings! This cherished recipe, inspired by a 1947 culinary gem, features flaky pastry cradling sweet, spiced apples. A delightful dessert perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Get ready to experience a taste of history!

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Inexpensive Main Ingredient Beans Comfort Food

Bean And Cheese Enchiladas

Craving delicious, cheesy enchiladas without the fuss? This recipe delivers! Quick, easy, and customizable (use one or two cans of beans!), these enchiladas are perfect for a weeknight meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion in under an hour!

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Thanksgiving Holiday Event Independence Day Equipment

Best In The West Berry Cobbler

This award-winning berry cobbler boasts a sensational, crackly sugar topping created by pouring boiling water over the batter before baking! Using your favorite combination of fresh or frozen berries, this recipe is easy to follow, incredibly impressive, and unbelievably versatile. Get ready to experience cobbler perfection!

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Desserts Rolled Cookies Desserts Preparation

Bestest Oatmeal Cookies For Mysterygirl

These oatmeal cookies are a family favorite, tweaked to perfection! Originally from a school cookbook, this recipe delivers chewy, delicious cookies that will quickly become your go-to. Get ready to experience the best oatmeal cookies you've ever tasted – perfect for any occasion.

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North American Easy North American American

Chewy Evil Oatmeal Raisin Coconut Cookies

These outrageously chewy oatmeal raisin coconut cookies are a game-changer! I've perfected this recipe by combining the best elements from several sources, resulting in a texture that's both delightfully soft and intensely satisfying. The secret? Unsweetened coconut adds incredible chewiness and a subtle tropical twist that elevates the classic oatmeal raisin cookie to a whole new level. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!

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