What is shortening?

Answer by  Binome (1975)

Shortening is a semisolid fat or lard. Some people refer to it via the genericized trademark of "Crisco," which is a brand of vegetable shortening.

Answer by  georgiagirl (261)

its vegatable oil in a creamy form. its comes in a can and can be found on the cooking oil isle. the best shortening i have found is crisco.

Answer by  NTKuan32 (131)

In baking, bread or any type of cooking, shortening usually means to lard or crisco in solid form. Basically it's a term for "fat".