Don't buy lard - at least, not from any big box store. It's as bad as shortening, as it has been hydrogenated. Slow rendered lard is the "healthy" version. Rendering lard is so simple, that it's very easy to go buy good leaf lard from a local butcher and render it yourself. Chop the lard up fine (or run it through a grinder attachment on your KitchenAid if you have one), put it in a crock pot on low, and leave it be - stir gently when you remember. When it has all melted, strain it through several layers of cheesecloth into an airtight container, pop it in the frig (or freezer if you ended up with lots), and you're ready to go. Properly rendered lard has no odor, and is a lovely bright white when it solidifies.

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