Abstract: A formed cream substitute for the addition to hot meals and a method for its preparation. The formed cream substitute for the addition to hot meals is formed by working 20 to 60% cream powder and 10 to 50% fat powder in a 15 to 50% matrix of pure fat. The cream substitute according to the invention can be provided in the form of lumps, in the form of cubes, or in the form of a granulate. The cream substitute can be stored well at room temperature and has, on a weight basis, a higher effectiveness than liquid cream.

Abstract: Reduced calorie reconstituted milk and milk products are prepared by replacing some or all of the fat in reconstituted milk with a fatty acid-esterified propoxylated glycerin composition which has solid fat index as measured by dilatometry of more than about 25 at 92° F., preferably less than about 70 at 92° F., and less than about 10 at 104° F. The reconstituted milk and milk products of the invention have a smooth texture, excellent stability and significantly reduced calories.

Abstract: A convenience food product comprising a microwavable pasta packaged in a container which facilitates even cooking in a microwave oven. The product can further comprise an improved hydratable sauce in the form of granules which tend not to form clumps upon the addition of water or milk and requires minimal stirring.

Abstract: An efficient process for recovering high quality corn oil from corn germ. The process involves pre-treating corn germ by Rehydration, conditioning and, optionally flaking. This is followed by extrusion, which is the core operation in the preparation of corn germ for corn oil recovery. Water is provided up front in the process, prior to extrusion. Providing water up front reduces generation of fines and improves friction within the extruder, thereby allowing the material to move along and improving overall efficiency and streamlining of the process. The oil released from corn germ by this process is of high quality and high yield.

Abstract: An aroma powder based on an alcohol-containing liquid, in particular a wine powder, which, when used in foods, in particular soups, sauces and desserts, gives rise to the same flavor impression as the addition of the underlying alcohol-containing liquid. The aroma powder displays little taste of its own, is readily free-flowing and meterable, particularly in the dry form, and is non-hygroscopic or only slightly hygroscopic. The aroma powder contains aroma-active constituents of an alcohol-containing liquid and, as a carrier for the aroma-active constituents, a high-amylose starch product, in particular pea starch and pea amylose.

Abstract: A container for microwave cooking having geometric features which improve the efficiency and uniformity of microwave cooking of food products containing liquids and which enhance boiling uniformity while preventing boilover of the contents. The container has a bottom portion and a side panel wherein the bottom portion contains a central segment in the shape of a section of a sphere. The side panel is tapered outwardly as it extends from the bottom portion to an end opening. Sharp corners are avoided within the container. As the result of the geometry of the container, a more uniform distribution of heat within the contents of the container is attained during cooking and the combination of uniform heating, the lack of sharp corners and the tapered side panel causes boiling of the contents without bumping, thereby minimizing the risk of boil over.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a savory vegetable preparation which is storable at room temperature and is suitable as a topping and/or filling. According to the process, coarsely chopped vegetables are boiled in an aqueous polydextrose solution to form a substantially homogeneous base mass having a Brix of 65-72.degree., preferably 68-70.degree. Bx. The base mass thus produced is admixed with structure-giving constituents in small pieces and, if appropriate, again briefly heated to form a preparation of 70-74.degree. Bx which still comprises the structure-giving constituents in piece form. Then, with addition of seasoning and flavoring components and edible acids and/or their salts, a final Brix of 73-80.degree. Bx, an a.sub.w of <0.85 and a pH of .ltoreq.5.5 is achieved.

Abstract: Wet toasted pasta products that are quick cooking and have the appearance and texture of regular pasta have now been developed. The products are partially pre-cooked and they have a unique internal porous structure that provides a low density and quick cooking characteristics. The products also are characterized by excellent cooked yield properties. The method of making the products involves sheeting or extrusion under no vacuum or low vacuum followed by toasting under controlled conditions to obtain partially pre-cooked pasta.

Abstract: Nut butters and nut spreads having improved sensory and textural characteristics are prepared by (a) mixing together nut solids, a stabilizing composition, and optionally an emulsifier; (b) introducing the mixture into a mill comprising a stator and a circularly rotating rotor capable of grinding the mixture while producing centrifugal forces; and (c) grinding the mixture such that the particles of the mixture impact with one another and the rotor/stator forming a ground paste. The method can be used to produce regular and reduced calorie and/or reduced fat nut butter or nut spread compositions such as peanut butter.

Abstract: Wet toasted pasta products that are quick cooking and have the appearance and texture of regular pasta have now been developed. The products are partially pre-cooked and they have a unique internal porous structure that provides a low density and quick cooking characteristics. The products also are characterized by excellent cooked yield properties. The method of making the products involves sheeting or extrusion under no vacuum or low vacuum followed by toasting under controlled conditions to obtain partially pre-cooked pasta.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing stock cubes by mixing ingredients comprising salt, fat, extract and, if appropriate, water and also other customary additives. The mixing is performed by continuous addition of the constituents one after the other in an extruder. An amount of fat which is reduced in comparison with customary formulations of 4-35%, in particular 5-25%, preferably 8-12%, based on the total mixture, being used. The mixture is continuously processed in the extruder and is extruded through a shaping die to form a dimensionally stable extrudate having a density of 1.0-2.0 g/cm.sup.3, preferably 1.2-1.7 g/cm.sup.3, and the extrudate is portioned into individual pieces which are packaged.

Abstract: Storable, royale-like soup garnishes for dry soups are prepared by concentrically co-extruding two paste compositions which are different in color and or flavor. The product is a structurally uniform protein sponge. Each of the two paste compositions contains native protein, raising agent, filler and at least 10% by weight water. Following co-extrusion, the extrudate is subjected to a heat treatment for developing the protein sponge. It is then sliced to form small pieces and the pieces are dried.

Abstract: A reduced calorie spoonable dressing that exhibits freeze-thaw stability is disclosed. This dressing is made by replacing some or all of the blending salad oil with a fatty acid-esterified propoxylated glycerin composition having from about 3 to about 16 oxypropylene units per unit of glycerin.

Abstract: A ready-to-bake, shelf-stable cake dough consisting essentially of flour, fat, sugar, eggs and water and usual dough additives and comprising a leavening system, the dough having a water activity of below 0.85 and being packed in an essentially gas-impermeable pouch in an atmosphere of an inert gas containing less than 4%, preferably less than 2% residual oxygen. A process for the manufacture of such a dough is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing dehydrated vegetables including preparing the vegetables, holding the prepared vegetables for a time and at a temperature to activate pectinmethylesterase (PME), blanching and drying. The drying includes exposure to microwave radiation at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. The invention also provides dehydrated vegetable matter obtainable by the process, a dried food product reconstitutable with aqueous liquids which includes the vegetable matter, and the product when so reconstituted.