What is the difference between butter and shorten?

Butter and shortening are both fats that are used in baking. However, there are some key differences between the two.

* Composition: Butter is made from milk, while shortening is made from vegetable oil. This difference in composition gives butter a richer flavor and a higher melting point than shortening.

* Texture: Butter is solid at room temperature, while shortening is semi-solid. This difference in texture makes butter more difficult to spread than shortening.

* Uses: Butter is often used in baking for its flavor, while shortening is often used for its texture. Butter is also used as a spread for bread and toast, while shortening is used in making pie crusts and other pastries.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between butter and shortening:

| Feature | Butter | Shortening |

|---|---|---|

| Composition | Milk | Vegetable oil |

| Texture | Solid at room temperature | Semi-solid at room temperature |

| Uses | Baking, spreading | Baking, pie crusts, pastries |

| Flavor | Rich | Neutral |

| Melting point | High | Low |

Ultimately, the best choice for your recipe will depend on the desired flavor and texture.