Abstract: A microwave cooking bag, method, and system are disclosed in which a food product in the bag is cooked, browned and crisped in a microwave oven. The bag forms an enclosed cooking space which is substantially surrounded by a susceptor material layer. The susceptor material layer is heated during cooking by the microwave radiation to a temperature sufficient to brown and crisp the food product while the microwave radiation also directly heats and thereby cooks the food product. Both a five-sided bag and a four-sided, pouch-like bag are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention describes an improved quick-cooking, thin-wall dry uncooked macaroni. The dough utilized to produce the macaroni contains 0.5 to 5.0% of dried egg white solids. The dried egg white solids must critically have a pH value within the range of from 6.75 to 7.25, a solubility of greater than 90% and preferably a normal ovomucin content. The macaroni may be cooked within a 3-7 minute period, preferably by microwave radiation to produce cooked macaroni of an "al dente" texture.

Abstract: A composition for reducing deterioration and extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, particularly fruits and vegetables used in salad bars and prepared salads sold in fast-food restaurants, comprising ascorbic acid and a thixotropic gum such as xanthan. Optionally, other ingredients such as an edible bulk filler and artificial or natural flavorings and/or aromas colorings may also be added. The composition applied to the salad ingredients to extend shelf life is advantageous in that a salad preserving agent is provided which is well retained by the salad ingredients so as to maintain freshness of the salad for long periods of time, and the extended shelf life provided is accomplished without sulfites and without adding any objectionable gummy mouthfeel to the product.

Abstract: A packaged frozen food product is provided which is housed in a package which includes a first, substantially microwave permeable portion having a first frozen food component housed therein, and a second, microwave reflective portion having a second frozen food component retained therein. The package also includes a void space between the first frozen food component and the second frozen food component. Upon microwave heating, the first frozen food component will be thawed and the second frozen food component will remain substantially frozen.

Abstract: A process for producing an aseptically-processed, natural, dairy-based sauce is disclosed. The process comprises blending a combination of whole milk or an equivalent amount of non-fat dry milk and water, heavy cream butter, corn starch, high amylose corn starch and flavors and particulates, heating the combination to a temperature of from 140.degree. F. to 190.degree. F. for from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, homogenizing, subjecting the homogenized blend to ultra-high temperature short time aseptic treatment, cooling and holding the final product for a period of time sufficient to increase the blend viscosity.

Abstract: A method of producing a frozen, dual-textured confection comprising a cream and a gelatin-containing aerated phase and a natural or simulated fruit phase is disclosed. According to one embodiment, gelatin is dispersed in water and the dispersion is then combined with cream, sweetener, emulsifier and a gum stabilizer to form a uniform emulsion. The emulsion is then partially frozen and aerated. A fluid, natural or simulated fruit component is separately produced by combining pureed fruit or synthetic fruit flavor, sweetener and a gum stabilizer. The partially frozen, aerated emulsion is passed together with a fruit component through a filler head into a mold or container so that the mold or container contains a cream and gelatin-containing phase and a fruit phase. The contents of the mold or container are then thoroughly frozen. A stick may be inserted into the mold prior to the thorough freezing so that the frozen confection may be hand-held while being eaten.

Abstract: A frozen aerated gelatin mix is prepared by dissolving a gelatin mix containing 0.6% to less than 5% gelatin, 5% to 50% solids and acid in water, cooling the dissolved mix while agitating and aerating the mix, shaping, then freezing the mix to a core temperature less than 10.degree. F. (-10.degree. C.). This frozen aerated composition has a pH of 2.5 to 7 and is ready-to-eat at freezer temperatures, while providing a smooth and creamy texture, but without excessive gummy or icy characteristics.

Abstract: A cooked pudding composition containing highly-dutched cocoa and which maintains a sharp pie cut and a firm texture is prepared by incorporating an amount of an acidulant effective to impart a desired texture and viscosity to the resultant cooked pudding from about 6.3 and adjust the pH of the cooked pudding up to about 6.7.