Abstract: A method of producing a comestible and associated apparatus are disclosed. A baking mixture is prepared having a moisture content. A mold arrangement is then provided having a mold cavity which is sealable from ambient pressure. The baking mixture is placed in the mold cavity and the mold cavity is then sealed. Thereafter, the mold arrangement is heated with the baking mixture therein such that pressure in the mold cavity rises above ambient pressure and a substantial portion of the moisture content in the baking mixture remains in the mold cavity as the baking mixture heats to form the comestible. In one aspect, the baking mixture is formulated to have a density which is approximately equal to the desired density of the comestible to be produced. Thereafter, the mold cavity of the mold arrangement is substantially filled with the density controlled baking mixture.

Abstract: A chewable calcium composition and its associated method of manufacturing are disclosed. The chewable composition includes a lipid base and a micronized calcium salt substantially uniformly mixed with the lipid base such that the lipid base forms a continuous phase. The composition provides for a relatively large dose of calcium in a easy to take chocolate like, chewable form. The composition of the present invention is manufactured by providing the lipid base including a melting temperature. The lipid base is then heated to a temperature of approximately 120° F. such that the lipid base melts. After the lipid base melts, the micronized calcium salt is mixed with the lipid base to form a melted mixture such that the micronized calcium salt is substantially uniformly distributed in the melted lipid base.

Abstract: Microwave snacks that include mixtures of popcorn and an expandable or puffable food pellet are disclosed. The pellets are gelatinized dough pellets which puff or expand upon microwave heating in a microwave oven. The pellets may be in the shape of cylinders, hollow barrels, spheres, chips, flakes, and the like. The popcorn and pellet mixture is preferably contained in an expandable bag or rigid tub with an oil/fat slurry. Although the popcorn requires a longer heating period to pop, the explosions created by the popcorn agitate the pellets to minimize burning and clumping of the pellets.

Abstract: A method of managing or alleviating carbohydrate craving, binge eating, anxiety, or depression entails administering an aqueous carbohydrate blend containing dextrose, dextrin, maltodextrin or a mixture thereof, and starch, pregelatinized starch, or a mixture thereof. The aquous mixture is essentially free of protein, has a pH of less than 6 and has a ratio of water to carbohydrate blend of about 3-12 mL water to 1 g of carbohydrate blend.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed for alleviating or managing symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome "PMS" comprising an effective amount of an aqueous mixture of water and a rapidly digestible carbohydrate blend. The aqueous mixture is essentially free of protein and is characterized by a certain pH and ratio of water to carbohydrate blend. Methods of use of the composition for alleviating or managing symptoms associated with PMS are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel compositions comprising mixtures of sodium chloride and choline-containing compounds which are effective as salt substitutes or enhancers are disclosed along with a method for imparting saltiness to, or enhancing the saltiness of, edible materials by the addition of these novel compositions. A method for enhancing the saltiness of edible materials by the addition of choline-containing compounds is also disclosed. Further, a process of producing the novel compositions in the form of free-flowing granules of good shelf-life and acceptable saltiness is disclosed.