Abstract: A processed meat food produced by mixing a filler hashed or shattered after heating or heating and seasoning a meat of a fresh fish and shellfish and/or an animal in one condition selected from the group consisting of the condition as it is, the condition removed the non-edible portion and the condition of the slice thereof, and a meat paste produced by kneading 100 weight parts of a meat with water in an amount of more than 20 weight parts to not more than 100 weight parts, an alkaline substance in an amount of 0.1 to 1.0 weight part and at least a seasoning under 100 torr or less of vacuum, and then heating the mixture of said filler and meat paste, and a method for producing the processed meat food, which are superior in the bindingness without adding the binder and improves the gourmand taste.

Abstract: A casing dough and food composition and hand held convenience food product comprising potato shreds, cellulose gum and starch, and methods for making same. The casing material may be hollow and filled with savory filling materials. The cellulose gum and starch form a film at the exposed surfaces of the casing materials and fill voids in exposed surfaces.

Abstract: An edible, water-resistant composition that can be formed into shaped articles including film comprises a water-resistant solid composition of casein. The casein composition may be directly precipitated from a solution under high pressure treatment with carbon dioxide. The composition does not have to be crosslinked, but takes advantage of the natural water-insolubility of the protein backbone of the casein. The casein composition may be combined with edible or inert flexibilizers to improve film properties, and the film may be used to protect food products or food compositions, yet provide moisture protection. The film of casein material may exhibit water-insolubility in deionized water at 20° C. of less than 25% by weight after two hours of immersion of the film in the deionized water, with or without mild agitation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a hand-held snack item, said method comprising: (a) applying a first edible, heat-sensitive food material to an initial formed hand-held food item, thereby forming a preliminary coated hand-held food item; (b) applying a second edible food coating material to said preliminary coated hand-held food item, thereby forming a secondary coated hand-held food item, wherein said second edible food material is applied to said preliminary coated hand-held food item in such a manner as to substantially completely coat said first edible, heat-sensitive food material, and wherein said second edible food material is selected from a material which possesses sufficient physical characteristics to act as a protective medium for said first edible, heat-sensitive food material when said secondary coated hand-held food item is subjected to a temperature in the range of from about 35° C. to about 350° C.

Abstract: A food product and a method for making the same. The food product is comprised of a tortilla (either flour or corn) and a pliable, tabular food filling member. The food filling member may be an omelet, for example. The food filling member is dimensioned to overlay and substantially cover most of the tortilla. The food product is produced by laying the food filling member on top of the tortilla and rolling the two up together so that, in cross section, the food product comprised of alternating layers of tortilla and pliable food filling member.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymer comprising acid casein or a non-toxic soluble salt thereof and high-methoxyl pectin cross-linked into a 3-dimensional network. Also provided is a polymer comprising acid casein or a non-toxic soluble salt thereof and high-methoxyl pectin, wherein the polymer has been prepared by reacting the acid casein or pectin under alkaline conditions. Also provided is a process for preparing the polymer and edible films and food products comprising the polymer.

Abstract: Biodegradable and edible composites for use as feed packaging containers are provided. Broadly, the composites are formed from a mixture comprising fiber mixed with a non-petroleum based, biodegradable adhesive formed by modifying a starch, protein, or protein-rich flour. The mixture has a moisture content of less than about 20% by weight, based upon the total weight of the mixture taken as 100% by weight. The mixture is then molded at pressures of from about 150-600 psi and temperatures of from about 150-500° F. to yield a final composite having a compressive strength of at least about 5 MPa. Preferred fibers include those derived from straw, corn stalks, sorghum stalks, soybean hulls, and peanut hulls. Preferred modifiers include NaOH, urea sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and guanidine hydrochloride.

Abstract: A method for preparing beads containing at least one active ingredient, such as a flavor, fragrance, vitamin, and/or coloring material, to food or tobacco products, where the active ingredient is released at a controlled rate. Discrete droplets of the active ingredient and an acid polysaccharide are formed in an aqueous medium, then the droplets are converted to water insoluble gel beads by introducing the droplets into a solution containing multivalent cations, thereby building a suspension of gel beads. The beads may then be added to the food or tobacco product in an effective amount to flavor, perfume, vitamize, and/or color the product. The beads are heat and mechanically stable.

Abstract: An consumable baking cup for retaining muffin batter during the baking process includes a generally planar base and a continuous upwardly extending side wall. The consumable baking cup will be used in place of a paper or foil liner in a traditional muffin-baking pan. Alternately, the baking cup can be used in a “stand-alone” manner on top of a rigid baking sheet. One embodiment of the baking cup will be utilized for muffin batters. An alternative embodiment of the consumable baking cup for use with more liquid cupcake batter is also provided. The consumable baking cup does not require removal from the baked muffin or cupcake before consumption thereof.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus produces defined lengths of meat or other filling materials for taquitos, enchiladas, burritos, and other rolled, wrapped, or folded tortilla foods. This apparatus includes a small, upper, filling conveyor that operates in parallel with a large, lower, tortilla conveyor. Other components include an extruder, nozzle, cutter, and various sensors that produce output signals indicating tortilla and filling position. Encoders are also provided to represent position and/or movement of at least the upper conveyor. According to the sensor outputs, a controller regulates operation of the upper conveyor, extruder, and cutter to produce and then accurately deposit segments of filling material upon tortillas as they pass by upon the lower conveyor. As needed, the controller (1) advances, reversed, and/or stops the upper conveyor, (2) directs the pump to start/stop filling production, and (3) regulates the cutter to cut extruded filling material.

Abstract: A food casing that is a tubular film having an internal cellulose surface containing smoke components integrally blended with the cellulose. The invention further includes the method for making the food casing of the invention by blending smoke, usually in the form of an aqueous solution or dispersion of smoke components (liquid smoke), into viscose prior to formation of the viscose into a film by extrusion and regeneration. The food casing of the invention consistently transfers smoke flavor and color to contained food product, has reduced odor, is not sticky, does not gum up processing machinery, does not have degraded color and flavor as a result of exposure to acid or caustic, is easily shirred, deshirred and unrolled, does not yield odiferous dark sticky liquid in premoisturized casing packages and can be readily peeled from processed food product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for baking substantially continuous pita bread and also for separating the upper and lower layers of such a continuous pita bread. A substantially continuous extrusion of dough is transported along a conveyor system and cut longitudinally into a series of elongated dough strips. The elongated strips are baked in an oven so that the strips inflate and become substantially tubular. When the baked tubular strips emerge from the oven, the upper layer and lower layers of the bread strips are detached from one another along their edges by a cutter assembly. The upper and lower elongated strips are thus separated and available for further processing, such as chopping into snack-sized portions and/or seasoning.

Abstract: Method for producing a food product (5) including a solid casing coating at least one stuffing in a coextrusion device (1) including a coextrusion die (6) fed with the proteic base and the stuffing material(s) including the following stages:

Abstract: A tubular casing that is capable of receiving a product therein in an outstretched state, said casing comprising:

Abstract: A sealed crustless sandwich for providing a convenient sandwich without an outer crust which can be stored for long periods of time without a central filling from leaking outwardly. The inventive device includes a lower bread portion, an upper bread portion, an upper filling and a lower filling between the lower and upper bread portions, a center filling sealed between the upper and lower fillings, and a crimped edge along an outer perimeter of the bread portions for sealing the fillings therebetween. The upper and lower fillings are preferably comprised of peanut butter and the center filling is comprised of at least jelly. The center filling is prevented from radiating outwardly into and through the bread portions from the surrounding peanut butter.

Abstract: A highly palatable and long lasting dog chew for pets has been developed by combining a formulation and processing sequence which results in a highly palatable meat based filling being incorporated into the center of a preformed rawhide stick or rawhide roll. Such outside rawhide fraction is extremely tough and chewy which results in a dog chew which takes a long period of time for the dog to consume. The inside meat filling is highly palatable which results in the animal maintaining interest in the treat until nearly the entire chew has been consumed. The interior meat filling is preserved by reduced water activity to below 0.85 as a result of incorporating of salt, sugars and natural humectants. Said filling is formulated and processed in such a manner that the water phase is bound within the filling and does not pass by capillary action to the outside rawhide fraction. This results in the outer rawhide shell maintaining a tough and chewable texture until such point as the dog is offered the finished chew.

Abstract: A sealed crustless sandwich for providing a convenient sandwich without an outer crust which can be stored for long periods of time without a central filling from leaking outwardly. The inventive device includes a lower bread portion, an upper bread portion, an upper filling and a lower filling between the lower and upper bread portions, a center filling sealed between the upper and lower fillings, and a crimped edge along an outer perimeter of the bread portions for sealing the fillings therebetween. The upper and lower fillings are preferably comprised of peanut butter and the center filling is comprised of at least jelly. The center filling is prevented from radiating outwardly into and through the bread portions from the surrounding peanut butter.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for making grape leaves with meat. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for rolling a grape leaf about the meat. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a mechanism for positioning the grape leaf and meat so the rolling mechanism can roll the grape leaf about the meat.

Abstract: The method enables food products to be manufactured which include two half-shells with their respective mouth portions coupled together. The products contain an accessory element occupying an inner volume enclosed in a wrapper.

Abstract: The invention is a method for preparing a partially cooked, flexible food composition. The method includes formulating a dough of flour, water and other dough ingredients. This dough is then formed and partially fried. The partially fried dough composition has a moisture content ranging from about 10 wt-% to 20 wt-%. Also disclosed is a partially fried, flexible dough composition resulting from this method.

Abstract: A composite ice-cream cone having a preformed, closed-bottomed wafer shell. The shell has an inner surface, a length, an outer surface and an upper edge. A separate, preformed, closed-bottomed chocolate shell has a lower portion, an upper portion and a filling of a frozen product contained in both the lower and upper portions. The lower portion of the chocolate shell is insertedly nested within the wafer shell with the lower portion having a form complimentary to the inner surface of the wafer shell such that lower portion extends over both the entire inner surface of the wafer shell and the length of the wafer shell.

Abstract: A wafer product comprises a wafer shell comprising at least two wafer half-shells coupled together face to face. This shell contains a filling of a substantially hydrated mass which includes a soft toffee core and is covered substantially by a coating which covers the wafer shell on the side opposite the filling. The product also includes at least one praline which comprises a casing of firm material, such as chocolate, enclosing a respective filling.

Abstract: A filled dough product having a plurality of dough sticks is provided. The plurality of dough sticks of the filled dough product can be connected by a web of dough. Each dough stick from the plurality of dough sticks can be separable from the plurality of dough sticks along a break line in which liquid starch had been applied.

Abstract: An at least four-layer tubular biaxially oriented food casing having an outer layer which includes a mixture of at least one aliphatic and at least one partly aromatic (co)polyamide with or without pigments, and an inner layer which includes aliphatic (co)polyamide, wherein, between these layers, a layer of an ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer or a blend of the ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer with an aliphatic or partly aromatic (co)polyamide and/or with an olefinic (co)polymer and/or an ionomer resin and a layer of an olefinic (co)polymer with or without adhesion promoters, pigments, and/or UV absorbers are arranged. The casing has a high water-vapor and oxygen barrier. It is particularly suitable as synthetic sausage casing, and can also be used for packaging cheese or animal feed.

Abstract: A baked product in the form of waffles or wafers can be made from a mass which is comprised of flour, oils, fats and lecithin-containing additives, and water by baking in a baking mold, on drum or belt. At least a partial substitute for the lecithin containing component is monostearyl citrate which is added and is effective to facilitate separation of the product from the baking surface.

Abstract: A confection including a candy product, a substantially elongate base member having opposed first and second ends and an interior compartment. The first end of the base member has an opening leading to the interior compartment while the second end of the base member has support and retaining structure for supporting and retaining the candy product in a fixed position relative to the base member. A cap removably engages with the base member at the second end and encloses the candy product when in engagement with the base member. A sealing member close the opening at the first end of the base member to thereby seal the interior compartment thereof. A small toy may be placed in the interior compartment and is accessible by removing the sealing member from engagement with the base member. The candy product or mass may have a plurality of different tastes and/or a plurality of different colors.

Abstract: A enchilada style food product and method of making for providing a better tasting and nutritious enchilada style food product. The enchilada style food product and method of making includes flour tortillas, ground beef, yellow onion, potatoes, sweet peas, cheddar cheese, chili powder, salt, and tomato sauce. The method generally includes making the flour tortillas; making a meat mixture using the ground beef, onions, and salt; making a chili sauce mixture using the chili powder, water and tomato sauce; boiling diced potatoes; coating the tortillas with the chili sauce mixture, rolling the meat mixture, the boiled potatoes, sweet peas, and cheese into the coated tortilla; frying a seamed side of the rolled tortilla until crisp; frying an opposite side of the rolled tortilla until crisp; garnishing; and serving.

Abstract: A tubular film for encasing food. The tubular film comprises a material which has been regenerated from a viscose solution. The tubular material is longitudinally stretched by from +8 to +40 percent and transversely stretched by from −20 to +40 percent while wet and the stretch is maintained during drying, said transverse stretch and longitudinal stretch being sufficient to obtain a surface area increase of at least 10 percent from the point of regeneration. In general, the tubular material has a wall thickness of from about 60 to about 90 percent of the same tubular material except without the combined stretch. The invention also includes the method for making the tubular material by stretching the regenerated tubular material while wet and maintaining the stretch during drying.

Abstract: An improved white food casing comprising regenerated cellulose containing titanium dioxide pigment in a weight ratio of less than 0.5 to regenerated cellulose in the casing and containing from about 0.3 to about 1.2 milligrams per square meter of casing of a water insoluble violet pigment. The titanium dioxide pigment and violet pigment are uniformly dispersed in the regenerated cellulose without agglomeration. The food casing usually has an optical density at least as high as a similar food casing containing fifteen percent more titanium dioxide pigment and no violet pigment. The food casing desirably contains titanium dioxide in an amount of less than 15 and preferably less than 13 grams per square meter of food casing. The invention also includes an improved method for making a white food casing comprising cellulose regenerated from viscose having titanium dioxide incorporated therein; wherein the improvement comprises uniformly dispersing titanium dioxide pigment into viscose at a ratio of less than 0.

Abstract: An edible material thin file is applied to at least one side of sticky or moist food products. The edible material may be sprayed or placed on the moist food product. The food product with the edible material thereon may be used make sandwiches or stored without any additional protection. Individually wrapped slices of the moist food product may be further wrapped in plastic films, boxed and transported. Sandwiches utilizing the moist food products with the edible material thereon may be made and stored and sold in convenience store, grocery stores and the like. An edible material thin film is applied to the recess of a shallow recessed container and dried. An amorphous food that may be sticky or moist is then disposed within the recess and then covered with an outer layer of film (edible or non-edible) to form a package of a slice of the amorphous food. The food within this package may be used to make a sandwich by peeling the amorphous food from the container and applying it to a slice of bread.

Abstract: A machine for making a food product includes a cooking apparatus for cooking an aliquot of dough disposed in a predetermined shape about a cooking member made of a material which has a chemical composition essentially impervious to cooking temperatures. The machine also incorporates a mechanism for extracting the cooking member from the cooked dough, thereby creating a chamber in the cooked dough. This mechanism has a gripper which is disposable in grasping contact with a protruding end of the cooking member, a holder disposable in contact with the cooked dough for restraining the cooked dough, and a motive component operatively connected to at least one of the holder and the gripper for moving the one of the holder and the gripper relative to the other to remove the cooking member from cooked dough.

Abstract: A single-use container is formed from a dough which includes a proportion by mass A of water in the range A.sub.min of about 30%, and A.sub.max about 35%; a proportion by mass B of a cereal flour blend of wheat and rye flour such that B is about 50%, and contains a proportion by mass B.sub.W of wheat flour and a proportion by mass B.sub.R of rye flour with the relationship, 1%.ltoreq.B.sub.W .ltoreq.49% and B.sub.R .apprxeq.50%-B.sub.W ; a proportion by mass C of meal from comminuted dried baked goods, with C being about 10%, and a proportion by mass D of vegetable oil such that D.apprxeq.A.sub.max -A+5%. The dough is placed into a mold and is baked in the mold, preferably under constant pressure. The resulting article is both water resistant and biodegradable.

Abstract: A backseamed casing has a casing film comprising a first outer layer and a second outer layer, the first outer layer containing a polyamide having a melting point of from about 250-400.degree. F., and the second outer layer containing a polyamide having a melting point of from about 250-400.degree. F. A butt-sealed backseamed casing has a casing film to which a butt-seal tape film is sealed, the casing film having an inside layer containing a polyamide having a melting point of from about 250-480.degree. F., and an outside layer comprising polyolefin, with the butt-seal tape film comprising polyolefin. A heat-shrinkable film has a first outer layer, a second outer layer, and an inner layer. The first outer layer contains a first polyamide having a melting point of from about 250-400.degree. F.; and the second outer layer contains a second polyamide having a melting point of from about 250-480.degree. F.

Abstract: A foodstuff preserving packaging comprising a packaging substrate having a layer of a bonding agent including at least one foodstuff preservative.

Abstract: A food product comprising a wafer shell which encloses a mass of hydrated or substantially hydrated, creamy filling. A core of soft caramel is incorporated in the mass of filling and the wafer shell is preferably covered by a continuous coating layer, for example, based on chocolate, possibly with the addition of chopped nuts or another granular substance.

Abstract: A process for producing cellulose pulp and a filtrate of cellulose pulp that functions as a preservative for digestible food products that are intended for human and animal consumption. In the emulsification process wax paper, water, preservative potassium sorbate and the surfactant hydroxylated lecithin are heated and blended. The cellulose pulp is filtered through a filter having openings of about 2 micrometers. The cellulose pulp acts as a preservative when used with food products such as dietary fiber, a caking agent used in the dairy industry to prevent caking and clumping of graded cheese, dry seasoning and spiced soups. The cellulose pulp can also be used to improves the flowability of products which enhances their performance in packaging. The filtrate can be used as a water base for food products and acts to preserve the food product. Also fresh fruits and vegetables can be washed with the filtrate which increases the time that they can be stored without refrigeration.

Abstract: A combination edible and non-edible product is shown which has a housing formed of first and second sections of plastic or other non-edible material interconnected to form a hollow interior adapted to receive a toy or other item. At least one of the first and second sections includes a radially outwardly extending rib having opposed side edges and an outer edge, and their outer surfaces each carry a layer of confectionery such as chocolate having a peripheral edge which abuts one of the side edges of the rib leaving the entire outer edge of the rib exposed and readily viewable. The entire article is then covered with a foil wrap or the like.

Abstract: Stabilized, dilutable liquid smoke compositions are disclosed. The stabilized liquid smoke compositions contain a liquid smoke composition, an inorganic salt, and, optionally, an inorganic mineral acid, preferably phosphoric acid, such that the weight ratio of organic compounds to inorganic compounds is sufficient to provide an initial % T at 590 nm of at least about 95.5%. The stabilized liquid smoke compositions are essentially free of dissolved tar, and, therefore, are water dilutable without forming a tar precipitate.

Abstract: An edible cup made of twice-baked pastry having on impermeable layer consisting essentially of sugar, water, starch and gum capable of containing hot and cold drinks without loosing it structural hardness and without any liquid leaking out.

Abstract: A partially baked and frozen Pocket Pita Bread dough that the end user simply needs to `bake off` in order to provide an authentic, fresh and high quality Pocket Pita Bread both in a commercial and in a residential environment without the investment of labor, time, space, expertise, and expense in special equipment. The present invention provides such a product, as well as a process for the manufacturing of this product.

Abstract: Polymeric or cellulosic water and/or heat degradable containers are filled with organic waste, primarily refuse foodstuffs. The containers are dissolved or melted, spilling the waste for sterilization and subsequent processing into animal feed. The containers include, or have added thereto during or after manufacturing, biocides, antioxidants, preservatives and/or antibiotics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bonded nonwoven fiber fabric and packaging films strengthened with such a fabric, especially sausage casings based on celluloses. The nonwoven fiber fabric itself can be used as teabag paper. Bonding is achieved through treatment of a solution comprising cellulose, N-methylmorpholime-N-oxide and water. Bonding can be strengthened by a polyamine polyamide epichlorohydrin resin added to the fibrous pulp.

Abstract: A baked good includes a laminate. The laminate includes a layer of fat and a protein layer which adsorbs a portion of the fat layer. The laminate prevents moisture from penetrating the baked good.CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONSThis is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/595,035, filed Jan. 31, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,008.

Abstract: A pasta is formed from a tube of pasta that is cooked, filled with sauce, sealed on one end, left open on the other end and rolled into the shape of a coil. The pasta is suitable for being eaten while on the move.

Abstract: The product, formed essentially as a praline, comprises a shell which encloses a creamy filing with very low viscosity, possibly enhanced by a nut. The shell which is coated by one or more coating layers, possibly with the addition of a sprinkled substance and decorative element, is constituted by two half-shells, coupled face to face. One of the half-shells is made of a moldable fat-containing substance such as chocolate, whereas the other half-shell is made of wafer. The contribution of the half-shell made of a moldable substance to the weight of the shell is preferably greatly predominant in comparison with the corresponding contribution of the wafer half-shell.

Abstract: A leavened, farinaceous, baked food product having a crust on all sides and a method for producing the product. One embodiment of the leavened, farinaceous, baked food product has a quick bread-like texture and can be stored frozen and later toasted by the consumer without thawing. Alternatively, the product may be stored in a refrigerator and eaten without additional toasting. The product has a thickness and product strength that is suitable for a hand-held food. The product is produced by heating a batter comprising a chemical leavening agent, or a dough comprising a yeast leavening agent or chemical leavening agent or a combination of both, under low pressure in a confined space such that a crust is formed on all sides of the product's exterior.

Abstract: A method for forming and baking food particles into a unified, shaped product, e.g., shaped like pizza, has heated top and bottom plates, the mating faces of which have recesses and protrusions for molding the desired shaped product. The bottom plate is in two parts that are abutted together when food particles are deposited thereon and during a baking period with the top plate placed thereon. After raising the top plate, the two bottom parts are moved apart to release the baked, shaped product. Cooked pasta, such as spaghetti, can be formed into a pizza-like shell.

Abstract: An improved continuous process for the manufacture of tubular food casings, which allows for the regeneration of casing without an interruption of the process to drive out liquids and gases produced during coagulation and regeneration of the casing, characterized by the steps of: extruding an alkaline viscose solution through an extrusion die within a coagulation bath; coagulating and regenerating the viscose solution thereby producing gases and extruding a tubular casing whereby the gases are entrapped within the casing; inducing a countercurrent flow of gases entrapped within the casing opposite the extrusion direction; and continuously venting the gases through an orifice within the extrusion die. This process permits the non-interrupted extrusion and regeneration of tubular food casings associated with the prior art wherein the process is frequently interrupted to allow exhaustion of liquids and gases.

Abstract: A taco shell blank formed from a dough that includes a circular shell portion, a rectangular end barrier portion integrally formed along a section of the perimeter edge of the circular portion and a crease line formed between the shell portion and the barrier portion; the circular shell portion of the taco shell blank being foldable about a midline thereof that runs through the rectangular end barrier portion to form an ingredient pocket; the rectangular barrier portion being foldable at the crease line and into position across the side end opening of the ingredient pocket.

Abstract: An edible food container which is self supporting and stable in a generally upright position when placed on a rigid and substantially planar support surface. The edible food container includes a pair of spaced apart side walls and a base connecting the side walls. The base includes at least two spaced apart line bearing contact surfaces for supporting the edible food container on the substantially planar surface. Preferably, the base includes at least two elongate spaced apart ribs which define the at least two line bearing contact surfaces. The base may further include a raised portions on both ends of the base to increase the ability of the food container to hold fillings therein.