Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making a packaged dough suitable for extended refrigerated storage and to a packaging system for storage of the refrigerated dough. In the packaging system for storage of refrigerated, leavened dough, a substantially rigid tray for receiving a leavened dough product is provided. The tray has a bottom wall and upstanding peripheral side walls to define at least one well. At least one leavened dough product is disposed within the well. The leavening of the dough is at least partially reacted to provide carbon dioxide distributed throughout the dough product. A hermetically sealed cover, extending at least over the top of the side walls to define a chamber containing the dough product and a headspace surrounding the dough product is provided. A gas comprising a predetermined amount of carbon dioxide is disposed in the headspace of the chamber in order to create an equilibrium level of carbon dioxide with the carbon dioxide produced in the dough product.

Abstract: A method of making a high moisture, low fat processed cheese product, in which a mixture of particulate skim milk curd, salt and an emulsifying salt is first provided. This mixture is heated with agitation to an elevated temperature above about 160.degree. F. to provide a homogeneous cheese blend. An edible acid may be added to the cheese blend. An aqueous wet mix is added to the mixture to provide a high moisture, low fat cheese blend. The wet mix comprises water, a texture modifying agent selected from the group consisting of a maltodextrin, low D.E. corn syrup solids and mixtures thereof and a milk protein source. The wet mix is added to the cheese mixture under conditions whereby the temperature of the blend is maintained above about 130.degree. F. Agitation and heating are continued until the cheese blend reaches a temperature of at least about 190.degree. F. for a period of at least about 90 seconds to provide a high moisture, low fat processed cheese product having at least about 50% moisture.