Abstract: A reheatable container for food items includes an annular body portion having a large, centrally positioned, opening surrounded by a generally planar flange. A generally circular disk covers the opening and is supported by the planar flange. The upper edge structure of the body portion includes a generally planar sealing surface to which a transparent quadrilateral cover film is sealed. The body portion is preferably fabricated from CPET. The food item may be heated in the container at the time of preparation, shipped in the container, stored in the container, and reheated in the container. Removal of the circular disk simultaneously removes the food item from the body portion.

Abstract: A frozen French fried potato product possessing unique taste characteristics is manufactured by producing potato pieces having a desired shape, frying the potato pieces, freezing the potato pieces, and applying a topical addition to the frozen potato pieces. The topical addition is preferably an encapsulated topical addition in which a water soluble ingredient other than salt is encapsulated in an encapsulation material. To impart sweet taste characteristics to the frozen French fried potato product, the topical addition is an encapsulated sugar. The resulting frozen French fried potato product is constituted by potato pieces that have been fried and frozen, with the topical addition such as encapsulated sugar applied to the outer surface of the frozen French fried potato pieces.

Abstract: A potato product includes potato pieces possessing unique color characteristics through the addition of a food grade color selected from, individually or in combination; xanthine, monoazo, pyrazolone, triphenylmethane, or indigoid color compounds or aluminum salts of xanthine, monoazo, pyrazolone, triphenylmethane and indigoid color compounds extended on a substratum of alumina hydrate. The potato pieces can be formed potato pieces produced by, for example, extruding a potato mixture in which is incorporated the food grade color. Alternatively, the potato pieces can be immersed in a batter solution containing the food grade color. The potato pieces can also be provided with flavoring characteristics by adding flavoring agents to the potato mixture or the batter solution.

Abstract: A frozen French fried potato product possessing unique taste characteristics is manufactured by producing potato pieces having a desired shape, frying the potato pieces, freezing the potato pieces, and applying a topical addition to the frozen potato pieces. The topical addition is preferably an encapsulated topical addition in which a water soluble ingredient other than salt is encapsulated in an encapsulation material. To impart sweet taste characteristics to the frozen French fried potato product, the topical addition is an encapsulated sugar. The resulting frozen French fried potato product is constituted by potato pieces that have been fried and frozen, with the topical addition such as encapsulated sugar applied to the outer surface of the frozen French fried potato pieces.

Abstract: A potato product includes potato pieces possessing unique color characteristics through the addition of a food grade color selected from, individually or in combination; xanthine, monoazo, pyrazolone, triphenylmethane, or indigoid color compounds or aluminum salts of corresponding FD&C dyes extended on a substratum of alumina hydrate. The potato pieces can be formed potato pieces produced by, for example, extruding a potato mixture in which is incorporated the food grade color. Alternatively, the potato pieces can be immersed in a batter solution containing the food grade color. The potato pieces can also be provided with flavoring characteristics by adding flavoring agents to the potato mixture or the batter solution.

Abstract: Dairy-based gelato is an Italian frozen dessert that has a smooth, soft, silky texture and that is generally more flavorful than ice cream. A gelato composition includes an amount of total solids, including at least one milk-solids source, at least one sugar source, and at least one fat source, to provide a frozen gelato that can be stored for up to one year and still retain a texture characteristic of freshly-made gelato. The amount of total solids may range between about 45 weight percent and about 60 weight percent. A gelato composition may also include a flavorant, such as, for example, chocolate, candy, coffee, nut, liqueur, or fruit flavor, and/or a gum/stabilizer, such as, for example, pectin.