Shortenings are plant oils that have been hydrogenated to make them more solid and pliable. Soybean oil is the major source of hydrogenated shortening and serves as a common frying oil. In the manufacture of shortenings, the soybean oil is hydrogenated until it reaches a solid consistency and then whipped or pumped with air to improve plasticity and give it a white color. Many shortenings are also superglycerinated, making them ideal for baking applications where a solid fat is needed, especially for flaky pastries and cakes containing more sugar then flour.

However, organizing even a very simple meal, such as a stir-fry, is easier if some of the work is done beforehand. Slicing the meats in advance allows you to marinate them, giving a delicious flavor to the finished dish. Vegetables can be washed, dried, sliced and kept in a plastic bag (not soaking in water) until they are needed. Then you can relax, knowing the meal can be cooked in just a few minutes.

• Sauces: Have on hand a bottle each of chili sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, yellow or black bean sauce and some sesame oil.
• Canned Vegetables: Plan to stock a can each of bamboo shoots, black beans, straw mushrooms and some water chestnuts.
• Seasonings: Keep a jar of five-spice powder, garlic (fresh or pureed), green ginger (fresh or pureed) and some sesame seeds.
• Noodles and Rice: Stock packets of egg noodles, rice noodles and rice vermicelli, plus bags of fragrant Thai or basmati rice, and perhaps a bag of glutinous or sticky short-grain rice as well.