What is the termTo cook in hot fat?

To Cook in Hot Fat means to deep fry in hot melted lard or shortening. Most deep frying is done in a combination of vegetable and peanut or other oils. These oils are more "health conscious" than melted lard or shortening, which was the oil of choice perhaps 20 years ago. The reason you use hot fat is that it has a lower cost, higher burning temperature than other oils, and the oil will not break down as easily as others.