Abstract: The invention provides a kit for preparing salads comprising at least one cooked ingredient and at least one fruit, vegetable or cereal product, wherein the kit comprises a cooking composition comprising less than 40% wt of fat and flavouring agents in an amount of from 5 to 100% by weight, based on the weight of the cooking composition, for cooking ingredient (I) and, a dressing comprising 60% wt or less fat for contacting with the at least one fruit, vegetable or cereal product. The kit provides an easy and convenient of preparing tasty, healthy salads comprising a cooked food ingredient. A method of making a salad using the kit and also the salad prepared from the kit is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the displacement of visco-elastoplastic media below a surface thereof comprises an upper plate mounted such that a displacement force exerted on the top surface thereof will move the upper plate a displacement distance downward toward a base. Guides maintain the upper plate and the base in alignment such that movement is along a displacement axis. A calibrated bias element exerts a calibrated bias force resisting movement of the upper plate toward the base. A displacement measuring device measures the displacement distance, and is operative to generate a movement signal corresponding to the displacement distance. A data acquisition system is operative to receive and record the movement signal, and calculate the displacement force exerted on the top surface of the upper plate required to move the upper plate the displacement distance against the calibrated bias force.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the displacement of visco-elastoplastic media below a surface thereof comprises an upper plate mounted such that a displacement force exerted on the top surface thereof will move the upper plate a displacement distance downward toward a base. Guides maintain the upper plate and the base in alignment such that movement is along a displacement axis. A calibrated bias element exerts a calibrated bias force resisting movement of the upper plate toward the base. A displacement measuring device measures the displacement distance, and is operative to generate a movement signal corresponding to the displacement distance. A data acquisition system is operative to receive and record the movement signal, and calculate the displacement force exerted on the top surface of the upper plate required to move the upper plate the displacement distance against the calibrated bias force.