Shortening is a type of fat that is typically made from hydrogenated vegetable oils and emulsifiers. It is solid at room temperature and has a high melting point, which makes it useful in baking for creating flaky pastries and tender cakes. Shortening is often used as a substitute for butter or margarine in recipes, and it can also be used for frying due to its high smoke point. While some types of shortening may contain animal fats, such as lard, most commercial shortening products are made from vegetable oils.