Nancy Young wrote:

> I don't know about anyone else, I'm so jaded by 'this is bad for you'
> reports and the subsequent lab produced replacements. Having said
> that, I do use Crisco on occasion.
>
As do I on occasion (banana bread, for example) and I believe everything
in moderation or just occasional use won't kill us.
I can buy butter for a reasonable price year round so that's never been
an issue with me. I don't render lard because I don't use enough of any
fat to make it worth my efforts at this point. If I were doing a large
tamale making party I probably would take the time. I'd rather have
excellent results using lard or butter, than mediocre tasting foods
using substitutes.
I once held a holiday cooking exchange party in the neighborhood and
recall my surprise when one woman from AZ brought "biscochito" cookies
that contained lard. They were delicious.