Can I substitute shortening for margarine in a cornbread recipe?!
Answers: I'm using cornmeal for the cornbread.
Yes, you can. However, the margarine will impart a little more flavor into the cornbread. Serve it with butter and it will be fine.
Yes, melt the shortening in the skillet you are baking the cornbread in (if it's stove-safe) or otherwise melt it in microwave-safe container in the microwave.
Follow the recipe for the cornbread. (It probably also calls for egg, milk, & baking soda and/or baking powder in addition to the cornbread and shortening. I always also add just a bit of sugar to make the cornbread slightly sweet.
Be sure to grease the pan you are using if different from the skillet you heated the grease in.