Abstract: A system for producing par-baked pizza crusts includes a pan formed from a unitary sheet of metal. The pan includes a number of recesses stamped into the sheet of metal, each recess being adapted to receive a corresponding dough portion. The pan also includes a ledge formed around a perimeter of the pan. The system for producing par-baked pizza crusts further includes a lid assembly formed from a unitary sheet of metal for use in conjunction with the pan. The lid assembly includes a number of lids stamped into the sheet of metal, each lid corresponding to one of the recesses of the pan. The lid assembly also includes a ledge formed around a perimeter of the lid assembly. The ledge is formed such that when the lid assembly is placed over and in contact with the pan, the ledge of the lid assembly aligns with and rests on the ledge of the pan to enclose dough portions in an enclosed gap between the lid assembly and the pan.

Abstract: A water spray process for providing moisture to chip-type food products to cause them to curl when dried. The amount of curling is directly related to the amount of moisture applied to the top surface of the chips. Following the water spray addition, the product may be transferred to a salting conveyor where salt may be deposited in a continuous curtain onto the top surface of the product. The water sprayed top surface provides the adhesive for the salt.