Abstract: An object is to provide a method and an apparatus for lapping strip-shaped food dough onto a transporting unit without repeatedly applying tension or relaxation. A method of lapping food dough in which strip-shaped food dough being continuously conveyed is lapped onto the transporting unit configured to transport the food dough in a direction intersecting a conveyance direction of the food dough.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a flat dough product, in particular a pizza, topped with assorted toppings, is provided with a plurality of topping dispensers and at least one movable positioning mechanism, which is provided vertically below a plane spanned by the topping dispensers and to which a dough carrier is associated which may be supported such that it can rotate; the positioning mechanism actuated by an actuating mechanism to position the dough carrier underneath a topping dispenser to allow topping to be dispensed. The topping dispensers are arranged in a matrix configuration, distributed in two mutually perpendicular spatial directions x,y and the positioning mechanism is configured for positioning the dough carrier in the two mutually perpendicular spatial directions x,y corresponding to the matrix configuration. The topping dispensers are actuated passively to dispense topping by rotating the dough carrier and/or by means of the lifting mechanism.

Abstract: A machine configured to laminate a flour-based dough includes a support structure, at least one pair of counter-rotating lamination rollers, for example, with a diameter equal to or greater than 250 mm, carried by the support structure, and a driving device operable to drive the lamination rollers for rotation with a given difference in the rotational speeds thereof, which difference is between 3% and 7%, for example, equal to 5%. The machine further includes a non-motorized conveyor belt arranged to be set into motion by the lamination roller rotating faster than the other lamination roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for arranging sprinkling material, such as seed, on a dough piece, comprising means for arranging the sprinkling material on a surface for dough pieces and means for placing the dough piece on the surface provided with the sprinkling material, and also further comprising in an advantageous embodiment means for applying an adhesive such as water to at least a part of the dough piece to be provided with the sprinkling material, wherein the means for placing the dough piece are adapted to place the dough piece with the part provided with the adhesive facing toward the surface.

Abstract: A dough-like confectionery material contains a solid particulate, a liquid, and a diffusion controller. The dough-like confectionery material is an effective replacement for panned coatings, and it can be applied to an edible substrate, such as candy or chewing gum to form a layered confection. Methods and apparatus for forming layered confections are also described.

Abstract: A sandwich maker includes a base and a perforating member. The base includes a base cavity into which a portion of a sheet of dough can be positioned, the base cavity including a plurality of slots positioned in a spaced fashion therein and extending through the base cavity. The perforating member is separably coupled to the base external to the base cavity and moveable between a normally retracted position and an extended position, wherein the perforating member includes a plurality of teeth spaced along the perforating member such that each tooth of the plurality of teeth aligns with a corresponding slot of the plurality of slots, and wherein each tooth is configured to extend into the base cavity via the corresponding slot when the perforating member is in the extended position so as to cut slits in the portion of the sheet of dough positioned within the base cavity.

Abstract: A belt drive system for a reciprocating mold plate in a food product molding machine. The invention relates to a belt drive system having a belt tensioning device configured to tension a drive belt of an indexing motion food product molding machine. The invention provides ease of service and/or replacement of components of the drive system. The invention provides a manifold configuration to balance the flow and pressure of the food product over a wide fill area.

Abstract: Device for manufacturing lollipops, including a rotatably driven drum provided with lollipop moulds at its circumference, a supply for supplying a strand of lollipop material to the lollipop moulds and a discharge for lollipops formed in the lollipop moulds, wherein the drum is disposed on a hollow shaft and wherein the lollipop moulds are disposed at the circumference of a casing, which defines an annular space with the hollow shaft, wherein the hollow shaft is provided with a first passage and a second passage, each forming a fluid connection between the cavity in the hollow shaft and the annular space, wherein the hollow shaft is provided with a fluid supply and a fluid discharge, which fluid supply is in fluid connection with a pressure source for cooling air, wherein the lollipop moulds comprise lower moulds that are fixed to the casing and the casing with the lollipop moulds forms a detachable part of the device and can be slid on the hollow shaft when being placed or removed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for processing a food product by reducing a temperature of the food product to retain ingredients within the food product and adapt the food product for retaining deformation to a select shape; and pressing the food product to the select shape, wherein the shape of the food product and the ingredients therein are retained for subsequent processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an excited apparatus for coating food product with a coating.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and devices for manufacturing candy using one or more molds and/or stencils, which comprises the steps of filling a measured amount of a first candy mass into a first mold or stencil portion and filling a measured amount of at least a second mixture comprising a candy mass into a second mold or stencil portion. The invention also discloses a product and process to manufacture candy by forming a candy billet and reducing the cross section of said moldable billet such that features in the candy billet appear in a similar arrangement in the resulting extruded product.

Abstract: The sushi maker machine (10) comprises a base-plate (12) supporting a roll making sheet and a roll-up sheet removably held on the base-plate in a substantially flat condition held by clamps (14) or similar arrangement allowing for the deposit of a layer of seaweed (Nori) and other ingredients over the sheet. When released from the clamps (14) the sheet taking up a cylindrical configuration or rolled up mechanically. A cooked rice container (22) mounted on vertical or horizontal rails (24) or a like supported such as parallel bars, the container having a first position at a side or top of the roll-up sheet wherein the rice may be arranged and a second position, above the roll-up sheet wherein a layer of rice may be deposited onto the seaweed layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an apparatus and method for producing a filled-dough food product, such as a fruit-filled turnover (e.g., an apple turnover) or a single-serve pie, on an industrial scale. In one representative embodiment, the apparatus includes a filling-apportionment mechanism and a filling-transfer mechanism. The filling-apportionment mechanism is configured to apportion or separate a supply of filling pieces (e.g., pieces of fruit, such as apple pieces) into one or more portions of a predetermined size. The filling-transfer mechanism includes a vacuum pick-up device that is configured to pick up one or more portions of filling pieces from the filling-apportionment mechanism and deposit the portions on a sheet of dough.

Abstract: A method according to this invention is comprised of a forming step to form a sheet from a block of bread dough that is kneaded from the raw materials for bread, a further forming step to form a bar-like dough by rolling or folding the sheet a cutting step to cut the bar-like dough, and a placing step to place the bar-like pieces of dough that were cut at the cutting step into a baking mold so that at least one cutting plane faces upward. If there are air bubbles between layers of the bar-like pieces of dough, the air bubbles can escape from a cutting surface of the bar-like pieces of dough when they rise and expand at the fermenting and baking steps.

Abstract: A beverage forming system includes an actuator and first and second portions that are movable relative to each other between open and closed positions. The first and second portions include a cartridge receiving portion to accept a cartridge for forming a beverage, e.g., a disposable single serve cartridge. A first linkage member may be fixed to the actuator and physically contact a second linkage member that may be fixed to the first or second portion (or to a frame that supports the first and second portions). Movement of the actuator may cause movement of the first and second linkage members relative to each other, thereby causing relative movement of the first and second portions between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A method and device for the production of a chocolate product having a colored image imprinted thereon. The method comprises providing a substrate with a non-stick surface, depositing a food-color-receiving emulsion on the substrate, printing on the emulsion with ink-jet food grade colors, depositing melted chocolate on the printed emulsion in a mold, and allowing said molded chocolate to cool. The printed image transfers to said chocolate with said emulsion and the outcome is a chocolate product with the colored image imprinted thereon.

Abstract: A method for applying chocolate transfers directly to rolled fondant, and then applying the rolled fondant to a cake, baked good, or other confection is disclosed. The steps of the process include rolling the fondant out to a thickness of about 1/16 of an inch, placing the chocolate transfer directly onto the rolled fondant and covering with a silicone mat and a piece of parchment paper. An iron, such as one used for clothing or crafts, is used as a heat source, and is applied evenly across the parchment paper to heat the chocolate transfer until it adheres to the rolled fondant. Then, after the chocolate transfer/fondant combination is allowed to cool, it may be applied to the cake or confectionary product in a traditional manner. A novel confectionary product, which is at least partially covered by a rolled fondant/chocolate transfer combination is also disclosed, as well as a kit having the necessary tools for utilizing the method described herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a single-dose portable express portion of a warm food product that can be eaten keeping it in hand, this warm food product having a stiff edible container (24) and a stuffing with at least one food component selected from the group comprised of: dressing of a pizza, in particular, comprising cheese. The apparatus comprises a conveyor belt (2) exposed to irradiation by at least one heat source (10), and optionally an auxiliary conveyor belt (1). The heated component (23) comprising cheese, is brought from the conveyor belt (2) towards an outlet where it falls in the edible container (24).

Abstract: A system and mechanism for forming discrete units of ice cream is disclosed utilizing cryogenically cooled equipment during the manufacturing process. The discrete units are formed and then coated with one or more various confectionary substances, also using cryogenically cooled equipment, so as to result in a substantially uniformly-coated ice cream product.

Abstract: A folding control apparatus for left and right lateral pieces of slice food is provided, such that when the slice food is moving forward on a transfer belt surface, the slice food is attached and positioned on the transfer belt surface; and a left and right lateral pieces of the slice food are blown by high-pressure air at a different time sequence to be folded and overlapped with respect to each other, so as to cover a stuffing strip on a surface of the slice food for forming a food enclosing material, thereby further simplifying a structure for folding the slice food to reduce a manufacturing cost and lower noise.

Abstract: A piston assembly for a food extruder having a food reservoir with a chamber and an inner surface, a piston rod and a piston dish. The piston rod slidably extends into the chamber of the food reservoir. The piston dish is attached loosely to the piston rod and has a lower segment, an upper segment, an annular groove and a sealing ring. The lower segment has an outer surface with an inclined bottom edge. The upper segment is hollow and is formed with the lower segment. The annular groove is formed in the outer surface of the lower segment adjacent to the upper segment. The sealing ring is mounted in the annular groove and slidably presses against the inner surface of the food reservoir to form an airtight seal.

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 dischargeable storage device instantaneously moveable between a store position and a discharge position. The dischargeable storage device includes a deck having a pair of pivotable trap doors. Each door has a guide post. The dischargeable storage device has a plunger having two guide channels. The plunger is moveable within the aperture. Each guide channel is adapted to cooperate with one of the guide posts such that when the plunger is depressed, the guide posts travel along the guide channels allowing the trap doors to open. An apparatus for for evenly distributing portions of food having a dischargeable storage device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A food slicing apparatus and components where the apparatus includes a frame and a pivotally mounted carriage. The frame mounts a height adjustable conveyor system while the carriage hosts a latch for a slice thickness adjustment cam. The carriage also supports a drive system which precisely moves a food transporting tube assembly over a base, such as pizza dough, while food is cut by a laterally moving blade mounted around two drums, one of which is adjustable to change tension in the blade. The blade is further supported by a blade guide which also guides the sliced food to the pizza dough base. The drive system includes a servomotor, a group of gears, a crank connected to the gears, a cam roller and a cam follower plate with a slot. The cam follower plate is connected by a quick connect and disconnect connector to the food tube assembly. The result is a compact, efficient slicing apparatus with a small footprint that is usable in a food processing line.

Abstract: A dough treatment facility comprises, among other things, a dough kneading arrangement, which comprises an inner kneading drum, an outer kneading drum which is moved in relation thereto within the scope of a kneading motion, and a plurality of kneading compartments which are at least partially defined by the kneading drums. The kneading motion is actuated by means of a kneading drive. This drive comprises a first drive component for rotation of the inner kneading drum, a second drive component for rotation of the outer kneading drum, and a third drive component for periodic motion of the outer kneading drum relative to the inner kneading drum, this motion having a motional component parallel to the longitudinal axis of the kneading drums. A kneading drive gear actuates the driving motions of the three drive components, derived from the motion of a single transmission shaft.

Abstract: A coating such as liquid milk chocolate is applied to articles such as confectionery bars. The bars are conveyed by conveyor under a curtain of liquid chocolate issuing through an outlet slot in a trough. A layer of air is caused to flow through the outlet slot in the trough so as to modify the flow characteristics of the curtain. The layer of air permits a curtain of even thickness to be achieved.

Abstract: A production line for bread blanks comprising a dough dispenser unit with a first rolling unit for preparing a dough sheet; a first conveyor receiving the dough sheet; at least one spreading/rolling unit operable in conjunction with the first conveyor, each unit having a spreader roll facing the underside surface of the conveyor and a backing roll in direct contact with the top surface of the dough sheet; a second rolling unit at the exit end of the first conveyor for trimming the dough sheet; a second conveyor receiving the trimmed dough sheet and; forming/releasing means operable in conjunction with the second conveyor for forming/releasing bread blanks from the trimmed dough sheet.

Abstract: A separation device for dough pieces (2) is provided with an inlet portion for delivering a plurality of dough pieces (2), a separation unit (26) for separating the dough pieces (2) delivered and an outlet portion (27) for individually discharging the dough pieces (2) separated from one another. The separation unit (26) comprises a container (28) having a container bottom (31) which is divided into a round inner portion (33) to which the dough pieces (2) are delivered and an outer portion (34), extending at least partially around the inner portion (33). The outer portion (34) can be caused to rotate relative to the inner portion (33) around an axis of rotation extending perpendicular to the container bottom plane and is arranged in conveying connection with the outlet portion (27). Such a separation device reliably separates a plurality of dough pieces.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for producing confectionery. In the apparatus for producing confectionery, a material injection unit for supplying materials into a confectionary mold includes a hopper, an injector, a hose, and a piston actuator, which are detachably connected to a main frame. With this configuration, the foregoing elements are detached and cleaned, thereby keeping the elements sanitary.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rotary sauce dispensing apparatus for applying a sauce on a receiving surface such as a pizza dough. In one embodiment, a system for producing a flow of a sauce to a dispenser comprises a rotating table configured to support and rotate the receiving surface thereon around an axis generally perpendicular to the receiving surface for receiving the sauce, and a sauce dispensing member having a dispensing outlet disposed above the rotating table to dispense the sauce on the receiving surface disposed on the rotating table. The sauce dispensing member is movable between an edge position above an outer edge of the receiving surface and a center position above a center of the receiving surface. A sauce pumping device is configured to deliver a flow of the sauce to the sauce dispensing member.

Abstract: A device for molding spheroidal food products including a set of cutting tool elements, and a central opening which is formed from frontal sections of blades defined on front-ends of the set of cutting tool elements. Convex rails and a slide grooves are formed on an inner and an outer sliding surface of each of the cutting tool elements respectively. During course of the blades of the cutting tool elements converging, the convex rails and the slide grooves knead a circumferential surface of a cylindrical food product passing through the central opening, thereby forming a plurality of position-fixing depressions, and the depressions gradually deepen around a central region of the cylindrical food product as the blades converge. Upon the central opening being closed by converging of the blades, thus the blades making mutually contact sever the cylindrical food product and forms the spheroidal food product therefrom.

Abstract: A dough treatment facility comprises a dough feeder, a dough metering arrangement, a dough kneading arrangement, a transfer arrangement disposed between the dough metering arrangement and the dough kneading arrangement as well as a dough discharge arrangement. A delivery piston, which is driven by a drive mechanism, forms part of the dough metering arrangement. A drive component of the drive mechanism comprises a load sensing device, which is disposed for sensing the load by which the delivery piston, when pressing the dough, acts on the dough.

Abstract: A method of making a crustless sandwich from two slices of bread with outer crusts, the method comprising: placing a first slice of bread on a platen; forming a mass of a first food spread onto the central portion of the first slice of bread in a position spaced inwardly from a marginal area where the mass is formed with an inner lower layer with an outer rim extending upwardly from the lower layer to define a closed pocket or receptacle recess in the mass; placing a second food spread in the receptacle recess; closing the receptacle recess with a layer of the first food spread generally coextensive with the mass and supported on the outer rim of the mass to encapsulate the second food spread into a center composite food layer; placing a second slice of bread over the first slice to cover the center composite food layer; cutting the bread slices in unison in a cut pattern to remove the crusts of the slices; and, pressing the two bread slices together by force through the slices against a pressure surface on t

Abstract: A food winding apparatus, system, and method of forming a rolled food item utilizing a slotted spool or cup and a push plate to eject the rolled food item from the spool. A food winding unit utilizes a motor to rotate a slotted spool. The leading end of a supported strip of food is detected by a sensor and directed into the slot of a spool. A micro-controller triggers a motor in response to the sensor signal to rotate and form a rolled food item after a predetermined number of rotations. An actuator is activated to displace an ejection plate to eject the rolled food item from the slotted spool. The winding unit can be integrated into a system including an extruder to deposit food onto support strips, a series of conveyors, and a rotary knife to cut the supported strip of food into predetermined lengths suitable for being rolled into a food item by the winding unit.

Abstract: An automatic filling stuffing apparatus aims to automatically stuff filling in an elongated and unprocessed pastry. It includes a transporting unit and a pastry supply unit to supply the elongated pastry, a cutting unit to cut off the elongated pastry to individual pastry during the pastry supply process, a filling stuffing unit and a compression unit to dispose the filling on the pastry held on the surface of a holder, a forming unit to wrap the pastry with the filling contained therein to form a foodstuff desired, and a conveying unit to carry the formed and finished foodstuff to the next processing step.

Abstract: A cookie press includes a helically-threaded rod that advances forward as it is being rotated about its axis by a gear. As a result, a plunger is advanced and pushes dough down a barrel and squeezes the dough through an aperture at the end of the barrel.

Abstract: A dough treatment facility comprises a dough feeder, a dough metering arrangement, a dough kneading arrangement, a transfer arrangement disposed between the dough metering arrangement and the dough kneading arrangement as well as a dough discharge arrangement. A delivery piston, which is driven by a drive mechanism, forms part of the dough metering arrangement. A drive component of the drive mechanism comprises a load sensing device, which is disposed for sensing the load by which the delivery piston, when pressing the dough, acts on the dough.

Abstract: A dischargeable storage device instantaneously moveable between a store position and a discharge position. The dischargeable storage device includes a deck having a pair of pivotable trap doors. Each door has a guide post. The dischargeable storage device has a plunger having two guide channels. The plunger is moveable within the aperture. Each guide channel is adapted to cooperate with one of the guide posts such that when the plunger is depressed, the guide posts travel along the guide channels allowing the trap doors to open. An apparatus for for evenly distributing portions of food having a dischargeable storage device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tortilla serving tray and support apparatus, configured of a hard plastic or other material having a top wall and sidewalls, wherein the top wall has at least one tortilla receiving cavity and at least one tortilla receiving chamber formed therein, into which tortillas are positioned and supported by the at least one tortilla receiving cavity and at least one tortilla receiving chamber wherein each has a base wall connected to a sidewall that extends up the interior of the tortilla receiving chamber until it ends at the top wall.

Abstract: The present invention is a device facilitating both rapid and efficient assembly of handmade pizzas. The invention consists of a ring placed within a pan over a pizza shell thereby restricting toppings to the central region of a pizza. In one embodiment, the circular ring has a solid structure. In preferred embodiments, the circular ring is hollowed thereby reducing weight and facilitating space efficient stacking of two or more rings. Exemplary sectional structures include square, rectangle, trapezoid, and trapezoid-like shapes. In yet other embodiments, one or more grips are provided facilitating placement and removal of ring from pan.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved apparatus for processing dough intermediates that are less developed, softer or which have enhanced water or moisture levels. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of an improved dough transport module, that has one or more protuberances extending generally perpendicularly from a supporting surface which supports the dough intermediate for a sufficient interval of time during processing so as to eliminate the waste and loss of dough intermediates prior to processing or packaging steps.

Abstract: An apparatus assembly for forming a compound dessert in a predetermined dome shape including a first outer mold having a dome shaped bowl with a closed semi-spherical end and an open end, and a ring shaped planar support base secured to said closed end of bowl body. A second dome shaped bowl of a smaller diameter is mounted in the chamber formed in the first mold bowl. A lip is formed on the open end of both bowls extending outward from the open end of each bowl which holds a retainer strap assembly holding the second inner mold bowl in place within the first outer mold bowl.

Abstract: An apparatus assembly for forming a compound dessert in a predetermined dome shape including a first outer mold having a dome shaped bowl with a closed semi-spherical end and an open end, and a ring shaped support base secured to said closed end of bowl body. A cover including a second dome shaped bowl of a smaller diameter is mounted in the chamber formed in the first mold bowl and the cover is mounted to an extended portion of the outer mold.

Abstract: An apparatus assembly for forming a layered dessert in a predetermined layered dome forming a hemispheric shape including a first mold having a dome shaped bowl with a closed semi-spherical end and an open end, and a ring shaped planar support base secured to said closed end of bowl body. A second mold comprises a circular pan with a flat bottom surface and a curved outer side extending upward from the bottom surface with the area formed by a plane across the top of the curved outer side, the inner surface curved side and the bottom surface forming a section of a sphere. A lip is formed on both molds extending outward from the open end.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically producing at low cost a paste food product resembling in appearance a crab's leg meat tissue causing a sensation of a crab's leg meat upon eating, comprises: a first feed device (1) for feeding a cooked paste sheet; a sheet cutter assembly (4) constructed of parallel rotary cutters disposed under the first feed device (1); a convergent roll assembly (9) having an H-shaped cross-section for forming the paste sheet into a folded sheet (10), disposed under the first feed device (1); a conveyor (12) for conveying the folded sheet (10), disposed under the convergent roll assembly (9); a second feed device (14) for intermittently or continuously feeding the folded sheet (10), disposed in front of the conveyor (12); a slitting machine (17) for forming rows of parallel oblique slits in the folded sheet (10) so as to have the parallel oblique slits symmetrically arranged about a longitudinal axis of the folded sheet (10); and, a cutter for cutting the folded sheet into a block

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus of forming a row of sliced product, which has a lateral dimension when aligned in a row. The apparatus 10 includes a row former, generally indicated at 13 and a pattern former generally indicated at 14. The row former forms rows of, for example, tomato slices 16, which are delivered onto a receiving surface, formed by the belt of a conveyor 17. The conveyor 17 is driven intermittently to deliver slices 16 in their row 15 onto the first conveyor 18 of the pattern former 14. The row former 13 includes an inclined conveyor belt 31, which has slats 32 spaced along its length, the spacing being dictated by the lateral dimension of the sliced product to be handled. A series of wiper blades 33 are spaced along the conveyor 31, along the direction of travel. As the belt 31 is driven intermittently the slices are elevated and wiped into the spaces between the slats until rows are formed.

Abstract: A flattening roller (38) is supported on horizontal guides (32, 34) and rolls alternately in opposite directions along the guides. A tray (30) is arranged horizontally between the guides, and is progressively lifted to approach to the cylindrical surface of the roller. The tray turns by a quarter turn around a vertical axis at the end of each stroke of the roller along the guides. A lump of dough placed on the tray is progressively flattened to a thin, round shape.

Abstract: The present invention is a bakery product produced by compressing stacked sheets of dough into a laminate and baking the laminate. The bakery product includes a first sheet of dough and a second sheet of dough. The first sheet of dough has a first grain direction. The second sheet of dough has a second grain direction. The second sheet of dough is positioned in facing engagement on the first sheet of dough to form a laminate of dough, wherein the first and second grain directions are positioned generally not parallel with respect to each other. The present invention is also directed to the apparatus and method used for producing the above-described bakery product.

Abstract: An apparatus that dispenses a food substance has a housing and a barrel removably connected to the housing. A rod connected to a plunger is disposed within the housing and the barrel. A drive mechanism including a dual-direction electric motor is located in the housing. The drive mechanism actuates the rod so that the plunger is advanced in the barrel to dispense the food substance. The drive mechanism includes a nut housing having an inner passage housing a nut positioned between a pair of compression springs. The nut is restricted from rotational movement relative to the nut housing but may move a limited distance vertically. The rod is positioned through the nut housing. The nut travels along the rod as the rod moves within the apparatus.

Abstract: A food material dispensing apparatus for adding a topping to a target food is described. The apparatus comprises a first hopper and a first food distributing system. The first hopper is adapted for receiving the food material at an inlet and delivering the good material through an outlet toward a target location. The first food distributing system is designed for spreading the food material over the target food. The food distributing system includes a motor positioned a horizontal distance from the inlet of the first hopper, a curved conduit, and a flexible, rotary shaft. The curved conduit has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is releaseably connected to the motor, and the distal end is adapted for insertion into the hopper. The flexible, rotary shaft is for stirring and/or mixing the food material. The flexible, rotary shaft passing passes through the curved conduit and is operatively connected at a first end to the motor and at a second end to a distributing blade.