Baking...Can I substitute canola oil for shortening?

[jeffri]

I am baking and am not very good at it. I have a receipe that calls for shortening. Can I substitute canola oil? I forgot to mention I am into healthy ingredients. Any suggestions? :

 

[kitchenelf]

I really need to know what you are cooking. Sometimes it makes a difference. I'll be waiting for your answer.

 

[jeffri]

I am baking my grandmothers receipe for molasses "crinkle" cookies. I will give you the receipe if you want. She used to have a restaurant.

 

[BubbaGourmet]

Jeffri;
For cookies, you CANNOT substitute oil for shortening. You CAN substitute butter but the cookies will be thinner and a little crispier. Reduce the baking time a bit. NOTE: BUtter means Butter...not margerine!

 

[kitchenelf]

Every now and then you just have to bite the bullet and make a recipe the way grandma made it - if you want the cookies to turn out the way you remembered them just use the shortening. It's not like you're going to eat every one of them yourself - are you?

 

[jeffri]

Thank you, you are right, if I want them to taste like Grandmas. Here is the receipe:

2/3 C. shortening
1 C. sugar
1 egg
4 T. molasses
1/4 t. salt
2 1/4 C. sifted flour
2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. cloves
1 t. cinnomen
1 t. ginger (ground)

Cream shortening and sugar add egg and molasses. Sift dry ingr. mix well and chill for a couple hours or more. Shape into balls the size of a walnut. Dip balls into regular sugar-bake on a greased sheet sugar side up about 8 minutes in moderate oven 325.


Thank you for your help.

 

[kitchenelf]

Thanks for the recipe!!! Yes, I would definately use shortening and not substitute anything else in this recipe. I hope they are as wonderful as you remember!!

 

[BubbaGourmet]

Anything with 4 tbsp. Molasses and cinnamon in it has GOTTA be good! Thanks for the recipe!