Substitute for Veg Oil in Brownies

[BadRabbitAU]

I'm making Ghirardelli boxed brownies as a shortcut today and it calls for veg oil. I looked in my pantry and really don't have time to run to the store. What would be the best substitute?

I have:
Olive oil
Butter
Shortening

[chefathome]

Not just butter but browned butter!

[greygarious]

Melted butter. I never use oil for brownies. But since I discovered virgin unrefined coconut oil I haven't gone back. I use the Ghir DARK choc brownie mix, melt the coconut oil, and add a lot of walnuts. The subtle coconut taste makes them spectacular.

[PBSF]

If your olive oil is very mild, that would be the best substitute in a mix because it is a liquid. Many inexpensive olive oil has so little olive flavor that is is almost distinguishable from vegetable oil. And in Spain, olive oil and chocolate is a classic dessert combination.

[Uncle Bob]

1/2 butter ~ 1/2 shortin

Fun!

[todao]

Butter (margarine would be better). If your shortening is vegetable based it could work also.

[BadRabbitAU]

Butter is where I'd been leaning (what isn't better with butter?) but I was concerned that the mix might already have a butter flavoring in it and that adding more might mess with the final product's taste.

The shortening I have is vegetable based and I figured might provide a more neutral fat.

[janeyoc]

Make it healthy and add applesauce!

[pine time]

+1 for applesauce--I use it as an oil sub all the time to cut down on the calories.

[escondido123]

Why do I find that depressing? I know I should be all for healthy, and I rarely eat dessert, but I cannot believe the brownies will taste as good with applesauce vs butter.