Abstract: The invention provides a trans fat replacement system that is a stable and shelf storable mixture of an edible oil and an expanded, low-density carbohydrate for use in preparing baked goods having a reduced trans fat content. Depending upon formulation and processing, the mixture can have a consistency ranging from generally granular to an almost paste-like consistency. The trans fat replacement system consists of at least one edible oil and an expanded, low-density carbohydrate having a bulk density less than about 0.4 g/cc. The trans fat replacement system can be used to reduce or eliminate the amounts of traditional fats used to make baked goods. In one representative formulation, the trans fat replacement system can take the form of a generally, paste-like mixture that is suitable for spreading and is especially useful for the preparation of laminated dough products such as biscuits and croissants.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurately and repeatably depositing edible particulates on edible products. A dual-drum rotary feed system accurately meters an amount of edible particle for each edible product with a first rotary drum while a second rotary drum deposits the edible particulates onto or within the edible product. The dual-drum rotary feeder can comprise replaceable drums wherein drums can be quickly removed and replaced for cleaning, sanitization and to adjust processing conditions such as, for example, changes in production rates and/or product size.