light margarine

[pattikake]

I notice that some of the recipes call for using light margarine. In reading the package they all state not to be used for cooking or baking. Does anyone know of one that is suitable for baking?

[Grace]

They are all suitable for cooking or baking if the recipe specifically calls for them. They put that warning on the package, because oftentimes people try to substitute them in recipes calling for regular margarine for the sake of saving some calories and fat grams. In those instances, light margarine (or butter) won't give the same texture, etc., and most people wind up upset and disappointed. But in recipes specifically calling for light margarine, it should work fine since they developed the recipe especially for light margarine. Does that make sense? Hope that helps.

Grace

[This message has been edited by Grace (edited 10-22-2000).]

[emilycat]

I actually use light butter for everything; I can't remember the last time I bought full-fat butter. I guess I'm just not a purist in the baking department, but I feel like many cookie and cake recipes call for twice as much butter as necessary; I usually cut down by 1/2 or 1/3, AND use light butter. This may sound extreme, but relatives at huge family gatherings still gobble everything up, and my aunts always ask for the recipes! I use Land O' Lakes light, by the way. It works great for me!
Emily

[pattikake]

Thank you both for the helpful info. Pat

[Norma]

Does Land o Lakes light butter come in cubes or a tub? I found a tub of Land o Lakes Whipped Butter, but I was afraid it wasn't the same as cubes would be so I didn't get it.

[This message has been edited by Norma (edited 10-23-2000).]

[BethR]

I have bought Land O Lakes light butter in stick form. I've seen it in several stores near me -- you might want to check another store if you couldn't find it in one.
Beth

[emilycat]

Norma,
The kind I use is in sticks, in packs of four. I think you were probably right not to get the whipped kind; I don't believe it's the same thing. I hope you can find it!
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Jeanne G]

Norma,
I buy Land O Lakes in the tub for toast and other cooking (not baking). It's quite good and I've heard that if it's whipped it's better for you, or healthier ?. It is lower in fat than regular butter.

Pat,
Grace is correct. I've experienced something like she described and was disappointed. The recipe didn't call for "light" butter, but not realizing it, I used it and the recipe turned out not so great. My sister told me the same thing as Grace. So now I keep regualar butter in the freezer for those occasions!

[Norma]

Thanks all...

I did check another store and found the cubes. Appreciate your help.