Abstract: A steady flow process converts a fluid proteinaceous mix to a cuttable interstage enzymatic curd and thereafter converts the enzymatic curd to a desired end cheese product. The process includes the step of initially combining an accurately metered and proportioned pumpable stream containing proteins, fats and/or oils and other components, and an accurately metered proportioned pumpable acidified water stream containing an enzyme and other non-enzymatic components. A bacterial agent is included in the enzyme stream. The two streams are admixed by directing the streams through an orifice into an acoustic resonating chamber to produce a turbulent jet stream.

Abstract: A continuous steady state flow process for converting proteinaceous materials by reacting the proteinaceous materials with coagulants or other precipitants in situ. Streams of proteinaceous materials and coagulants are fed into an introduction chamber under a predetermined pressure and are directed through an orifice as a high velocity jet stream into a resonance chamber to impinge against a vibratile element. The energy from the jet stream is transferred to the vibratile element to cause it to vibrate at high sonic or ultrasonic frequencies. The high sonic or ultrasonic energies are transferred to the mixture of proteinaceous materials and coagulants to produce a cavitational effect and cause instantaneous reaction and homogenization of the proteinaceous materials and coagulants to thereby form a protein matrix.

Abstract: A composite confection material suitable for incorporation as a center or filling in food products is provided. This composite material imparts enhanced mouth feel and taste properties to the food product by providing a dense first portion exhibiting intense flavor characteristics contiguously associated with a second portion of expanded fat-based material having a light fluffy texture and relatively less intense flavor characteristics as compared to the first portion. This material is particularly suitable as a center for chocolate candy products.