Abstract: An improved system and methods useful for the cooking of one or more food items by the application of a non-ambient temperature developed within a temperature retentive element. The temperature retentive element can be sized and shaped to form a cooking box in which cooking at a temperature relative to the non-ambient temperature may proceed and from which the food item, when fully cooked, may be served.

Abstract: A food emulator for the production of an edible article that can substitute for a food item and that includes a carrier element formed of an edible material and an information element disposed on one or more surface of the carrier element. The one or more information element includes information related to the food item. The information may be one or more of a flavoring agent, a coloring agent or a texturing agent, for example. Different types and combinations of information may be provided by way of the information element and/or the carrier element to substitute for food items.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and methods by which the delivery of a food item for personal consumption may be facilitated. More specifically, the present invention is directed to systems and methods that include the use of simplified utensils by which food may be managed and prepared for consumption. Certain embodiments of the simplified utensils include one or flavoring retainers by which flavoring agents can be retained and conveyed to a diner or diners and the flavor of a food item altered during consumption of a food item.

Abstract: An edible article for acting as a substitute for a food item includes a carrier element formed of an edible material and an information element disposed on one or more surface of the carrier element. The one or more information element includes information related to the food item. The information may be one or more of a flavoring agent, a coloring agent or a texturing agent, for example. Different types and combinations of information may be provided by way of the information element and/or the carrier element to substitute for food items.