So, what exactly is shortening, you ask? Well, it's basically a type of fat that's used to, well, shorten the gluten strands in your dough - making it tender and flaky. It's like a magic trick, but instead of a wand, you use a pastry brush and a lot of butter!
The key is to find a shortening that has a high smoke point, so it doesn't burn or smoke when you're baking. Coconut oil and avocado oil are great options, but butter can be a bit more tricky. Just remember, if you're using butter, keep an eye on that temperature, or you'll end up with a batch of burnt cookies!
Shortening Vs Coconut Oil at Brayden Ologhlin blog
And finally, there's palm oil - the ultimate shortening puzzle. With its high saturated fat content, it's a great option for baking, but be careful not to overdo it, or your cake might end up tasting like a movie theater popcorn!