Shortening, made from solidified and hydrogenated vegetable oils, gives you a substitute for butter and oil in a recipe. Most shortening is flavorless, although butter-flavored versions are available. When you use shortening in recipes that call for melted butter or shortening, you can melt it using the same method used for butter. Shortening has a higher melt temperature than butter, so it can withstand more heat and may take longer to melt completely.
Step 1
Measure the amount of shortening needed for the recipe into a medium-size saucepan. If you have sticks of shortening, cut the measured stick amount into 1/2-inch-thick slices to speed melting.
Step 2
Heat the pan over medium heat. The shortening will begin to melt when the temperature approaches 117 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3
Stir the shortening constantly with a spoon as it melts, so the heat stays evenly distributed and the shortening doesn't scorch. Pour the shortening into a separate bowl once it has melted so it doesn't continue to cook, and possibly scorch, in the heated pan.