Abstract: An all-in-one microwave beverage brewing and storage container and a method of using such container for quickly and conveniently brewing and storing beverages such as coffee and/or tea. The device comprises a receptacle having an interior portion capable of holding a first predetermined amount of liquid. The receptacle has a sidewall having a flat surface to enable the receptacle to rest on its side while placed within a microwave energy source. A top portion is provided on the receptacle that is capable of preventing the first predetermined amount of liquid from leaking out of the receptacle while the receptacle is resting on its side. A venting member is provided for venting the liquid during brewing of the beverage within the microwave. Upon the completion of brewing, the receptacle may be turned upright and a second predetermined amount of water and/or ice may be added to finish preparing the beverage.

Abstract: A disposable utensil for cooking, warming, and heating articles. More particularly, in the preferred mode, the invention is a disposable utensil which comprises a liner surrounding a permeable armature, which comprises a plurality of vertical members configured in a predetermined framework. The armature functions to elevate an article such as any type of food, in such a manner as to prevent the article from becoming soggy from contact with effluent drippings produced during the cooking, warming, or heating process. The invention may also utilize an optional support element for heavier or larger articles, as well as an optional layer of absorbent material, such as ovenproof paper, felt, wadding or fibrous material for enhanced absorption of effluent drippings. The utensil is suitable for usage in connection with cooking appliances of all types and all sizes.

Abstract: A device for covering food (306) during microwave heating includes a microwavable flexible sheet (100) having a substantially smooth, food-facing surface (102) that is free of openings. The sheet (100) has a configuration including size, shape, and weight distribution for flexibly draping the sheet (100) over the food (306) on a rigid structure (304) such that the flexibly draped sheet (100) overhangs and folds loosely over an outer perimeter of the rigid structure thereby forming at least a partial enclosure around the food (306) when the sheet contacts at least a portion of an outer perimeter of the food-containing rigid structure (304). During microwave heating, the at least a partial enclosure around the food (306) substantially contains food-splattering (308) inside while allowing steam (312) to escape through an opening (310) formed between the flexibly draped sheet (100) and the outer perimeter of the rigid structure (304).

Abstract: A microwave cooking tray comprises a base having at least two compartments. Each compartment of the base has a bottom surface defining a pattern, the bottom surface of one of the compartments defining a first pattern and a bottom surface of a second of the compartments defining a second pattern. The first and second patterns are distinct and each is designed for optimal cooking of a particular type of food product.

Abstract: An end user container for food in refrigerated storage and subsequent microwave cooking is made of a thermo-plastic material transparent to radiant energy. The lid and tray are thermo-formed pieces and incorporate latches as integral features in the respective parts. They are arranged with a post-in-socket capability for latching the lid to the tray in a position which will permit venting of the interior of the container assembly to the exterior. The rims of the tray and lid are formed to enable pressing them together providing a surface sealing between the tray and lid along engaging wall portions of the lid and tray continuously around the container. Also, the lid has a bottom cooperating with the wall to provide a well, and the wall of the tray is outwardly turned, providing a step or ledge near the top of the tray and extending out to the upper wall portion, forming a part of the rim and which engages the well wall when the container is closed to the seal condition.

Abstract: A microwave cooking device includes a container for holding a food product, a seal for sealing the container to enclose a substantially fixed volume therein, and a venting configuration. The venting configuration includes a steam guide defining a central vent and a pair of steam horns associated with and positioned on either side of the steam guide. The steam guide and associated steam horns weaken a portion of the seal at a predetermined location and are each in fluid communication with the volume enclosed within the container to allow movement of steam from the container into the steam guide and steam horns, such that, steam and pressure are preferentially directed towards the steam guide, causing pressure to be concentrated at the weakened portion of the seal and resulting in the seal being broken at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A container commonly usable for electromagnetic cooking heaters and microwave ovens. A resin container commonly usable for electromagnetic cooking heaters and microwave ovens having an aluminum thin, film on the bottom thereof for storing food therein. The aluminum thin film is 5–30 ?m in thickness and 70 cm2 in area, and has no projections having a curvature radius of less than 2 cm over the entire surface thereof. The aluminum thin film covers 30–80% of the bottom area of the container.

Abstract: A microwave beverage and food preparation apparatus that, in one embodiment, converts a common fluid vessel such as a cup, mug, or bowl into a whistling kettle. A user places a lid having an alarm on a vessel containing liquid to be heated in a microwave. A member made of, or containing, nucleation-site-rich material on the underside of the lid extends into the liquid to activate boiling, thereby assuring a safe transition of the liquid to a normal boiling state. Steam escapes through an integrated whistle in the lid, alerting the user to the boiling.

Abstract: A self-venting microwave cooking container for use with a vertical fill automated machine generally comprises a bag portion, a tray portion, and a venting configuration. The bag portion defines an opening for receiving a food product from a vertical fill automated machine, and the tray portion includes a floor having a surface for supporting the food product. Once the food has been delivered to the container, the opening is sealed, and the food product is maintained within the container and ready for subsequent cooking in a microwave oven.

Abstract: A sheathed electric resistive heating element support bracket constructed in accordance with the present invention includes first and second mounting portions interconnected through a transverse web portion. The web portion includes at least one heating element receiving journal and an edge portion along which is arranged a plurality of substantially circular lances. The substantially circular lances define a bore through which a mechanical fastener can pass to secure the bracket in a desired position. In this manner, the mechanical fastener and support bracket collectively serve as an electrical ground and an RF energy shield for the heating element. The heating element is secured into the journal through a snap-fit connection, while a crimping finger is also deformed over a portion of the heating element to fixedly maintain the heating element in the journal.

Abstract: A bacon cooker and method for microwave cooking of bacon. The bacon cooker includes an outer container, an inner container, a rack, and a lid. The lid is releasably attached to the container via a plurality of cam locks that which engage the container and rim and force the rim into the engagement with the underside of the lid. Lever arms with clasps specifically dimensioned to securely engage the outside wall of the lid when the cam locks in are the locked position. The rack is dimensioned to fit inside the container and consists of a plurality of radially extending vanes over which bacon is hung for cooking. The rack includes a upwardly extending stem with alternate vanes dimensioned to fit within a centrally located bore on the lid for securing the container to the lid. A microwave reflective surface is positioned between vacuum sealed outer and inner containers.

Abstract: A flexible paper microwave package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a, 26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from a first portion (22d) having a generally oval shaped access opening closed by a generally oval shaped closure portion (22e) interconnected by a wet adhesive seal (40) to the first portion (22d). In a preferred form, the wet adhesive seal (40) is formed by a plurality of spaced, parallel bands (400, 401, 402) defining a plurality of spaced, parallel spaces therebetween for resisting any leakage from the interior of the bag (18) through the seal (40). The bottom and top walls (20, 22) expand into an opposing double domed shape as the food product is being popped, puffed, or expanded in the microwave oven.

Abstract: A rice cooking system for a microwave oven comprises an inner cooking container for containing rice and rice cooking water, main outer container holding the inner container with a space in between their side surfaces, a lid covering the outer container, and a foam control sheet having a plurality of small holes 52 and supported between the outer container and the lid. The inner cooking container is made of metal and has a folded or rolled a rim. A step at the bottom of the outer container locates the inner cooking container so that its outer wall is spaced from the outer container.

Abstract: A flexible paper popcorn package in the form of an easily expandable bag (18) includes a bottom wall (20), a top wall (22), first and second, pleated, side walls (26) having pleats (26a-26d), and first and second non-venting ends (24, 28). Spots (60, 62) of adhesive may be provided between the pleats (26a-d) and the top and bottom walls (20, 22) to prevent the formation of pockets adjacent the end (24). Couplers (70) formed of adhesive are provided between the pleats (26b, 26d) and the top wall (22) which seal apertures (72) in the pleats (26b, 26d) which vent during microwave popping, puffing, or expanding of a food product held in the bag (18) and which may predispose unfolding of the pleats (26a, 26c) adjacent the bottom wall (20) including the susceptor (30).

Abstract: An ovenable enclosure (10) for pizza or other heatable food product comprises a box of taint free board having an interior clearance over the pizza, a central vent (15) in the upper surface and a metal plate (16) on lower surface. The enclosure gives more consistent heating of the pizza with reduced edge dryness.

Abstract: A packaging body for heat processing a material retained therein is basically formed of a plastic base material having side joining sections, and end sides. The side joining sections and end sides are superposed and connected together to form a bag for filling the material. A sealant layer is deposited on at least one of the end sides to connect the end sides together through the sealant layer to thereby form a vapor communication joining section at the end sides. The sealant layer has a peeling off property from 0 to 1,200 gf/15 mm at 90° C. and a peeling off property of equal to or more than 3 kgf/15 mm at a room temperature. Thus, only when the packaging body is heated more than 90° C., the vapor communication joining section is only opened to release pressure inside the packaging body.

Abstract: A microwave cooking device comprises a container for holding a food product, a seal for sealing the container to enclose a substantially fixed volume therein, and a venting configuration. The venting configuration includes a steam guide defining a central vent and a pair of steam horns associated with and positioned on either side of the steam guide. The steam guide and associated steam horns weaken a portion of the seal at a predetermined location and are each in fluid communication with the volume enclosed within the container to allow movement of steam from the container into the steam guide and steam horns, such that, steam and pressure are preferentially directed towards the steam guide, causing pressure to be concentrated at the weakened portion of the seal and resulting in the seal being broken at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A method for the cooking and vacuum packing of food includes placing food that is to be cooked and vacuum packed inside a container; passing the container into a microwave tunnel which is suitable for the application of microwave energy to the container and food for the heating and cooking of the food inside the container; subjecting the container containing the food to microwave energy to heat the food; and ceasing the application of microwave energy such that the venting opening closes and, as the container cools, steam therein condenses, whereupon a vacuum arises inside the container. The cooking and vacuum packing take place in the same operation in the container and the container is flexible such that it molds itself to its contents when a vacuum arises in the container.

Abstract: A microwave beverage and food preparation apparatus that, in one embodiment, converts a common fluid vessel such as a cup, mug, or bowl into a whistling kettle. A user places a lid having an alarm on a vessel containing liquid to be heated in a microwave. A member made of, or containing, nucleation-site-rich material on the underside of the lid extends into the liquid to activate boiling, thereby assuring a safe transition of the liquid to a normal boiling state. Steam escapes through an integrated whistle in the lid, alerting the user to the boiling.

Abstract: A packaged food product suitable for microwave heating includes a microwave susceptor and a sealed container that encloses the food product and the microwave susceptor. A gas is sealed within the container and the container has at least one releasably sealed opening that is adapted to vent gas from the package during heating. The susceptor is disposed adjacent the food product to shield at least a portion of the food product against microwave heating, whilst simultaneously heating the shielded portion by infrared radiation.

Abstract: This invention covers a disposable cover for use in a microwave oven to eliminate spatter and optimize the application of heat to food. A monocque shape lends itself to one-piece construction at the same time allowing for a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A microwave cooking device comprises a container for holding a food product, a seal for sealing the container to enclose a substantially fixed volume therein, and a venting configuration. The venting configuration includes a steam guide defining a central vent and a pair of steam horns associated with and positioned on either side of the steam guide. The steam guide and associated steam horns weaken a portion of the seal at a predetermined location and are each in fluid communication with the volume enclosed within the container to allow movement of steam from the container into the steam guide and steam horns, such that, steam and pressure are preferentially directed towards the steam guide, causing pressure to be concentrated at the weakened portion of the seal and resulting in the seal being broken at a predetermined location.

Abstract: A microwave cooking tray comprises a base having at least two compartments. Each compartment of the base has a bottom surface defining a pattern, the bottom surface of one of the compartments defining a first pattern and a bottom surface of a second of the compartments defining a second pattern. The first and second patterns are distinct and each is designed for optimal cooking of a particular type of food product.

Abstract: A cooking vessel used with microwave ovens, which produces steam through a microwave heating method and cooks food using the steam. The cooking vessel includes a lower body containing water therein and made of a microwave permeable material. A food supporting plate is seated, at its edge, on an upper edge of the lower body in such a way as to be spaced apart from a bottom of the lower body, and is made of a microwave blocking material. A plurality of perforations are formed on the food supporting plate to allow steam to pass. A lid covers the lower body, and is made of a microwave blocking material. A steam discharging hole is formed on the lid. The lid is seated at its lower edge on the upper edge of the lower body in such a way that the lower edge of the lid is spaced apart from the edge of the food supporting plate by a predetermined interval, thus allowing a predetermined amount of microwaves to penetrate into the lid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hand-held microwaveable container formed from microwaveable appropriate material, The container includes a thermal insulating layer that allows a microwaved container to be removed from a microwave oven and held in a user's hand while using the contents of the container. The container also can include a susceptor surface adjacent the food item within the container. The container further includes an opening mechanism for easily opening the container and optionally a venting mechanism.

Abstract: A flexible paper microwave package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a, 26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from a first portion (22d) having a generally oval shaped access opening closed by a generally oval shaped closure portion (22e) interconnected by a wet adhesive seal (40) to the first portion (22d). In a preferred form, the wet adhesive seal (40) is formed by a plurality of spaced, parallel bands (400, 401, 402) defining a plurality of spaced, parallel spaces therebetween for resisting any leakage from the interior of the bag (18) through the seal (40). The bottom and top walls (20, 22) expand into an opposing double domed shape as the food product is being popped, puffed, or expanded in the microwave oven.

Abstract: This invention provides a cooking system capable of using microwave energy to heat food quickly and efficiently and form a crusty surface. The cooking system may include a base underneath a heating element that absorbs the microwave energy to generate thermal energy. The cooking system may also include a cover that covers a tray that is adapted to sit on top of the heating element. The cover may tightly close the tray that is adapted to hold food. The tray may be conductive to thermal energy so that the thermal energy from the heating element may be conducted to the tray to bake the side of the food that is on the tray.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microwavable container for cooking various food article, particularly seafood such as shrimp, lobsters, king crab legs, mussels, clams, and fillets of fish. The container is made of a single piece of molded plastic having a top portion and a bottom portion of approximately equal dimensions. The top and bottom portions have a surface and continuous walls extending from the surface. Around the edges of each wall is a flange, one side of which forms a hinge. The hinge is dimensioned to create a gap between the top portion and bottom portion when the container is closed to vent excess steam generated during cooking. The flange also includes an attachment means for securing the top and bottom portions together in a closed position. The bottom surface and walls of the container include raised ridges and ribs creating passageways allowing steam to circulate around the food articles, enhancing the cooking of seafood in a microwave oven.

Abstract: Device for reheating baked microwaveable food products comprising: i) an external container (1) composed of a lower part (2) and a removable lid (3) fitting to the lower part (2), all being made of a heat resistant mineral composition that is transparent for microwaves; ii) a sheet (6) susceptible to microwave heating, which sheet (6) is positioned above the bottom (8) of container and spaced from the bottom (8) by supports (9) creating a heat insulating interspace between the bottom (8) and the sheet (6); iii) in the top of the device just below lid (3) but separated therefrom a sheet (11) susceptible to microwave heating; iv) in sheet (11) opening for microwave heating.

Abstract: A cooking vessel for use in microwave oven mainly includes a food container; a cover for the food container; a supporting member attached to an upper inner wall of the microwave oven; and a mixer assembly including a vertical rod, two vertically spaced through holes provided on a lower part of the rod, and two mixing members oppositely connected to the through holes via insertion bars of the mixing members. Each of the through holes on the rod of the mixer assembly includes a sectorial upper part. A limiting rib on each insertion bar shifts to left or right side of the sectorial upper part of a corresponding one of the through holes to change an angular position of the mixing member relative to the rod and the food container when a turntable of the microwave oven rotates; enabling food in the container to be quickly and evenly mixed.

Abstract: A microwave cooking container includes a bag portion having an open end for access to an interior of the bag and a closure mechanism for sealing the open end having elongated interfitting elements extending adjacent the open end of the bag. The container also includes a valve assembly providing controlled discharge of pressurized fluid from the bag interior when a positive pressure equal to or exceeding a predetermined pressure is created within the bag interior. The valve assembly includes a vent member and a flow limiter. The vent member is located at the open end of the bag adjacent an end of the closure mechanism such that the first end of the internal passage is in fluid communication with the bag interior. The internal passage provides an exit path for discharge of a pressurized fluid from the interior of the bag. The flow limiter may include an end portion of a closure clamp adapted to receive the vent member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum valve including a lid, a depression defined on the lid, a boss formed on the lid at a bottom of the depression, a rotary cover rotatably arranged in the depression, and a closure member detachably coupled to the rotary cover.

Abstract: A Microwave Cooking Tray and Sleeve Assembly comprises a tray for holding food to be cooked, a transparent heat seal covering the tray, and a sleeve designed to hold the tray. In order to cook the food in the tray, the assembly is placed in a microwave oven. During cooking, side vents on the tray channel steam out of the tray. Holes in the sleeve allow the steam to easily escape the box after passing through the vents in the tray. After a short period of cooking in the microwave oven, the tray is removed from the sleeve, the heat seal is removed from the tray, and the food in the tray is ready to eat.

Abstract: A packaged food product suitable for microwave heating includes a microwave susceptor and a sealed container that encloses the food product and the microwave susceptor. A gas is sealed within the container and the container has at least one releasably sealed opening that is adapted to vent gas from the package during heating. The susceptor is disposed adjacent the food product to shield at least a portion of the food product against microwave heating, whilst simultaneously heating said portion by infrared radiation.

Abstract: A vacuum sealed container and a method for cooking food under vacuum including the steps of heating the food and the cooking liquid in a heat-and-cold resistant vacuum-sealed container having microwave permeability using the microwave oven at high power for boiling, heating the container for a required time, stopping the heating to cool the container, thereby producing a vacuum therein, heating the container for a required time to cook the food and the cooking liquid at low temperatures using the microwave oven at low power, while the container is under vacuum, and allowing the container to cool.

Abstract: A sealable food container includes a base serving member such as a bowl with a generally planar central portion, a sidewall and a flange. The sidewall defines an annular sealing region with an annular sealing portion, a stop ridge and a laterally extending retaining shelf. A lid is provided with a peripheral portion adapted to be retained by the annular base sealing portion and to be secured by the stop ridge. In one preferred embodiment, the lid is a planar paperboard lid provided with a tab and the annular sealing portion of the base is an undercut groove in its sidewall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a susceptor for use as a support for heating food products such as garnished flat dough in a microwave oven. The susceptor includes a metallized plate that includes a plurality of apertures forming gas and microwave energy permeable areas that are evenly or randomly disposed in the peripheral area of the plate, with each aperture having a transverse dimension of at least about 5 mm. A ready to cook food article that includes such a susceptor and a food or dough product positioned thereon is also contemplated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for cooking and vacuum packing mussels with their shell and other foodstuffs by microwave heating so that they can be stored as chilled or frozen goods for an extended period. When mussels are vacuum packed, many of the shells often break, and moreover the subsequent cooking in water is too slow for the mussel meat to coagulate satisfactorily. The invention solves this problem by packing the product to be preserved, in the first place mussels, in a somewhat flexible plastic container which is sealed. On the top side of the container there is a venting hole which permits the escape of steam during boiling but which is sealed immediately as microwave heating ceases, whereupon a vacuum arises inside the container as the steam condenses. A vacuum packed and pasturized product is thus obtained in one and the same operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a package for heating and/or cooking a food product in a microwave oven in which the package includes means for supporting the package at an angle between about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal surface. The present invention is also directed to a kit for heating and/or cooking a food product in a microwave oven. The kit comprises a first package containing the food products to be heated and/or cooked and a second microwaveable package. The microwave package of the present invention may also include a flexible, two-sided divider.

Abstract: A device for pressing and drying organic materials. The organic material is inserted between two sheets of thin cloth which are, in turn, sandwiched between two thick felt pads. These pads are then sandwiched between platens made from inorganic material. The assembly is heated, resulting in a pressed and dried organic material.

Abstract: The microwavable shipping and/or retail package described here for heating food includes a material suitable for use in a microwave oven. The food disposed in the package is preferably at least partially raw. Taking into account the water content of the food, enough liquid is present in the package for the food to be cooked in a steam atmosphere which develops in the package when heated in a microwave oven. The package has a one-way valve in a wall, which opens automatically to the outside when there is an internal excess pressure, then closes again automatically after the pressure drops, thus limiting and/or reducing the vapor pressure that develops in the package during heating in a microwave oven. The valve membrane may automatically open and automatically close until the membrane deforms during heating, thereby causing said valve to remain open.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave cooking package and tray suitable for cooking food. The package and tray comprise a laminate structure comprising a lid, susceptor layer upon a backing material, and a plurality of apertures through said laminate structure. This permits uniform cooking and browning of dough enrobed food items and venting of excess moisture to help to control heat generation under the food being cooked, as the apertures remove a portion of the susceptor material.

Abstract: A handled, microwave popcorn service apparatus is provided for cooking and serving popcorn. A service bowl container is formed of a thermoplastic microwave penetrable material. The service container includes a dispensing tube and an access lid.

Abstract: A microwave steam tray is made of a thermo-formed co-polymer polypropylene quality food grade plastic. The microwave steam tray comprises a plastic container having a dish portion and a connected lid. The dish portion includes a bottom surface with four sidewalls extending therefrom to define a dish interior. A plurality of ribs are raised from the bottom surface to provide a cooking plane. Steam channels are formed between the ribs. The ribs extend radially from a moisture reservoir positioned within the dish interior. The moisture reservoir includes a retaining wall having a cup portion formed within the retaining wall. Recesses are formed within the retaining wall. Liquid based food products may be placed in the moisture cylinder during cooking. Steam generated from the moisture reservoir easily travels down the radial steam channels.

Abstract: A cooking vessel with a unique adjustable ventilation system for cooking various foods and obtaining desired tastes. The cooking vessel has a lid and a base with a free standing rack located in the bottom of the base. The lid is designed with an ventilation system that traverses an upper ventilation cap with either a lower ventilation cap or, alternatively, a recess to enable the positional alignment of ventilation holes in the upper ventilation cap to the ventilation holes in the lower ventilation cap or, alternatively, recess to permit the proper degree of steam to be released from the cooking vessel while retaining the proper amount of moisture to effectively cook the food.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a package for heating and/or cooking a food product in a microwave oven in which the package includes means for supporting the package at an angle between about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal surface. The present invention is also directed to a kit for heating and/or cooking a food product in a microwave oven. The kit comprises a first package containing the food products to be heated and/or cooked and a second microwaveable package. The microwave package of the present invention may also include a flexible, two-sided divider.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for separating and cooking egg whites. A heat resistant bowl includes a bottom portion and a wall portion, a lid for removably engaging the wall portion of the bowl in a snug fit, and a separator for separating liquid egg whites from eggs, the separator being connected to the lid, whereupon the egg whites are cooked in the bowl by subjecting the bowl to microwaves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a package for heating and/or cooking a food product in a microwave oven in which the package includes means for supporting the package at an angle between about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to a horizontal surface. The present invention is also directed to a kit for heating and/or cooking a food product in a microwave oven. The kit comprises a first package containing the food products to be heated and/or cooked and a second microwaveable package.The microwave package of the present invention may also include a flexible, two-sided divider.

Abstract: A device for pressing and drying organic materials in a microwave oven. The organic material is inserted between two sheets of thin cloth which are, in turn, sandwiched between two thick felt pads. These pads are then sandwiched between platens made from inorganic material. The assembly is placed in a microwave oven and heated, resulting in a pressed and dried organic material.

Abstract: A microwave steam tray is made of a thermo-formed co-polymer polypropylene quality food grade plastic. The microwave steam tray comprises a plastic container having a dish portion and a connected lid. The dish portion includes a bottom surface with four sidewalls extending therefrom to define a dish interior. A plurality of ribs are raised from the bottom surface to provide a cooking plane. Steam channels are formed between the ribs. The ribs extend radially from a moisture reservoir positioned within the dish interior. The moisture reservoir includes a retaining wall having a cup portion formed within the retaining wall. Recesses are formed within the retaining wall. Liquid based food products may be placed in the moisture cylinder during cooking. Steam generated from the moisture reservoir easily travels down the radial steam channels.