Abstract: Microwavable dough compositions are provided that are effective for providing products with improved texture using microwave heating. More specifically, the microwavable dough compositions include a blend of fiber, hydrocolloid, methylcellulose and functional surfactants in amounts that are effective for providing a cooked dough having improved firmness for an extended time after microwave cooking.

Abstract: Multi-purpose food preparation kits for foods which include dough, at least a portion of which is exposed for cooking, browning, and crisping, and optionally rising. The kits include a support base of susceptor material elevated above a support surface by an elevator member either incorporated with a base or separate therefrom. Kits further include a ring component of susceptor material which surrounds the food product, and which is dimensioned larger than the initial dimensions of the food product, so as to be spaced therefrom, at least initially, prior to cooking. The space inside the ring component allows the dough to rise during cooking without obstruction by the susceptor ring and without imparting thermal energy from the susceptor ring to the dough surface. In one embodiment the susceptor base is provided in the form of a shipping carton.

Abstract: A one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is provided. A method for making a one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is also provided. The one-dish frozen dinner product preferably includes a receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product, a baking shield upstanding above the receptacle, and a shipping carton. Even more preferably, the baking shield is placed at the bottom of the receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product and is configured for a nesting fit. The baking shield may have either a frustoconical sidewall or a concave trough-like sidewall.

Abstract: A one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is provided. A method for making a one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is also provided. The one-dish frozen dinner product preferably includes a receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product, a baking shield upstanding above the receptacle, and a shipping carton. Even more preferably, the baking shield is placed at the bottom of the receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product and is configured for a nesting fit. The baking shield may have either a frustoconical sidewall or a concave trough-like sidewall.

Abstract: A one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is provided. A method for making a one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is also provided. The one-dish frozen dinner product preferably includes a receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product, a baking shield upstanding above the receptacle, and a shipping carton. Even more preferably, the baking shield is placed at the bottom of the receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product and is configured for a nesting fit. The baking shield may have either a frustoconical sidewall or a concave trough-like sidewall.

Abstract: A one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is provided. A method for making a one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is also provided. The one-dish frozen dinner product preferably includes a receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product, a baking shield upstanding above the receptacle, and a shipping carton. Even more preferably, the baking shield is placed at the bottom of the receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product and is configured for a nesting fit. The baking shield may have either a frustoconical sidewall or a concave trough-like sidewall.

Abstract: A one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is provided. A method for making a one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is also provided. The one-dish frozen dinner product preferably includes a receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product, a baking shield upstanding above the receptacle, and a shipping carton. Even more preferably, the baking shield is placed at the bottom of the receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product and is configured for a nesting fit. The baking shield may have either a frustoconical sidewall or a concave trough-like sidewall.