Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a mark to a plurality of individual pieces of food product to be divided from a sheet of food product before the individual pieces of food product are at least partially divided from the sheet of food product. In an aspect of the invention, the method includes the steps of providing a sheet of food product, transferring the sheet of food product to an intermittently movable conveyor, marking the sheet of food product, feeding the marked sheet of food product to a cutting plate, and dividing, at least partially, the sheet of food product into individual pieces of food product.

Abstract: A scoopable dough can be used to prepare cut biscuits, drop biscuits, dumplings, flat bread, crackers, pizza dough, doughnuts, fritters, hushpuppies, muffins, pastry crusts, coffee cake, quick bread, scones, cobbler-type crust, and the like. A scoopable dough has desirable viscoelastic properties and is shelf stable without being stored in a container that is deoxygenated and/or hermetically sealed at freezing and refrigeration temperatures. A scoopable dough includes flour, a protein supplement, a shortening, a humectant, a leavening system having at, least portion of the leavening system encapsulated, and water. The flour and water can be in a flour-to-water ratio of between about 2:1 and about 1:1. A scoopable dough can also include a texture-modifying agent, an emulsifier, a hydrocolloid, a dough-developing agent, a nutritional supplement, a flavoring, a shelf-life stabilizer, an organic acid, and/or a binder of metal ions.

Abstract: A dough cutting apparatus is suitable for cutting a sheet of dough. The dough cutting apparatus includes a structure defining a blunt dough engaging portion. The present invention can be embodied in a number of different ways, including a wheel cutter, a rotary drum cutter, a reciprocating head cutter, or another cutter.

Abstract: Methods for making an uncooked extruded dough product are provided, comprising extruding a dough composition of pre-gelatinized starch comprising at least about 75 percent of amylopectin, flour, leavening agent and water through a die under conditions so that the dough composition does not exceed 140° F. throughout the extrusion process. The resulting dough product when cooked has a baked specific volume of greater than about 3.0 cc/g. Products of this process, including filled products, are also provided.

Abstract: A pan for baking a batter or dough to provide a baked good, such as muffins or cupcakes. The pan includes a raised perimeter wall that acts as a shield or baffle to provide consistent air flow over the batter or dough during baking. The resulting baked goods have improved baked properties. A preferred muffin pan is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved binder system to stabilize and improve yield for thermally processed meat products such as those that are used in canning or retort operations. More specifically, the present invention pertains to the novel starch/binder matrix that produces a meat product having enhanced moisture flavor and texture over those treated using currently available techniques. The novel matrix uses a combination of starches that provide differential water holding and moisture control for the meat products treated therewith.

Abstract: A method of preparing a partially thermal treated dough intermediate which has reduced tendency to adhere to the processing apparatus is disclosed. The dough intermediate is thermal treated to create a temporary impermeable barrier on each of the layers of the intermediate.

Abstract: The leading edge of a sheet of dough product impacts an impacting feature and causes the leading edge to roll over onto itself thereby initiating a roll. Engagement enhancement is utilized to increased to increase the ability of the sheet of dough product to resist sliding upon impacting the impacting feature. This provides a tighter rolled dough product having a consistent size and shape. Thus, in accordance with one specific aspect of the present invention, rolled dough products for subsequent packaging into containers may be formed that have a repeatable size and shape. By providing rolled dough products having a repeatable size and shape a more efficient and economical process results. This is because the size and shape of the rolled dough product is controlled with respect to the size of the container.

Abstract: Chemical leavener systems are provided for use in flour-containing foodstuffs that contain an enzyme for hydrolyzing an acidulant precursor. The chemical leavener system comprises an acidulant precursor and an alkaline carbonate, wherein the majority of carbon dioxide gas provided by the chemical leavener system when used in a hydrolyzing enzyme-containing foodstuff is created by reaction of an alkaline carbonate with an acid that is the hydrolysis product of the acidulant precursor. Methods of use of the acidulant precursor and the chemical leavener system, and products made by these methods are also provided.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions relating to dough compositions leavened during baking by chemical leavening systems, that include a refrigerator stable dough composition having relatively low carbon dioxide evolution, and an exterior portion that has the ability to brown.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fried texture-imparting glaze for a food intermediate useable in producing a finished food product. The glaze comprises an edible oil, and an anhydrous low-density maltodextrin. In use, glaze is used to at least partially coat the food intermediate. The present invention also relates to a method of imparting a fried surface texture to a food product comprising the steps coating at least a portion of a food intermediate with a glaze composed of an edible oil and an anhydrous low density maltodextrin, followed by the step of baking the food product. The invention also relates to a dough intermediate having a fried texture-imparting glaze coated on at least a portion of a surface of the food product.

Abstract: A grooved, pre-proofed, freezer-to-oven pizza crust dough. The dough includes a top surface for a pizza filling, and a bottom surface opposing the top surface and contacting a pizza pan. The bottom surface of the dough defines a plurality of grooves which provide the dough with a uniformly cooked surface upon baking the dough.

Abstract: Food products can include dried microorganisms as a biocontrol agent. The dried cultures resist inactivation during pasteurization of the food product. The microorganisms are selected to be nontoxic and to inhibit growth of pathogenic microorganisms. For example, the biocontrol microorganisms can produce acid to lower the pH of the product thereby inhibiting the growth of pathogens.

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 utilizes an object holding technique for holding a tray or discrete object while supplying a dough product onto the tray or discrete object. Preferably, a conveyor transports the tray or discrete object for receiving dough products. A subframe preferably moves the tray or object, by way of deflecting the conveyor, to a position with respect to a dough supplying device such that dough products may be placed on the tray or object. In an embodiment, a cutoff blade may be utilized to portion the dough products. Preferably, the operation of the conveyor, subframe, supply device, and cutoff blade are controlled by a control system. The present invention is also directed to methods of portioning and placing dough products on a tray or discrete object by way of such an apparatus.

Abstract: Food products can include dried microorganisms as a biocontrol agent. The dried cultures resist inactivation during pasteurization of the food product. The microorganisms are selected to be nontoxic and to inhibit growth of pathogenic microorganisms. For example, the biocontrol microorganisms can produce acid to lower the pH of the product thereby inhibiting the growth of pathogens.

Abstract: Potato products that retain shred integrity and that are sufficiently thin to fit into a standard toaster have been produced. In some embodiments, the potato products contain a filling. The potato products contain a network of shredded potatoes that enables the potato products to retain structural integrity during production and further manipulation of the product. Extrusion and sheeting methods are used to obtain potato products that retain the desirable shred integrity. A method and apparatus is provided for simultaneously cutting and crimping individual food items from a filled extruded or sheeted product.

Abstract: A dough cutting apparatus is suitable for cutting a sheet of dough. The dough cutting apparatus includes a structure defining a blunt dough engaging portion. The present invention can be embodied in a number of different ways, including a wheel cutter, a rotary drum cutter, a reciprocating head cutter, or another cutter.