VEGETABLE SHORTENING SUBSTITUTE
Vegetable shortening is a white, solid fat made from vegetable oils. In the UK it is sold under the brand names Trex, Flora White or Cookeen. In the US Crisco is the best known and there is also an organic solid vegetable shortening made by Earth Balance. In Australia the best known brand is Copha.
Vegetable shortening gives the scones and also pastry a flaky texture which butter cannot replicate. It is usually used in combination with butter to give the best combination of flakiness and flavour. Vegetable oil is not s great substitute as it is too liquid and so cannot be rubbed or cut into the flour. Lard is the best substitute if you don't mind animal fats. If you can't get any of these then butter can be used but the texture of the scones will be slightly different.
Baking soda is known as bicarbonate of soda in the UK
Vegetable shortening is also used to help stopping icing/sugarpaste sticking to rolling pins and boards.
