Expert: Teri Davis Newman - 6/19/2009

Question
QUESTION: Where can I buy Hi-ratio shortening in the Boston, ma area?

ANSWER: There's no such thing as Hi-ratio brand shortening.  There are only two kinds of shortening, vegetable shortening and lard. Butter can also be used as a shortening. Vegetable Shortening is sold in a blue and white cans and called Crisco.  Lard is sold in the same section in 1 pound cubes and makes the best piecrusts even if it happens to be against the teachings of the food police. Hi-ratio shortening means solid shortening as opposed to 'light' shortening as those have a great deal of water whipped into the fat which makes it unsuitable for use in baking.  If this isn't the answer you are looking for, please tell me what you are going to use the shortening for and I will tell you what kind to purchase and it will be available at any supermarket.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: There is such thing as Hi ratio shortening it is not a brand it is a type....the more popular brands are Sweetex and Kitchen craft...which is maily used to make buttercream icing, it was designed for bakers. It is something that I have been using for years and have always purchased online as I cannot find a retailer in the state of Mass. The supermarkets do not carry it due to the "trans fat" ban. My questions is just WHERE is Boston, Ma this item can be purchased.
http://www.kitchenkrafts.com/product.asp?pn=IN1103&bhcd2=1245428799

Answer
I bow to your expertise.  I've never worked in cake decorating and know absolutely nothing about it.  I also live in St Louis and have never been to Boston so I wouldn't know where to buy a good cup of coffee there, let alone a specialty item like this. I am pretty sure that if there is a transfat ban causing it not to be sold then you will have to find a substitute and it won't be available so you will need to continue to find it online.