<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful AI assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
What's the difference between lard and shortening for baking?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
Lard and shortening are both types of fat that are commonly used in baking, but there are some key differences between the two:

1. Source: Lard is derived from animal fat, typically pork, while shortening is typically made from vegetable oils such as soybean, cottonseed, or palm oil.

1. Flavor: Lard has a distinct flavor that can add richness and depth to baked goods, while shortening is flavorless and does not contribute any taste.

1. Texture: Lard is softer and more pliable than shortening, which can make it easier to work with when making pie crusts and other pastries. Shortening, on the other hand, is firmer and more stable at room temperature, which can help baked goods hold their shape.

1. Health: Lard is high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Shortening is often partially hydrogenated, which can create harmful trans fats that are also associated with increased heart disease risk.

Overall, both lard and shortening can be useful in baking, depending on the desired flavor, texture, and health considerations. However, in general, it's recommended to use them in moderation and look for healthier alternatives such as vegetable oils or coconut oil whenever possible.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Thanks! Now create plan how to bake a cake.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
Sure! Here's a general plan for baking a cake:

Ingredients:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Butter
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Milk

Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking pans
- Oven
- Cooling rack
- Spatula or butter knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing pans

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.

Step 2: Preheat the oven to the desired temperature, usually specified in the recipe.

Step 3: Prepare the baking pans by greasing them with cooking spray or butter to prevent the cake from sticking to the pans.

Step 4: In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients, such as flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk or electric mixer to mix them together evenly.

Step 5: In another mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk for this step.

Step 6: Add the eggs, one at a time, to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition.

Step 7: Add vanilla extract to the wet mixture and mix well.

Step 8: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, and mixing well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 9: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pans and smooth the top with a spatula or butter knife.

Step 10: Place the baking pans in the preheated oven and bake for the time specified in the recipe, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 11: Once the cakes are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes.

Step 12: Carefully remove the cakes from the pans and place them on a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 13: Once the cakes are completely cooled, you can frost or decorate them as desired.

Step 14: Enjoy your freshly baked cake!

Note: This is a general outline for baking a cake, and the specific steps and ingredients may vary depending on the type of cake you are making and the recipe you are following. It's always best to refer to a trusted recipe for accurate measurements and instructions.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Why does the oven need temperature of 175 C and not any other value? I recall some recipes using temperatures all the way up to 240 C.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
"The temperature of 175°C (or 350°F) is a common baking temperature that works well for most cakes. It allows the cake to cook through evenly without overcooking the outside or undercooking the inside. However, different recipes may call for different oven temperatures depending on the type of cake, the size of the cake, and other factors. For example, some recipes may require a higher temperature (e.g. 240°C) to create a crisp crust on the outside of the cake, while others may require a lower temperature (e.g. 150°C) to prevent the cake from rising too quickly and cracking. It's important to follow the temperature specified in the recipe to ensure that the cake bakes properly."<|im_end|>