1/2 CUP SHORTENING RECIPES

Steps:

• Combine the flour and salt in a medium bowl.
• Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until the mixture is crumbly, with a few pea-sized pieces of shortening.
• Sprinkle in the water and mix with a fork, adding just enough until the mixture is moistened and begins to clump together.
• Gather up the dough and form into a flat disk.
• You can use this dough immediately or proceed to the next step.
• Wrap the dough in wax paper or plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for atleast 20 minutes or up to overnight.
• If chilled until hard, let the dough stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly before rolling.
• ********Double-CrustShortening Pie Dough*********.
• Use all-purpose flour, salt, vegetable shortening and ice-cold water.
• Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat sugar, oil, pumpkin and eggs until well blended. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder and cinnamon; gradually beat into pumpkin mixture until well blended., Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 18-22 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For filling, combine cornstarch and milk in a small saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; cool to room temperature. , In a large bowl, cream shortening, butter and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla if desired. Gradually add cornstarch mixture, beating until smooth, 3-5 minutes., Using a sharp knife, cut a 1-in. circle 1 in. deep in the top of each cupcake. Carefully remove tops and set aside. Spoon or pipe filling into cupcakes. Replace tops. If desired, add a clove "pumpkin stem" to the tops.