Abstract: A proofed frozen dough includes a dough mixture of flour, water, and optionally additives; gas bubbles dispersed throughout the dough matrix; a spent yeast component; and a preserved yeast component. According to some aspects, the preserved yeast component includes encapsulated yeast, fat-coated yeast, non-hydrated active dry yeast, non-hydrated instant yeast, non-hydrated semi-dry yeast, non-hydrated frozen yeast, or a combination thereof. A frozen dough product can be prepared by mixing dough ingredients to produce a dough composition, where the dough ingredients include water, flour, a first yeast, and a second yeast; proofing the dough, where during proofing the first yeast is spent and the second yeast is preserved; and freezing the dough after proofing.

Abstract: A proofed frozen dough includes a dough mixture of flour, water, and optionally additives; gas bubbles dispersed throughout the dough matrix; a spent yeast component; and a preserved yeast component. According to some aspects, the preserved yeast component includes encapsulated yeast, fat-coated yeast, non-hydrated active dry yeast, non-hydrated instant yeast, non-hydrated semi-dry yeast, non-hydrated frozen yeast, or a combination thereof. A frozen dough product can be prepared by mixing dough ingredients to produce a dough composition, where the dough ingredients include water, flour, a first yeast, and a second yeast; proofing the dough, where during proofing the first yeast is spent and the second yeast is preserved; and freezing the dough after proofing.

Abstract: A microwave packaging material including a plurality of susceptors is disclosed. Each susceptor includes a plastic film or polymer with a metal layer on one surface of the plastic film and a paper adhered to the plastic film opposite the metal layer. A patterned adhesive is bonded between a first susceptor layer and a second susceptor layer in a pattern bond creating sealed air pockets. A paper board substrate is adhered using an adhesive in a bond pattern to one of the susceptor layers facing the metal of the respective susceptor layer to provide the microwave packing material rigidity. Upon exposure to microwave energy in a microwave oven, moisture is trapped between the paper board substrate and the susceptor layer creating a vapor pressure that causes the sealed air pockets to form expanded air pockets.

Abstract: A press assembly for forming a food product where the press assembly includes a cutting die including a body that extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end has an irregular shape and a sharp edge configured to cut the food product into the irregular shape. The body has an interior surface surrounding an interior space. The press assembly further includes a pressure plate arranged within the interior space. The pressure plate includes a pressing surface including a first zone and a second zone surrounding and extending from the first zone at a taper angle such that an outer end of the second zone is recessed from an inner end adjacent the first zone. The cutting die and the pressure plate cooperate to press and cut the food product. The food product is also described.

Abstract: A microwaveable container for transporting, freezing, storing, and cooking a multi-component foodstuff includes a tray having a base portion and a lid portion and employs a susceptor in combination with steam and venting to cook the multi-component foodstuff in a single microwave cooking step.

Abstract: A method of making a cooked food product having a fried appearance comprises assembling a food product having a weight of approximately 1 to 4 ounces (28.3 to 113.4 grams). The food product is heated with microwave energy at a frequency of approximately 800 to 3000 MHz, at a power of approximately 0 to 50 Watts per ounce (28.3 grams) of product, and for approximately 0 to 80 seconds. The food product is coated with a coating layer to form a coated food product. The coated food product is heated in an impingement oven at a temperature of approximately 400 to 600° F. (200 to 325° C.) for less than approximately 140 seconds to form the cooked food product with a fried appearance.

Abstract: A microwave packaging material includes a plurality of susceptors where each susceptor includes a plastic film or polymer with a metal layer on one surface of the plastic film and a paper adhered to the plastic film opposite the metal layer. A patterned adhesive is bonded between a first susceptor layer and a second susceptor layer in a pattern bond creating sealed air pockets. A paper board substrate is adhered using an adhesive in a bond pattern to one of the susceptor layers to provide the microwave packing material rigidity. Upon exposure to microwave energy in a microwave oven, moisture is trapped between the paper board substrate and the susceptor layer creating a vapor pressure that causes the sealed air pockets to form expanded air pockets.