Mortal(adj) subject to death; destined to die; as, man is mortal. Mortal(adj) destructive to life; causing or occasioning death; terminating life; exposing to or deserving death; deadly; as, a mortal wound; a mortal sin. Mortal(adj) fatally vulnerable; vital. Mortal(adj) of or pertaining to the time of death. Mortal(adj) affecting as if with power to kill; deathly. Mortal(adj) human; belonging to man, who is mortal; as, mortal wit or knowledge; mortal power. Mortal(adj) very painful or tedious; wearisome; as, a sermon lasting two mortal hours.
Shortcrust pastry is a type of pastry often used for the base of a tart, quiche or pie. It does not puff up during baking because it usually contains no leavening agent. It is possible to make shortcrust pastry with self-raising flour, however.
Shortening is another name for the fat used in making pastry, bread or in this case a cake. You may use Crisco, or other shortening, real butter, or some margarines. You will need to be aware of the amount of water in any given margarine and do not use light or diet margarine since they contain too much water and will change the texture of your cake.