Abstract: The present method is directed in one embodiment to a non-soluble, substantially white granular salt substitute for dough-based products. In certain embodiments, the dough-based product comprises a filling sealed within a pocket while in other embodiments, the dough-based product is not filled. In certain embodiments, the dough-based product is heated by baking, deep-frying or microwaving. In certain embodiments, the salt substitute of the present invention may be used in place of other large-particulate salts such as kosher salt for use on dough-based products. Certain non-dough-based products such as salted caramel ice cream, confections, as well as products utilizing a reduced-salt blend are also improved using the present invention. In certain embodiments, the salt substitute comprises white tapioca.

Abstract: An automatic process includes dissolving a sticky coating layer, pouring the sticky coating layer onto a main material, bonding a covering layer onto the sticky coating layer to form a semi-product of a solid food, cooling the semi-product to cool the sticky coating layer, and vibrating the semi-product to drop an overlapping part of the covering layer so as to form a solid food which includes the main material, the sticky coating layer and the covering layer. Thus, the solid food is made in an automated manner to save the working time, to reduce the cost of production, and to increase the working efficiency. In addition, the solid food is made automatically so that the product of the solid food satisfies the standardized requirement, thereby enhancing the quality of production.

Abstract: A pressed agglomerate (compacted material) which is suitable for consumption, a process for its preparation, its use for aromatizing products and products comprising such a pressed agglomerate are described.

Abstract: A method of making a flavoring unit according to claim 1 which comprises forming a liquid composition containing honey and a molten edible gel-forming polymer, cooling said mixture to produce a gel and producing forming individual flavoring units containing from about 1 to about 20 grams of honey thereform. Preferably the unit comprises from 70 to 90% by weight honey incorporated in a gel which comprises honey and gelatin.

Abstract: A method for processing a food product includes in sequence providing ingredients to the food product; reducing a temperature of a surface of the food product for providing a crust at the surface to retain the ingredients in the food product and adapt the food product for retaining deformation to a select shape; and pressing the food product in to the select shape, wherein the shape of the food product and the ingredients in the food product are retained for subsequent processing.

Abstract: It is intended to provide: a wrapped food to be fried that allows a wrapped fried food to effectively maintain its oil cooking-derived crunchy texture based on the layered structure of wrappers wrapped around an ingredient; a wrapped fried food obtained by cooking the same with oil; and methods for producing these foods. The wrapped fried food of the present invention has an ingredient and a wrapper portion wrapped around the ingredient. At least a portion of this wrapper portion is formed as a layered structure consisting of 10 or more wrapper layers in a rolled-up state.

Abstract: A multi-layered food product comprises a filling encapsulated by a substantially baked yeast-leavened dough. The encapsulated filling is further encapsulated by a substantially baked chemically-leavened batter layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a reduced fat, layered baked product and the resulting product. A main dough is provided and formed into a sheet. Frozen dough or ice is encased by the main dough to form two layers of main dough separated by a layer of frozen dough or ice. The layered dough may be rolled out and folded repeatedly to form more layers. The layered dough is then sheeted, cut, proofed and baked to form a reduced fat, layered, flakey baked product.

Abstract: A composite dough product including a laminated dough component and a non-laminated dough component is described. The laminated dough component includes at least one layer of fat, such as a layer of roll-in shortening, and at least one layer of dough. The thickness of the non-laminated dough component is greater than the thickness of a layer of dough in the laminated dough component. Alternatively, the weight of the non-laminated dough component is greater than the weight of a layer of dough in the laminate. The laminated dough component and the non-laminated dough component each retain their individual characteristics in the composite dough product.

Abstract: A tamale making apparatus has a rectangular or square portable table where the table has a top surface. The top surface is divided into two areas, the first area for holding a volume of masa, while the second area is for placing an outer wrapping material, such as a corn husk. The first area is utilized for placement of a masa storage compartment, which is formed by three retention members which are configured into a U-shaped compartment, with the open end facing the user. The second area, which is adjacent to the first area, is used for placing a corn husk on the table surface, and placing a husk press over the corn husk. The husk press has three guide members which are disposed along three adjacent edges of a flat plate, with no guide member on the fourth edge, thus also forming a u-shaped structure with the open end facing the user.

Abstract: A sushi making apparatus has a board, a sushi receptacles, a mat, a plurality of frames. The board has a three sided perimeter which has sharp edges; the fourth side of the perimeter is made with one of the frames.

Abstract: Provided are a method of producing a filling which improves water-retention capability during heating conducted after the filling is wrapped, and which has an excellent texture, and a filled food product produced by using the filling. Specifically, provided is a filling for a filled food product, the filling comprising at least one or more heat-processed filling ingredients and water-soluble cellulose ether which is gelable during heating. Also provided is a method of producing a filling for a filled food product comprising at least the steps of: heat-processing one or more filling ingredients; and mixing the heat-processed filling ingredients with water-soluble cellulose ether which is gelable during heating, to thereby obtain a filling.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing food products includes two or more raw material-feed hoppers, the hoppers being disposed above a conveyer belt and each hopper containing two rollers that rotate in opposing directions relative to one another to produce raw material sheets. A molding roller is disposed above the conveyer belt that rotates in a direction opposite of the conveyer belt. The sheets produced in the hoppers are deposited on the conveyer belt and are fed between the conveyer belt and the molding roller.

Abstract: A pressed agglomerate (compacted material) which is suitable for consumption, a process for its preparation, its use for aromatizating products and products comprising such a pressed agglomerate are described.

Abstract: A first edible food product of predetermined length is received by an intermittently movable upper conveyor having an effective length the same as said predetermined length. A lower conveyor continuously transports second edible food products and a sensor senses when each of the second edible food products reaches a predetermined location. A controller receives a signal from the sensor and causes simultaneous movement of the upper conveyor to deposit the supported first edible food product and activation of equipment to place a replacement first edible food product on the upper conveyor.

Abstract: A method of triggering a film containing an oxygen scavenger includes providing composition including a peroxide; and packaging the composition in a film including an oxygen scavenger; whereby the oxygen scavenger is triggered in the absence of ultraviolet light, visible light, and electron beam radiation by exposure to the peroxide or an associated enriched oxygen environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides fried Chinese dumplings, such as fried jiao-zi, shao-mai, won-ton, and steamed bread, unfried Chinese dumplings, and methods for producing the same, wherein deterioration of the crispness of their browned skin is sufficiently inhibited after the dumplings are fried, even when a certain period of time is passed after frying, or even when the dumplings are stored in a frozen state. The unfried Chinese dumpling of the present invention has a crispness deterioration inhibitor provided on the external surface of the dough sheet for inhibiting deterioration with time of crispness of the dough sheet after the dumpling is fried. The inhibitor comprising grain powders and a starch hydrolysate (A-1) in powder form having a bulk density of not lower than 3.0 ml/g.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements in puff pastry preparation, which reduce, and preferably eliminate, trans unsaturated fatty acids by the use of a new puff pastry fat comprised principally of palm olein, which is preferably interesterified. The puffed pastry fats exhibit low levels of trans fatty acids. The puff pastry fats and products are highly functional without resort to high solids contents, hydrogenation or butter or other animal fats.

Abstract: For easy sanitary maintenance, stable topping of ingredients on rice, and formation of a roll in good appearance, a manufacturing apparatus of rolled sushi is provided with a roll forming sheet (S) fitted to a drive roller (12) and a back tension roller (13) rotating in forward and backward directions so as to be capable of transferring, conveying and winding the rice seasoned with vinegar (P) expanded on the roll forming sheet (S) by rotation of the rollers (12, 13), fitting grooves (20) provided at outer peripheries of the drive roller (12) and the back tension roller (13), fitting shafts (21) provided at end portions of the roll forming sheet (S) for detachably and slidingly inserting into the fitting grooves (20), and a pair of opening and closing rollers (14, 15) provided in an intermediate portion between the drive roller (12) and the back tension roller (13).

Abstract: Packaged food articles comprise at least one shaped food product disposed within sealed moisture resistant packaging. The shaped food products include an axially aligned center piece or rod as a core portion and at least one string wrapped around the periphery of the core piece. The shaped food piece is fabricated from a pliable or plastic food composition such as a sweetened intermediate moisture fruit or confection such as licorice. The center piece can be provided with a multiplicity of fins extending longitudinally about the exterior periphery of the core piece. The coiled string is peelably removable from the core piece. The combination of core piece and coiled string provide a child oriented wholesome food of enhanced play value. Methods for preparing the shaped food product are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of aqueous copolymer poly(vinyl ester) dispersions which comprise cellulose ethers in an amount up to a maximum of 0.45% by weight in food-coating compositions, and also food-coating compositions which comprise these aqueous copolymer poly(vinyl ester) dispersions, and their use in the coating of food, especially in the production of hard cheese.

Abstract: A method for producing a food shaped as a continuous bar by placing a continuous inner material on a continuous strip of an outer layer material that is transferred on a former belt, comprising the steps of placing food material that includes the inner material placed on the strip of the outer layer material in a channel space defined by the former belt while it is running; and shaping part of the former belt that is located at the channel space as a sleeve by pushing and joining edges of the former belt by a pushing device to allow edges of the outer layer material to be joined.

Abstract: A device for the formation of croissants made of puff pastry or the like, said croissants being initially shaped into pastry rolls (12) starting from flat puff pastry, wherein there are at least two gripping or clasping and folding elements (13, 14, 15), connected by an articulated joint (16, 17) and suitable for being transferred, aligned with each other, onto portions of a puff pastry roll (12), withholding the roll (12) and being moved to a folded position thus causing the firmly held pastry roll to take on the form of a U- or crescent shape, there also being driving systems (25, 26) for the reciprocal movement between the at least two gripping or clasping and folding elements (13, 14, 15).

Abstract: There is provided a method of and apparatus for forming a food by wrapping an inner material with an outer skin material, and the method of and apparatus for sealing the outer skin material more surely in a state where the inner material is disposed on the outer skin material. The food forming apparatus comprises a first shutter (1), a second shutter (2) disposed under the first shutter (1), and support means (6) disposed under the second shutter (2) wherein an operation start timing of the second shutter (2) subsequent to starting of the operation of the first shutter (1) is adjusted appropriately, and a position of the support member (60) is adjusted appropriately, thereby adjusting the amount of collection of the peripheral portion of the curst material (F), thereby wrapping an inner material (G) with the outer skin material (F) in response to the different sizes of the curst material (F) and the inner material (G), thereby surely forming the food.

Abstract: There is provided a method of and apparatus for forming a food by wrapping an inner material with an outer skin material, and the method of and apparatus for sealing the outer skin material more surely in a state where the inner material is disposed on the outer skin material. The food forming apparatus comprises a first shutter (1), a second shutter (2) disposed under the first shutter (1), and support means (6) disposed under the second shutter (2) wherein an operation start timing of the second shutter (2) subsequent to starting of the operation of the first shutter (1) is adjusted appropriately, and a position of the support member (60) is adjusted appropriately, thereby adjusting the amount of collection of the peripheral portion of the curst material (F), thereby wrapping an inner material (G) with the outer skin material (F) in response to the different sizes of the curst material (F) and the inner material (G), thereby surely forming the food.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus produces defined lengths of meat or other filling materials for taquitos, enchiladas, burritos, and other rolled, wrapped, or folded tortilla foods. This apparatus includes a small, upper, filling conveyor that operates in parallel with a large, lower, tortilla conveyor. Other components include an extruder, nozzle, cutter, and various sensors that produce output signals indicating tortilla and filling position. Encoders are also provided to represent position and/or movement of at least the upper conveyor. According to the sensor outputs, a controller regulates operation of the upper conveyor, extruder, and cutter to produce and then accurately deposit segments of filling material upon tortillas as they pass by upon the lower conveyor. As needed, the controller (1) advances, reversed, and/or stops the upper conveyor, (2) directs the pump to start/stop filling production, and (3) regulates the cutter to cut extruded filling material.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for the preparation of puffed cereal cakes, in particular puffed rice cakes. The processes comprise molding puffed or unpuffed cereal grains under pressure with the application of ultrasound. The ultrasound assists bonding of the cereal grains to form a solid cake. The ultrasound reduces fouling of the mold and increases processing speed. In one aspect, the starting material is prepuffed cereal grains, and these grains are coated with a binder agent and then bonded together at low temperature using ultrasound energy. This permits the formation of puffed cereal cakes with edible inclusions of temperature-sensitive foodstuffs, and also the rapid formation of puffed cereal cakes with shaped or profiled top and/or bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A ready-to-eat filled bagel dough product can be produced by a method comprising preparing a bagel dough; sealing a quantity of filling material within a quantity of bagel dough to form a shaped, filled bagel dough product; adding topping to the shaped product; proofing the shaped product, and then (1) chilling or freezing the proofed, shaped product to reduce the filler core temperature, steaming the product for an amount of time sufficient to completely cook the dough, freezing the product for long term storage, and subsequently thawing and/or reheating in a microwave oven prior to consumption; or (2) chilling or freezing the proofed, shaped product to reduce the filler core temperature, steaming the product for an amount of time sufficient to completely cook the dough, again chilling the product to reduce the temperature of the filler, baking or browning the product, freezing the product for long term storage, and subsequently thawing and/or reheating in a microwave oven prior to consumption.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of making a toroid filled bagel dough product and the product formed thereby.

Abstract: A baked food product is described including a filling surrounded by a baked layer. An edible encapsulant layer surrounds the filling and is disposed between the filling and the baked layer. The encapsulant layer may be formed of a protein encapsulated starch and serves to maintain separation between the filling and the surrounding baked layer during initial baking and during subsequent storage and re-heating, even in cases of a liquid type filling. A baking method is described in which a baking mixture is prepared including at least one leavening agent provided in a predetermined amount. The baking mixture is then baked in a way which limits expansion of the baking mixture to establish a baked density of the baked product and such that the predetermined amount of the leavening agent is sufficient to limit the time required for baking the baked comestible. The predetermined amount of leavening agent may also serve in forming an enhanced thin crust surrounding the baked product.

Abstract: A pasta stuffing machine includes a conveyor having mold cups affixed thereto. The mold cups are openable and closeable. A pasta shell is inserted into each mold cup. The conveyor moves the mold cups and pasta shells to a filling station at which a pasta shell filling is inserted within the pasta shell while the mold cup is open. A folding station causes the mold cup to close to fold leaves of the pasta shell on top of one another and around the pasta shell filling. The mold cups are opened downstream of the folding station to allow the pasta shell to exit the mold cup. A rolling station rolls the pasta shell and the pasta shell filling into a final shape.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus produces defined lengths of meat or other filling materials for taquitos, enchiladas, burritos, and other rolled, wrapped, or folded tortilla foods. This apparatus includes a small, upper, filling conveyor that operates in parallel with a large, lower, tortilla conveyor. Other components include an extruder, nozzle, cutter, and various sensors that produce output signals indicating tortilla and filling position. Encoders are also provided to represent position and/or movement of at least the upper conveyor. According to the sensor outputs, a controller regulates operation of the upper conveyor, extruder, and cutter to produce and then accurately deposit segments of filling material upon tortillas as they pass by upon the lower conveyor. As needed, the controller (1) advances, reversed, and/or stops the upper conveyor, (2) directs the pump to start/stop filling production, and (3) regulates the cutter to cut extruded filling material.

Abstract: A sealed crustless sandwich for providing a convenient sandwich without an outer crust which can be stored for long periods of time without a central filling from leaking outwardly. The inventive device includes a lower bread portion, an upper bread portion, an upper filling and a lower filling between the lower and upper bread portions, a center filling sealed between the upper and lower fillings, and a crimped edge along an outer perimeter of the bread portions for sealing the fillings therebetween. The upper and lower fillings are preferably comprised of peanut butter and the center filling is comprised of at least jelly. The center filling is prevented from radiating outwardly into and through the bread portions from the surrounding peanut butter.

Abstract: A sealed crustless sandwich for providing a convenient sandwich without an outer crust which can be stored for long periods of time without a central filling from leaking outwardly. The inventive device includes a lower bread portion, an upper bread portion, an upper filling and a lower filling between the lower and upper bread portions, a center filling sealed between the upper and lower fillings, and a crimped edge along an outer perimeter of the bread portions for sealing the fillings therebetween. The upper and lower fillings are preferably comprised of peanut butter and the center filling is comprised of at least jelly. The center filling is prevented from radiating outwardly into and through the bread portions from the surrounding peanut butter.

Abstract: An animated food, containing a food animating product and method is disclosed. The animating food product is edible and animates the food by dispersing an outer mass in liquid and revealing an inner mass of the animating food portion that is different in appearance from the appearance of the animating mass prior to dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for making grape leaves with meat. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for rolling a grape leaf about the meat. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a mechanism for positioning the grape leaf and meat so the rolling mechanism can roll the grape leaf about the meat.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous starch enrobing slurry for coating the outer surface of a potato product having an as is solids content comprising ungelatinized starch and not less than 50% by weight rice flour and the coated potato products produced thereby.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the preparation of composite food products is provided wherein the apparatus (10) has a conveyor (12), a pair of spaced-apart primary and secondary apertured rakes (18, 20), a cooling tunnel (22), a cutting device (24) and a packaging system (25). In use, a first, relatively high viscosity food material (36) is deposited upstream of the primary rake (18) so as to drag or pull the first material through the rake (18) as continuous streams (40). The streams (40) are partially cooled and relatively low viscosity second material (38) is applied thereover adjacent the secondary rake (20). At the secondary rake (20), the second material (38) is pulled through the rake apertures to form continuous streams or sections (42) of the material (36) disposed around the inner sections formed by the streams (40). The composite streams are then cooled in the tunnel (22) and cut by the device (24).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for forming popcorn bars utilizing methods according to the preferred teachings of the present invention is disclosed where popcorn popped in an air popper (12) and coated with a molten binder in the form of a caramel syrup in an auger mixer (20) is compressed into a sheet by a device (32). In the sheeting device (32), the coated popped popcorn is drawn into and passes between an input conveyor (30) and a compressing conveyor (34) arranged at a non-parallel angle thereto. An air manifold (37) directs cooled air to the upper surface of the compressing conveyor (34) to cool the belting (36) thereof, with the cooled air being deflected to cool a spreader box (28) which receives the coated popcorn from the auger mixer (20) and distributes it on the input conveyor (30).

Abstract: A food item and method of fabrication is disclosed wherein the food item is packaged in a manner promoting marketability. The food item includes a fruit-based strip having a predetermined length defined by a leading end and a trailing end. The strip is rolled around its leading end into a roll having multiple rotations with an outer layer in contact with an inner layer. Further, a region of the outer layer proximate to the trailing end is attached to the inner layer of the roll.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical food product includes a plurality of cylindrical food layers oriented concentrically one within the other and including at least a radially innermost food layer that is cylindrical and a radially outermost cylindrical food layer. Each of the food layers is formed from a rectangular food sheet that has opposite first and second edges, with such rectangular food sheet being formed into a cylindrical shape with such opposite edges in abutment.

Abstract: A method and means for enhancing, encouraging and facilitating the growth of various species of marine life in an aqueous environment uses a nutrient mix derived from chemicals such as calcium carbonate and refined lanolin. When placed upon organic substrate support materials such as corn cobs and/or oyster shells and submerged in the presence of certain temperate zone climatic conditions, resulting marine life may be harvested for further commercial utilization or it may be allowed to remain in situ for "natural" utilization such as, for example, attracting ducks, geese and/or other species of waterfowl to a marine habitat.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for the preparation of puffed cereal cakes, in particular puffed rice cakes. The processes comprise molding puffed or unpuffed cereal grains under pressure with the application of ultrasound. The ultrasound assists bonding of the cereal grains to form a solid cake. The ultrasound reduces fouling of the mold and increases processing speed. In one aspect, the starting material is prepuffed cereal grains, and these grains are coated with a binder agent and then bonded together at low temperature using ultrasound energy. This permits the formation of puffed cereal cakes with edible inclusions of temperature-sensitive foodstuffs, and also the rapid formation of puffed cereal cakes with shaped or profiled top and/or bottom surfaces.

Abstract: Process methods are described for combining compounds of mineral nutrients into chemically stable powder mixtures that notably preserve chromium in a soluble form conducive to both absorption and bioavailability. The methods include the compounds of minerals in preferred chemical forms, procedures for treatment of certain compounds to maintain solubility, appropriate sequences for combination of the compounds and other premix ingredients, and blending to provide an adequately homogeneous mixture. The methods provide premixes of minerals that support bioavailable chromium and that exhibit good stability, solubility, odor and color for addition to nutritional products.

Abstract: A pasta is formed from a tube of pasta that is cooked, filled with sauce, sealed on one end, left open on the other end and rolled into the shape of a coil. The pasta is suitable for being eaten while on the move.

Abstract: A tamale roll prepared from a dough comprising from 1 to 15% by weight of wheat gluten in the presence of a humectant such as glycerol and/or maltodextrin, processes for preparing the tamale roll by steaming tamale shape dough followed by freezing or packaging in nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide or their combinations and kept refrigerated. An edible filling such as a meat or cheese filling may be placed on the tamale roll to make a tamale for serving.

Abstract: A sealed crustless sandwich for providing a convenient sandwich without an outer crust which can be stored for long periods of time without a central filling from leaking outwardly. The sandwich includes a lower bread portion, an upper bread portion, an upper filling and a lower filling between the lower and upper bread portions, a center filling sealed between the upper and lower fillings, and a crimped edge along an outer perimeter of the bread portions for sealing the fillings therebetween. The upper and lower fillings are preferably comprised of peanut butter and the center filling is comprised of at least jelly. The center filling is prevented from radiating outwardly into and through the bread portions from the surrounding peanut butter.

Abstract: A process for the production of a pre-cooked, high moisture, shelf-stable or refrigerated, acidified filled pasta comprising a filling within a dough skin which comprises mixing pasta ingredients together to form a pasta dough, forming the dough into a sheet suitable to form the skin of the filled pasta, encasing a filling having a water activity of less than 0.93 and a pH of above 4.6 within the dough sheet to give a raw filled pasta, cooking the raw filled pasta in acidified water to a pH of above 4.6 to a moisture content of from 55 to 70% by weight, partially drying to achieve a moisture content of from 40 to 55% and a water activity of less than 0.93, and finally packaging the cooked pasta either with heat processing or under modified atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously producing a cored food in a bar shape by molding a round outer skin material (2) in a space-saving manner provides a method whereby the outer skin material (2) and an inner material (1) are mounted in this order on a carriage conveyor (3). A belt portion comprises a number of belt pieces (31) arranged in the carriage course of the conveyor (3) so that they are foldable towards said conveyor independently from each other. Both end portions (31a) of each belt piece (31) are raised by a pair of guides (4) so as to bend the outer skin material (2) into a gutter-like shape. The outer skin material (2) bent in this way is further compressed with compression molding members (5) through the belt pieces (31). The inner material (1) surrounded with the outer skin material (2) is continuously produced and forms a cored food (F) in a bar shape.

Abstract: Elimination of the problems of a manual burrito folding operation is obtained by a high speed burrito folding machine which eliminates the need for human operators. The machine includes an endless conveyor having an entrance portion, an intermediate portion downstream of the entrance portion, and an exit portion downstream of the intermediate portion. A plurality of platform assemblies are pivotally mounted on the conveyor about a substantially vertical axis and spaced apart from one another. The swinging of a first movable platform of each platform assembly sequentially forms a first fold in each burrito. Downstream of the forming of the first fold, each burrito is sequentially revolved to a position in which the axis of the first fold is substantially transverse to the length of the conveyor. Each of a pair of spaced apart portions of the burrito are folded to form spaced apart second and third folds in the burrito which extend along fold lines which are transverse to the first fold.