Abstract: A method and system for regulating the reaction rate of leavening agents in a dough product is described. The method and system include adding a regulating agent to a leavening system to manipulate the rate of reaction of the leavening agents in the dough. A method for preparing a chemically-leavened packaged or canned dough product by combining a chemical leavening agent and a regulating agent with the dough ingredients; placing the dough in a package; and allowing the leavening agent and regulating agent to react in the dough to generate a gas to expand the dough to substantially fill the package.

Abstract: A device for sensing pressure and temperature in a fluid environment includes a cover defining an interior. A thermistor tube is positioned at least partially within the interior, the thermistor tube extending substantially along a longitudinal axis. A port body is also positioned at least partially within the interior, the port body forming a channel which extends along the longitudinal axis for receiving a fluid from the fluid environment. A diaphragm is affixed within the port body. The diaphragm has a first surface exposed to the fluid within the channel and a second surface sealed from the channel.

Abstract: An easy opening flexible package is provided. The package is suitable for containing raw dough and other products, especially products that create pressure within the package by expansion or by giving off gas such as carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An automated preparation of flatbread, particularly tortillas, by an apparatus for includes packing dough portions in capsules for enabling the dough to be suitable for extended refrigerated and unrefrigerated storage. The capsules are gas-tight sealed with a foil and conveyed in upside-down position on a conveyor belt. The foil is removed by two adjacent shafts which grip the foil and tear it off. The capsule is then positioned on a holding ring and the dough portion falls downwardly onto a lower pressing and baking plate. An upper pressing and baking plate swivels downwardly by an actuator for pressing and baking the dough. After lifting the upper plate away, the finished flat bread glides out of the apparatus.

Abstract: A system to make a bread loaf includes means for moving continuously pans along a predetermined path, each pan including at least one cavity sized and configured for making a bread loaf. Means conditioning continuously a batch of unconditioned dough reduces the size of air pockets therein to form a conditioned dough. Means continuously extrude the batch of conditioned dough at a controlled volumetric feed rate and at a controlled pressure to provide a constant stream of conditioned dough that is continuously cut into individual packets. The entire batch is converted into individual packets of conditioned dough corresponding to a predetermined number of bread loaves to be produced from the batch, with all the packets deposited individually in cavities of the pans within 10-20 minutes after mixing ingredients that make the batch.

Abstract: A cover shell and container assembly comprising the cover shell and a tray or pan is disclosed. The cover shell includes inward projecting standoffs which restrict movement of a food product in the pan or tray and reduces damage to decorative elements of the food product during distribution and/or transport.

Abstract: Described are refrigerator-stable, chemically-leavened dough compositions, packaged dough products, and methods for preparing the same, wherein the dough compositions can be packaged and stored in a pressurized package.

Abstract: Container assemblies are presented, some of which comprise a container having a wall that includes a window; a top coupled to the wall, the top comprising a removable lid; and a bottom coupled to the wall. In certain embodiments, the assembly may include two sockets coupled to the wall; and a handle coupled to the two sockets such that the handle may move in the sockets. In certain embodiments, the container assembly comprises edible products, and it comprises a sleeve coupled to the container that is configured to hold a financial transaction card. Ornamental designs for container assemblies and edible products, such as cookies, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an innovative packaging for microwave preparation of expandable food, such as cookies, an innovative food product prepared from the packaging and the method of preparation thereof. The innovative packaging includes first and second susceptor sheet portions each having an accordion-like shape; one or more members for spacing the susceptor sheet portions at a predetermined distance; and an expandable uncooked food placed between the two susceptor sheets, wherein the food is in intimate contact with sheet portions and becomes efficiently browned and crisped during microwave cooking. The food is preferably a cookie dough.

Abstract: A sleeve is disclosed for adornment and decoration of a baked good, including reshaping, to produce an appearance other than that of the original baked good. The sleeve may be constructed of a mineral-based substrate including a graphic on an outer surface.

Abstract: The self-making bread method includes: weighing a certain amount of ingredients according to a bread recipe and placing them in a bread ingredient box; putting the bread ingredient box into the corresponding containing region of the top portion of the bread machine; using the jagged ring of the bottom portion of said containing region to open the thin film of the bottom portion of the bread ingredient box, so the ingredients will fall into the mixing container in the bread machine; controlling the water delivering mechanism inside the bread machine to deliver a certain amount of water into said mixing container; starting the mixing device inside the bread machine, which mixes the ingredients into an appropriate dough; turning off the mixing device; energizing the electric heating tube in the bread machine, to bake the dough inside the mixing container into bread.

Abstract: The invention provides batter-like compositions including flour or flour replacement ingredient, sweetener, a fat source, a chemical leavening system, and a setting agent. The resulting batter-like compositions are capable of being formed into discrete product pieces (such as pucks), and maintaining the discrete product form throughout storage and handling of the batter-like composition prior to baking. The invention further provides methods of preparing batter-like compositions having a discrete form, and methods of using such batter-like compositions to provide baked goods.

Abstract: The invention relates to low-fat batter-like compositions comprising flour or a flour replacement, sweetener, about 3% weight or less of a fat component, a fat replacing fiber having a high water-holding capacity, a leavening system, a setting agent, and a total moisture content of about 40 to about 50 weight percent.

Abstract: Shelf stable microwave dessert packaged food products for individual servings comprise a novel, shielded packaging or container including a microwave shielded cup; a shelf-stable ready-to-heat uncooked product disposed within the cup, a modified low oxygen atmosphere in the headspace above the batter, and a peelably removable, low gas permeability sealing membrane. The articles provide high preparation abuse tolerance notwithstanding the low, controlled portion quantities (100 calorie) of batter.

Abstract: A method to improve shelf life of a baked edible product includes baking dough in a sealable container that is provide with a lining of flexible material, thereby converting the dough into a baked edible product. Thereafter, a top surface of the baked edible product is covered using the flexible material and placed against a surface at baking temperature. The container may be inverted. Thereafter, the container and baked edible product is cooled in a dry and sterile atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides a refrigerated, unbaked dough product comprising a leavened dough and a high moisture filling at least partially enrobed in the leavened dough. The filling comprises water a gelling agent or thickening agent. The filling has a water moisture to fat content ratio (if fat is present) greater than or equal to 1.8. The filling exhibits particular rheological properties at certain temperatures, wherein the filling has an uncooked 20° C. G? value of at least about 4,000 pascals, and a 80° C. G? of at least about 1000 Pa. The water activity of the filling is at least about 0.85. The dough product is disposed within a container at a pressure greater than one atmosphere. The thus provided product exhibits excellent storage and baking characteristics, with highly desired organoleptic properties.

Abstract: A method of forming a loaf of bread having at least two textures is provided that includes forming a first portion of dough that corresponds to a first texture, forming a second portion of dough that corresponds to a second texture, and heating the first portion and the second portion of dough in a single bread pan to form the loaf of bread having a first end of the first texture, a second end of the second texture, and a central section having both the first texture and the second texture.

Abstract: The self-making bread method includes: weighing a certain amount of ingredients according to a bread recipe and placing them in a bread ingredient box; putting the bread ingredient box into the corresponding containing region of the top portion of the bread machine; using the jagged ring of the bottom portion of said containing region to open the thin film of the bottom portion of the bread ingredient box, so the ingredients will fall into the mixing container in the bread machine; controlling the water delivering mechanism inside the bread machine to deliver a certain amount of water into said mixing container; starting the mixing device inside the bread machine, which mixes the ingredients into an appropriate dough; turning off the mixing device; energizing the electric heating tube in the bread machine, to bake the dough inside the mixing container into bread.

Abstract: A carrier for food products such as muffins and cupcakes includes a pan and a cover. The pan including multiple pan wells that project from an upper surface thereof. At least some of the pan wells each includes an opening in respective bottom surfaces thereof. The cover includes multiple cover wells or supports projecting from a surface thereof, each corresponding to one of the pan wells. At least some of the cover wells each includes a support extending from a bottom surface thereof. The cover secures to and substantially covers the pan in a first configuration. The pan nests on the cover in a second configuration such that the supports project through a respective one of the openings.

Abstract: Described are packages useful for food and non-food items, wherein the packages include a closure, an aperture located on the closure, and an insert that covers the aperture; the package can optionally be pressurized and certain embodiments can be designed to contain a dough product for refrigerated storage.

Abstract: Described are dough compositions and methods of making dough compositions, the dough compositions being chemically leavened and being prepared from ingredients that include a low temperature inactive yeast and a yeast inhibitor; the methods include inactivating the low temperature inactive yeast to inhibit the metabolic activity of the yeast as desired; the compositions and methods can be used, e.g., to prepare refrigerated dough products.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions relating to non-developed dough compositions leavened by chemical leavening systems that include an encapsulated basic chemical leavening agent, wherein the dough composition can be refrigerated in a low pressure package and can exhibit desired browning upon baking.

Abstract: The packaging system includes a first food product sealed within an inner wrapper, a second food product positioned within a tray and spacing the first food product from the tray, and an outer wrapper sealing the first food product, sealed within the inner wrapper, the second food product and the tray therein. A shield is disposed on the tray and is in contact with more than one surface of the second food product. Prior to microwave heating, the inner and outer wrapper are removed.

Abstract: A cake container having a base (14) and a transparent cover (16) lying over the base, both being constructed of heat-formed plastic sheets, with peripheries of the base and cover securely latched together in a way that avoids sudden movement during unlatching. The base has a largely vertical peripheral wall (24) forming a plurality of dimples (26), and the cover has a lower peripheral wall (30) with a plurality of dimple-receiving regions (32). Each dimple-receiving region includes a chimney (52) that receives a dimple until the dimple lies at the top portion (60) of the chimney. The cover then can be turned so the dimple enters a dimple-receiving cavity (54) that prevents the cover from moving up off the base until the cover is turned back. The cover has a plurality of vertical ribs (172, 173, 174) forming wide panels (182) and forming narrow panels (180) between the wide panels. Stickers (124) adhere to peripheries of the cover and base to show the customer that there has been no tampering.

Abstract: Described are developed, refrigerator-stable, dough compositions in moderately-pressurized packages and related methods, wherein the dough compositions contain chemical leavening agents that include low and high solubility acidic agents and encapsulated basic agent.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a package system containing a main container with a smaller container nested in it. The smaller container is filled with a secondary food item designed to be mixed into the primary food item. The smaller container is placed within the main container. The area of the main container not occupied by the smaller container includes a main food item. Both containers are sealed with one film. Before consumption, a consumer will place the package in a microwave to heat. Once heated, the smaller container is removed from the main container, creating space in the main container previously occupied by the smaller container. The main food item in the main container will re-position creating space between the top of the main food item to the edge of the main container. The secondary item can be added into the main container without overflowing out of the main container.

Abstract: Described are developed, refrigerator-stable, dough compositions in low pressure packages and related methods, wherein the dough compositions contain chemical leavening agents that include an encapsulated basic agent.

Abstract: Described are methods and compositions relating to non-developed dough compositions leavened by chemical leavening systems that include an encapsulated basic chemical leavening agent, wherein the dough composition can be refrigerated in a low pressure package and can exhibit desired browning upon baking.

Abstract: The invention relates to a receptacle particularly for solid or pasty products, its method of manufacture and a packaging for such a product comprising a receptacle supporting it and a container removably receiving this receptacle. The invention applies to the packaging of all solid or semi-solid products and in particular to food products such as unripened cheeses or cheese specialties. This receptacle (1) has a bottom (3) and a side wall (8) which extends from the bottom and which incorporates rigid wall retention means (4) capable of keeping it in an upright position relative to the bottom, these retention means being spaced over the periphery of the wall while being connected together in twos by flexible means (5) for unfolding/uplifting the wall which are formed by determined zones of at least one flexible film (2) and which are capable of allowing the reversible transition of the wall from its upright position to a folded-down position in which it extends the bottom in a more fanned-out manner.

Abstract: A layer cutting apparatus includes a tray having an interior defined by a bottom and sidewall. A sleeve is at least partially disposed in the interior of the tray, and a cutting line is attached to the sleeve. The cutting line is configured to be removed from the sleeve by pulling the line away from the tray at one point of the sidewall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solid or semi-solid foodstuff for human consumption, the foodstuff comprising creatine suspended in solid form in an edible supporting matrix; the foodstuff being in the form of a bar.

Abstract: The packaging system includes a first food product sealed within an inner wrapper, a second food product positioned within a tray and spacing the first food product from the tray, and an outer wrapper sealing the first food product, sealed within the inner wrapper, the second food product and the tray therein. A shield is disposed on the tray and is in contact with more than one surface of the second food product. Prior to microwave heating, the inner and outer wrapper are removed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a portable cinnamon roll includes forming raw dough in the shape of a sphere having a central pocket, placing cinnamon, frosting and sugar within the central pocket and cooking the raw dough with cinnamon, frosting and sugar until it is fully prepared for consumption.

Abstract: The packaging system includes a first food product sealed within an inner wrapper, a second food product positioned within a tray and spacing the first food product from the tray, and an outer wrapper sealing the first food product, sealed within the inner wrapper, the second food product and the tray therein. A shield is disposed on the tray and is in contact with more than one surface of the second food product. Prior to microwave heating, the inner and outer wrapper are removed.

Abstract: There is a provided a pizza kit and a method for making a pizza from a kit. A package of powdered dough mix from the kit is opened. The powdered dough mix is poured into a bowl. The dough mix is mixed with an amount of liquid in the bowl. A dough ball is formed. The dough ball is pressed on a non-stick paper from the kit into the shape of a pizza crust. An amount of pizza sauce from the kit is added to the top of the pizza crust and the pizza is cooked.

Abstract: A refrigerated dough system including a dough product contained in a package is described. The dough product includes an unencapsulated base, an unencapsulated expansion leavening acid, and an unencapsulated pressurization leavening acid. The pressurization leavening acid may be a calcium-based leavening acid. This refrigerated dough system makes it possible to achieve or exceed the critical rate of gas evolution for a particular product while improving the nutritional properties of the product. Also described is a method of making a refrigerated dough product. This method involves making a dough from ingredients including an unencapsulated base, an unencapsulated expansion leavening acid, and an unencapsulated pressurization leavening acid. The dough is placed within a package, which is sealed from within by action of the expansion leavening acid and the base. Pressure is then generated inside the package by action of the pressurization leavening acid and the base.

Abstract: Described are dough packages that include one or more of a container and an opening, optionally including an open end and an endcap, wherein the package may be vented or non-vented, and may contain dough for storage at refrigerated conditions.

Abstract: A method of forming a loaf of bread having at least two textures is provided that includes forming a first portion of dough that corresponds to a first texture, forming a second portion of dough that corresponds to a second texture, and heating the first portion and the second portion of dough in a single bread pan to form the loaf of bread having a first end of the first texture, a second end of the second texture, and a central section having both the first texture and the second texture.

Abstract: A perishable food package having a semi-rigid or rigid bottom tray and a flexible top portion is provided for storing a perishable food product therein. The food product can be vacuum sealed within a first layer of film, such as an inner film layer, inside the tray. The vacuum sealed food product can be tightly sealed such that any loose food particles can be restrained from moving around during storage and transportation. The tray can then be sealed at an opening by a second layer of film, such as an outer layer. A space filled with gas is present between the first and second layers of film and can aid in conserving the freshness of the food product and minimizing or preventing damage to the product. Additionally, the package can have support features positioned at an exterior of the package that aid in standing the package in an upright position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a spaghetti food packaged in a retort pouch, comprising: (a) boiling dry spaghetti noodles in hot water; (b) cooling and dehydrating the boiled spaghetti noodles; (c) spraying oil over the dehydrated spaghetti noodles; (d) packing the oiled spaghetti noodles in a retort pouch; and (e) subjecting the packed spaghetti noodles to multiple retort sterilization under predetermined temperature, time and pressure conditions. The spaghetti noodle product can be stored at room temperature for 12 months or longer without germ growth therein and can be instantly cooked al dente only by microwaving rather than by boiling in water.

Abstract: A pliable, sealed package made from one or more flexible films is used to store an uncooked dough product, with the dough product proofing within the sealed package so as to establish and maintain a greater than ambient pressure within the sealed package. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the overall package is produced utilizing a horizontal form, fill and seal system. The sealed package can be shrunk and/or wrapped to also provide an external force which is essentially transferred to static pressure with the package.

Abstract: Encapsulated polyunsaturated fatty acids which can be incorporated into a baked good dough or batter without smearing or dissolution of the encapsulated product contains film-coated oil droplets encapsulated by a matrix material, a liquid plasticizer which plasticizes the matrix material, and an acidic antioxidant dispersed throughout the plasticized matrix material which helps to prevent oxidation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids; and the production of a fishy taint or malodors and mal-flavors. The matrix material includes a starch component which helps to avoid a rubbery consistency and texture and promotes extrudability, and a protein component, which hardens the encapsulated product and prevents substantial smearing and dissolution during dough or batter mixing and baking. The matrix material protein content is from about 25% to about 77.5% by weight of the matrix material. The protein content of the encapsulated product is from about 15% to about 65% by weight, of the encapsulated product.

Abstract: A tray configured to contain a food product is described. The bottom surface of the tray includes a flow restricting element which restricts the flow of the food product in the tray. The flow restricting element may include one or more elongated ridges that protrude from the bottom surface of the tray. The flow restricting element may also include a raised pattern on the bottom surface of the tray. By restricting the flow of the food product in the tray, the flow restricting element may reduce or eliminate slippage or slumping of the food product when the tray is placed in a non-horizontal position. Also described is a packaged food product including a tray which contains a dough. The packaged food product is capable of being displayed in a non-horizontal configuration with little or no slumping of the food product.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses edible carriers for foods that are soft but still hold a preformed shape. Specifically encompassed are soft shaped tortilla products that can be used to hold food fillings. Exemplary shapes and sizes are provided for the products. Also encompassed are methods of making, packaging, and using the products.

Abstract: A prepackaged food kit (20) for making or assembling s'mores generally includes a base tray (22) defining at least one compartment (24). The at least one compartment including a plurality of biscuits (30), a plurality of confection pieces (32), and a plurality of marshmallows (34). The kit also includes a top (40) fitted and sealed to the base tray.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a frozen product of a cooked food and a refrigerated product of a cooked food, wherein multiple kinds of cooked food materials to be re-heated under different conditions, which have been stored over a long time within a freezing temperature range or a refrigerating temperature range, can be heated, re-cooked and cold-sterilized by procedures appropriate for the moisture content required by the food even by simultaneously re-heating and keeping in an atmosphere at the same temperature; a storage method and a storage apparatus. A base is prepared by adding an inflating agent to a dough, bubbling air into the dough or fermenting the dough by adding a yeast and then baking. Next, topping(s) are provided on the base or fillings are enclosed in the dough followed by baking to give a cooked food. The cooked food is then refrigerated or frozen while or after spraying water thereto, or it is frozen and then water is sprayed thereto.

Abstract: The invention concerns compositions containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA's). More particularly it concerns a composition containing PUFA's, (particularly long chain PUFAs derived from marine sources, particularly fish, and its use in fortifying consumables, such as food, drink, supplements and nutraceutical or pharmaceutical products. More particularly it is a substantially non aqueous additive mix, for introducing poly unsaturated fatty acids into ingestible products, which when hydrated forms an oil in water emulsion, comprising one or more poly unsaturated fatty acids or a source thereof and one or more emulsifying agents. The mix can be added to, particularly farinaceous products, to provide PUFA supplementation.

Abstract: Described are dough packages and packaged dough products, wherein the package includes microvents.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ready-for-use bakery dough product, which can be cooked in a microwave and which is prepared from a mixture comprising—from 11 to 25% flour,—from 0.5 to 2.0% of baking powder—from 10 to 40% of sugar,—from 0.1 to 0.8% of a polymer of methylcellulose and hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose,—the remaining being oil, egg, flavour, starch, salt, emulsifier and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to frosting or icing articles or cake toppers for baked goods that are sweet, shelf stable, ready-to-use, preformed, rigid or inflexible, three-dimensional, discrete or individual units for individual dessert servings such as cupcakes as well as their methods of preparation and use. Toppers can be made in a variety of flavors, colors and textures and can carry particulates such as nuts, chips, coconut, candy bits, etc. Further, the topper allows for creativity in frosting design. Multicolored, multi-flavored, and multi-textured toppers can be made. The cake toppers are especially useful for the at-home preparation of cupcakes with a frosting top. The toppers provide enhanced consumer convenience of reduced preparation and clean-up time.