Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a continuous process for preparing a non-segregating, free-flowing dried instant rice and sauce dish comprising coating rice in a rotating coating reel with a layer of oil followed by contacting the coating rice with dry ingredients then applying a second layer of oil and finally adding vegetable inlays prior to packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for forming reclosable storage containers are provided to form and seal pouches containing products such as consumer food products. The film material handled thereby and the pouches thus formed include an access opening assembly having a reclosable closure assembly that is characterized by mating flexible closure strips having interlocking means that permit the consumer to easily open and readily and positively reclose the formed pouch. The apparatus and method engage together mating strips of film material sheeting to form a substantially closed web of sheet material that is generally spread or flattened and otherwise handled in order to minimize the formation of kinks and the like in seals formed by the apparatus and method.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an article carrier adaptable for the transportation of a variety of functional apparatus such as painting, coating, sanding and buffing apparatuses and a transport mechanism comprising a pair of spaced apart pulleys, a continuous drive belt of resilient material entrained about said pulleys, a switch actuated motor for driving the pulley wheels and the belt, and at least one belt cam permanently attached to the belt for gripping a cam holder attached to a holding member which is mounted onto the holding plate, causing the belt cam to move the article carrier in both directions.

Abstract: A dry mix which contains an emulsification system including a combination of Polysorbate 60 and dextrin can be used to produce a creamy cheese and stable fluid emulsion by hand shaking the dry mix with a low aqueous phase and an oil phase. The amount of shaking required to produce a stable oil-in-water emulsion is much reduced as compared to other emulsification systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a loaf food product in order to allow an automatic slicing system to slice the loaf to preset slice thicknesses. The loaf food product is securely held by a pair of loaf engaging members which are fastened to the inner edges of conveyor guide rails a short distance from the slicing apparatus. The members prevent the butt end of the loaf from being improperly sliced.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method for preserving the green color of vegetables stored at refrigeration temperatures wherein vegetables are blanched with water or steam followed by a vacuum treatment for 30 minutes and an immersion treatment of the same while under vacuum in an alkaline solution having a pH of about 8.7 followed by vacuum release, packaging and storing the vegetables under refrigerated condition.

Abstract: Bulk handling, transportation and processing of raisins are improved by first coating raisins with glycerine followed by coating with oil. The finished raisins are packed in sizes of at least 1 lb and no clumping is observed.

Abstract: A process for eliminating the harsh bitter flavor associated with bran cereal by contacting the bran cereal with dried citrus peel.

Abstract: A coating composition for imparting a crisp, golden-brown surface to foodstuffs cooked in a microwave comprising a bread crumb/oil blend in amounts up to 66% by weight of the composition, maltodextrin, soy protein concentrate and pre-gelatinized starch. The bread crumbs and oil are first baked at 260.degree. F. for 15 minutes, followed by the addition of the maltodextrin, soy protein concentrate, and pre-gelatinized starch. The combination is then mixed until a uniform blend is achieved.

Abstract: A method of preparing yeast-leavened bread crumbs suitable for use in a stuffing mix. A fully developed bread dough which has a generally low water content of not more than 60% based on flour weight, is sheeted and baked in sheet form. The dough sheet has a thickness of 1/4 to 3/4 inches. Proofing of the dough is limited to provide a baked sheet having a density of from 17 to 36 pounds per cubic feet. After cooling, the baked bread sheet is subjected to staling for a maximum of ten hours. The staled sheet is then divided into bread crumbs. The entire process, after providing the developed dough, is preferably carried out in not more than twelve hours. The short processing time is largely attributable to the relatively short staling period.

Abstract: Bread crumb-like product particles having properties comparable to those of conventional bread crumbs are produced by continuously mixing the individual components with a leavening agent in a continuous extruder/cooker, extruding the cooked dough, cutting the extruded dough into small lengths, toasting the cut dough and dividing the toasted dough into a first part and a second part, grinding the first part into discrete dough particles, subjecting the second part to a humidifying chamber then grinding same into discrete dough particles, and combining the ground first part and the humidified ground second part and drying the combination to a desired moisture and texture.

Abstract: Farinaceous product particles having properties comparable to those of bread crumbs are produced by continuously mixing the individual components with a leavening agent in a continuous extruder/cooker, extruding the cooked dough, cutting the extruded dough into small lengths, grinding it while still moist and warm into small particles, heating the particles to simultaneously toast and dry same to a desired color, texture and moisture.

Abstract: A dry mix and simplified method for preparing a reduced oil salad dressing are disclosed. Full oil texture and mouthfeel are imparted to the dressing by a combination of low oil content, an instant, waxy maize starch, xanthan gum and guar gum. The salad dressing containing from about 10 to about 30%, by volume of oil, is made by simple hand shaking.

Abstract: Method of making a stable aqueous maltodextrin solution containing maltodextrin, water and sorbic acid and a suitable food grade acid to adjust the pH to 2-4. The solution, preferably stored at an elevated temperature of, e.g., 100.degree. F., shows substantially no mold or yeast contamination after several months. The solution is preferably made up hot and transferred to shipping containers while hot.