294967 Wed Nov 19 15:44:23 -0800 2003 5 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1619548 Ms. VI, the Condiment Queen, asked if I'd post this query for her. For thanksgiving, she needs to make a few dishes that are parve, i.e., have no dairy in them. She plans on using margerine in place of butter. She wants to know if there is a better margerine out there--or in her worldview, one less bad. Rob ps This is not a discussion for the kosher board is it? Wed Nov 19 15:44:23 -0800 2003 0 Vital Information 1 1619574 Rob, I don't know about better, but she should make sure to buy pure margarine, if that is not a contradiction in terms. In other words, stick margarine that has not been whipped, liquefied or had any 'butter' flavors added. When I buy margarine I prefer Fleishman's, it comes in one pound packs of 4 sticks, unsalted or salted. Regards, Gary Wed Nov 19 17:12:49 -0800 2003 1619548 0 G Wiv 2 1619656 Not sure what it's classified as but I like the Brummel & Brown yogurt stuff. Thu Nov 20 10:02:15 -0800 2003 1619574 0 LikestoEatout 1 1619579 Don't laugh, but I love 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter' - I'm sure it's due to the extra salt & butter flavoring, but if I have to have margarine, this is the one I pick. Wed Nov 19 17:28:22 -0800 2003 1619548 0 torta basilica 1 1619580 According to its label, Earth Balance buttery spread is parve, 100% vegan, non-hydrogenated, using all cold-pressed (expeller) oils which contain no genetically modified material (GMO's), no trans-fats and it tastes very much like butter. It's the best substitute for butter I've found -- much healthier than hydrogenated margarine with trans fats. Available at Trader Joe's in tub and stick form. Recently, there have been 2 threads here that discuss in detail the differences between butter and Earth Balance. If she's planning to use it for Thanksgiving Dinner, I'd read the details in the threads on cooking with it first, even experiment with it beforehand, to make sure it works well in each dish. Wed Nov 19 17:30:36 -0800 2003 1619548 0 Lauren J. 1 1619587 Gary makes a good point. Some margarines and spreads, including Earth Balance do contain water, so of course that would add more moisture to whatever you're cooking. In some dishes it may not make a difference, but in others it could make quite a difference. Wed Nov 19 18:00:20 -0800 2003 1619548 0 Lauren J.