Abstract: An apparatus and method for making pizza includes a housing and a plurality of canisters containing fresh dough stored in the housing. A cutting blade is disposed in the housing and is moveable between an upper limit position and a lower limit position to cut a slice of dough from one of the plurality of canisters. A press plate is disposed in the housing and receives the slice of dough. The press plate includes a first plate and a second plate that selectively move into engagement with each other to define an internal chamber therebetween to press flat and preheat the slice of dough. A rotary index table station is disposed in the housing and includes a plurality of plates, with each of the plates being rotatable about a central axis of the rotary index table station. Preheated pizza crust is deposited on the plates. Each of the plates is then moveable between an innermost radial position and an outermost radial position.

Abstract: A frozen dessert such as ice cream that simulates the shape and color of french fried potatoes. The dessert is produced in elongate sections that have a small cross sectional area. Each section is coated on its exterior surfaces with an edible coating that serves to enhance the flavor of the dessert and to act as an insulating barrier. The coating permits a consumer to handle the individual sections with their fingers to enable consuming the dessert. The color of the coating simulates the color of french fried potatoes.

Abstract: A coating of drystuff particles on the outside of an ice dome projecting from a cone is effected by pressing down the inversed cone against a spherical resilient membrane having a overlying layer of a particulate material. The invention proposes to coat the domes projecting further from the cone with the use of compressed air for pressing the membrane against the dome surface and by arranging for a vertical movement of the membrane relative to the overlying layer of the particle material.

Abstract: A sodium chloride substitute containing alkali metal gluconates utilizable for bread and other baked goods; doughs of bread and other baked goods prepared by using the gluconate alone or together with sodium chloride; and bread and other baked goods produced from the doughs.

Abstract: A flexible packaging system containing spiral wound instant pasta noodles along with a system for packing the noodles in flexible envelopes to reduce breakage of the noodles to permit inclusion of noodles longer than the flexible package filling aperture and reducing the incidence of perforation of the package.

Abstract: A method for applying and embedding dry toppings to both rolled and biscuit-like dough products and the resulting dough piece of the method. The method includes applying dry toppings on the surface of the dough product in a sheeting line. Then, the roll pairs in the sheeting line embed the dry toppings into the surface of the dough product.

Abstract: Sequential pieces of bakery dough are floured using a moving belt positioned beneath an elongated flour dispensing mechanism. The belt runs through a stationary guide that transiently forms the belt into a tubular enclosure which embraces the dough pieces, thereby producing a more complete flour coating on the pieces.

Abstract: A vacuum microwave dehydration process for drying fresh mango and pineapple fruit pieces at low temperatures which results in a product with a "fresh", uncooked flavor and a unique crunchy texture with little or no shrinkage which can not be achieved through conventional air drying.

Abstract: A process of preparing a shelf stable pasta having a moisture content of from about 15 to about 35% which comprises preparing a fresh pasta, steaming the fresh pasta, partially drying to a moisture content of from about 15 to about 35%, coating the partially dried pasta with a solid humectant in particulate form before or after placing in a package, and packaging the pasta in a container optionally under modified atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: Aspartame having particles smaller than 100 .mu.m can be deposited on an edible supporting material, by mixing in a dry form, in amounts that clearly exceed 10 wt. %, if the aspartame has a free bulk density of 350 kg/m.sup.3 or lower, and is obtained through, successively, crystallisation from an aqueous medium with forced convection, granulation and subsequent mechanical reduction, the mixing being effected in a weight ratio of aspartame and supporting material of at most 1:1, but not less than 1:30.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a material to a substrate. A material application station includes a shutter assembly having at least one horizontally extending blade which is rapidly displaceable from a closed configuration in which an outlet path of the shutter assembly is obstructed to an open configuration in which the outlet path is open. While the blade of the shutter assembly is in the closed configuration, a coating material is applied to a first predetermined area on an upper surface of the shutter assembly. A substrate is located beneath the shutter assembly in the outlet path. The blade of the shutter assembly is rapidly opened so that the coating material falls onto the substrate over a second predetermined area on an upper surface of the substrate. The second predetermined area is substantially equal to the first predetermined area. The resulting deposit is of a controlled diameter.

Abstract: Breakfast cereal products coated with a cold-water-soluble coating made from milk solids or high protein, vitamins, and mineral supplement powders adhering to the surface of the cereal via an adhesive or conditions making the surface of the cereal adherent are described. The cereal itself may contain in its basic recipe milk solids, fibers, sugars, fats and carbohydrates, various proteins and minerals, thus classifying the basic cereal formula as a high energy and/or high protein and/or high fiber cereal product, which may be fortified with other essential minerals and vitamins used commonly as dietary supplements. This product is processed in a manner so that a coating is applied composed of such products which remain soluble in cold water at the time of consumption, even after drying and eliminates the need for liquid milk requiring only tap water to generate a similar taste, color, and texture, as well as mouth sensation, at the time of consumption of the cereal.

Abstract: Nutritional iron compositions comprising bioavailable sources of iron selected from ferrous fumarate and ferrous succinate where the iron source is preferably spread on the surface of a lecithin coated edible carrier such as sucrose. These nutritional iron compositions are particularly useful in food and beverage products such as chocolate flavored edible mixes, especially chocolate flavored beverages, that are additionally fortified with other minerals and vitamins, especially multi-mineral and vitamin combinations involving, iodine, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, and folic acid to avoid developing an undesirable color, off-flavor, astringency, particularly when the edible and/or beverage mix is reconstituted with water or milk.

Abstract: A confectionery product which has discrete pieces of a chocolate material, which is a chocolate, a chocolate substitute or a chocolate analogue, having specific characteristic shapes which are images dispersed in a confectionery material is prepared by distributing the discrete pieces having a temperature less than 20.degree. C. into a stream of frozen, chilled or ambient confectionery material to obtain a composite product, and the composite product may be mixed.

Abstract: A reclaimer system is provided for collecting and recycling a viscous coating batter in a foods processing line, particularly such as in a production line for making batter coated French fry potato strips. The reclaimer system comprises an elongated collection trough mounted at the downstream end of a product conveyor used to transport batter coated food products to a fryer, wherein the conveyor is positioned to collect excess batter dripping from the conveyor and the food products and further wherein this excess batter would otherwise undesirably fall into the fryer. A paddle is reciprocated back and forth within the trough to sweep collected batter therein from opposite open ends of the trough into appropriate collection vessels or funnels for recycling. The trough is water cooled to prevent significant cooking of the batter therein, and the paddle includes a central overflow port to permit large quantities of batter to spill therethrough without being swept over the longitudinal edges of the trough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing essentially fat free chips such as potato chips and the like having an appearance and taste similar to conventional chips without the use of deep fat frying is disclosed herein. The method and apparatus include exposing sliced raw potatoes and the like to a hot air fluid bed impingement oven arrangement that causes very rapid heating of the water contained in the chip and causes the chip to expand. The hot air fluid bed impingement oven arrangement preferably includes multiple dual-zone hot air fluid bed impingement ovens operating under different predetermined conditions. The slices are passed through each oven based on a desired conveyor belt speed and temperature range. The slices are then passed to a combination microwave and hot air dryer which removes entrained moisture without scorching the chips, thereby providing a lightly colored chip without a burned, overcooked taste and with an equalized moisture content.

Abstract: An improved extrusion processing system (10) for sticky extrudates such as candy products is provided which includes an extruder (12) equipped with a die (16) presenting an outlet face (23) and a knife assembly (19) and a knife hood (18). The system (10) further has a particulate delivery unit (20) which serves to direct a stream of particulate substance under positive pressure onto the outlet face (23) of extrusion die (16). The delivery unit (20) includes a container (42) for holding a supply of a particulate substance such as starch or sugar together with conduits (52, 56) adapted for coupling with a source of pressurized air and connected with container (42); a stream of the particulate substance under pressure is created and delivered via conduit (56) to hood (18) where it passes through delivery tube (60) for application onto outlet face (23).

Abstract: The amount of oleaginous or aqueous liquid carrier used as an adhesive or binding agent for the topical application of a particulate composition to the major surfaces of baked good pieces or snack pieces is reduced by separately spraying the liquid composition and dispensing the particulate composition in substantial side-by-side relationship within a rotating drum. The liquid composition causes the particulate composition to adhere to the pieces prior to and without substantial penetration of the liquid composition into the pieces. Highly porous or absorptive products such as reduced fat, low fat, or no-fat crackers or snacks may be transferred hot to the drum. The liquid composition is sprayed substantially coextensively but separately from the dispensing of the particulate composition. The particulate curtain and the liquid spray both extend in the direction of transport of the pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing reduced-fat meat by injecting dry solids such as phosphate powder into a flow of meat supply, includes a passageway for passing the meat therethrough, a ram chamber having a feed ram such that the feed ram is capable of being positioned in any one of a feed position and a fill position, the ram chamber having a particulate opening for entry of dry solids into the ram chamber, and a feed port providing a path for the feeding of the dry solids into the passageway. A control gate is placed generally along the passageway wherein it is capable of opening and closing the feed port.

Abstract: A fluoride enriched sugarless gum system comprises a plurality of sugarless chewing gum sticks each containing a gum base of between about 10% and 80% by weight, each gum stick also including a softening agent, a sweetening agent and a bulking agent, each gum stick including fluoride material applied thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oil-free, fat-free, edible adhesive for affixing seasoning to foods substrates which in its preferred embodiment is applied at room temperature. The edible adhesive comprises: from about 3% to about 60%, preferably 3% to about 28%, more preferably about 4.8 to about 9.8% of a starch hydrolysate having a dextrose equivalent of from about 4 to about 38, preferably about 10 to about 26, more preferably about 18; from about 3% to about 80%, preferably about 26% to about 75%, more preferably about 70% to about 75% of at alcohol having 1 to 4 hydroxyl groups, preferably 2 or 3 hydroxyl groups and 2 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably 3 carbon atoms; from about 0% to about 50%, preferably about 5% to about 30% more preferably about 10% of a polymerized glycol having a molecular weight of about 200 to 9,500, preferably about 200 to 900, more preferably about 400; and preferably a solvent.

Abstract: A method of salting a cheese in a water-impermeable packing, where the desired amount of salt is applied on one or more of the outer surfaces of the cheese and/or in the used packing material, whereafter a water-impermeable packing is provided by means of said packing material, said packing surround the cheese and the salt. The method renders it possible to avoid the complicated and cost-intensive brining in brine and to control the content of salt to an optimal degree.

Abstract: A breaded food product having a piece of core food (e.g., fish, poultry, or vegetable) in an uncooked state, and a breaded coating system on the core food, the coating system comprising bread crumbs and fat, the product having at least 3% and no more than 8% by weight of fat (preferably less than 6%, most preferably less than 5.5%). A breaded food product is made by applying breading on an uncooked core food, and a starch overcoat film on the breading.

Abstract: A method of flavoring and mechanically processing foods by incorporating heat-stable and fracturable upon chewing polymer encapsulated flavor oil capsules formed by coacervation into a food in an effective flavor amount. The food is then cooked by heating with the capsules protecting food flavor oil in said food both during cooking and in the resulting cooked product.

Abstract: A spiral wound instant pasta noodle is disclosed which employs selected dusting agents interleaved within the spiral to insure unrolling of the spiral upon subsequent boiling. A method for the preparation of the noodle is also disclosed along with a system for packing the noodles in flexible envelopes to reduce breakage of the noodles and to permit inclusion of noodles longer than the flexible package filling aperture and reducing the incidence of perforation of the package.

Abstract: A coated food product containing a non-starch containing coating composition is disclosed; the composition includes: 2 to 10% oligosaccharides, 3 to 12% soluble protein, 10-60% vegetable oil, 0 to 5% emulsifier, 13 to 85% water. The particular advantage of the use of this coating composition is that there is no longer the need to pre-fry the product prior to freezing, however a product is achieved having the desired pre-fried taste.

Abstract: A method for producing seasoned food products where seasoning is performed at individual packaging lines. The product is conveyed from the preparation area to a packaging area in an unseasoned condition. Upon reaching the packaging lines, which are disposed in packaging departments in the packaging area, the product can be selectively seasoned independent of other packaging lines. After seasoning, the product is packaged and prepared for delivery. At each packaging line, a volumetric feeder includes a feed head that cooperates with a tumbler having helical flights to produce continuous controlled product portions. A seasoning dispenser is positionable within the tumbler and can be adjusted to dispense a given weight of seasoning at a given rate, based on the amount of product passing through the tumbler, to obtain consistent seasoning levels and coverage.

Abstract: A process for preparing roasted nuts is presented. The process includes exposing raw nuts to a brine solution under conditions effective to provide a coating of salt on the nuts; applying to the nuts a coating of fine salt having a particle size such that at least about 80% of the salt passes through a 125 micron mesh and at least about 40% of the salt passes through a 44 micron mesh; and roasting the nuts under conditions effective to impart a roasted nut color, flavor and aroma to the nuts.

Abstract: A method of forming a food product that includes dehydrated food pieces coated with a preselected amount of edible particles. The method includes providing dehydrated food pieces having outer surfaces. Next, a fat is provided that is substantially solid at room temperature and substantially flowable at a temperature of at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The fat is preheated to a temperature which is at least hot enough to cause the fat to flow. Next, food pieces are coated on their outer surfaces with the flowable fat and are further coated with coating particles. The resulting coating is nonflowable even at temperatures which exceed a temperature which caused a majority of the fat without the particles to flow.

Abstract: The amount of oleaginous or aqueous liquid carrier used as an adhesive or binding agent for the topical application of a particulate composition to the major surfaces of baked good pieces or snack pieces is reduced by separately spraying the liquid composition and dispensing the particulate composition in substantial side-by-side relationship within a rotating drum. The liquid composition causes the particulate composition to adhere to the pieces prior to and without substantial penetration of the liquid composition into the pieces. Highly porous or absorptive products such as reduced fat, low fat, or no-fat crackers or snacks may be transferred hot to the drum. The liquid composition is sprayed substantially coextensively but separately from the dispensing of the particulate composition. The particulate curtain and the liquid spray both extend in the direction of transport of the pieces.

Abstract: New lysine derivatives containing a containing an alkylsulphonyl or alkylaminocarbonyl group of formula (I):COOH--CH(NH.sub.2)--(CH.sub.2).sub.4 --NH--Xin which X represents an --SO.sub.2 R or --CONHR group, where R represents a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, alkyl radical having from 8 to 22 carbon atoms, salts thereof, and mixtures of the derivatives and the salts. A process for the preparation of these derivatives, salts, and mixtures and use of such derivatives, salts, and mixtures, especially in cosmetics. Compositions, especially cosmetic compositions, comprising the derivatives, salts, and mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a natural flavoring composition for imparting a deep-fried flavor to foods without added fat. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of making the flavoring composition. To this end, a fatty acid starch component and anti-caking agent is provided. In an embodiment, a fatty acid component is provided, comprising approximately 10% by weight of the total composition. The fatty acid component includes caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic and stearic acids. An anti-caking agent, preferably silicon dioxide, comprising 3.75% by weight of the total composition is provided; and a starch component, preferably maltodextrin, comprising 86.25% by weight of the total composition is provided.

Abstract: An anticaking agent which reduces the stickiness of the chunked, diced, or shredded cheese and improves the functionality of cheese is formulated of fine mesh vegetable flour, bentonite, cellulose, and antimycotic agents or bacterial cultures. This anticaking agent also will reduce the yeast and mold growth. This discovery is also extended to include various flavors, colors, enzymes and other supplements into the anticaking agent, to ultimately add to the cheese.

Abstract: A baking pan and method of use for baking plural stuffed pizzas and/or plural stuffed sandwiches therein. Each of the pizzas and/or sandwiches includes a dough shell and a stuffing within the shell. The pan basically comprises a base panel and four cavities. The base panel is a planar sheet of circular profile and having a rounded flanged peripheral edge. Each cavity is frusto-conically shaped and includes a generally planar bottom wall and a frusto-conical side wall flaring upward and outward therefrom. Each sidewall terminates at its upper end in a rounded top peripheral edge which is disposed slightly above the base panel. The rounded top edge of each cavity is arranged for joining a respective portion of baking dough disposed within its associated cavity to a sheet portion of baking dough disposed over the base panel and on top of its cavity along the periphery of the rounded top peripheral edge to form a stuffed dough shell having a joined seam extending about the periphery of the shell.

Abstract: A method of forming a food product that includes dehydrated food pieces coated with a preselected amount of edible particles. The method includes providing dehydrated food pieces having outer surfaces. Next, a fat is provided that is substantially solid at room temperature and substantially flowable at a temperature of at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The fat is preheated to a temperature which is at least hot enough to cause the fat to flow. Next, food pieces are coated on their outer surfaces with the flowable fat and are further coated with coating particles. The resulting coating is nonflowable even at temperatures which exceed a temperature which caused a majority of the fat without the particles to flow.

Abstract: A process for preparing a gel coated food substrate comprising: a) applying an aqueous batter dispersion having sodium ion sources, calcium ion sources or a combination of sodium ion sources and calcium ion sources, to the surface of a food substrate to form a batter-food substrate complex; b) contacting the batter-food substrate complex with a dry bread material to form a breaded complex; and c) applying an aqueous gel-forming solution to the breaded batter-food substrate complex to form a thermally irreversible gel film around the complex.

Abstract: A protein-polysaccharide complex composition is prepared by admixing a water-soluble polysaccharide with a substantially water-insoluble protein in an alcohol/water solution. In the recovered complex the water-insoluble protein impregnates or coats the water-soluble polysaccharide without affecting the beneficial properties of the polysaccharide and protein.

Abstract: Edible coating compositions containing a mixture of linear and branched polysaccharides, are provided, by a mixture of waxy and non-waxy starches. The coating composition contains waxy starch having an amylose content of no greater than about two percent by weight and non-waxy starch having an amylose content of greater than about five percent by weight. The weight ratio of said waxy starch to said non-waxy starch in the coating composition is preferably greater than about 8:1. The food products have a comestible core substantially surrounded by the coating compositions. Methods for forming food products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dry coating composition for imparting the texture, taste and appearance of batter fried foods to baked foodstuffs comprising 10 to 50% by weight binding agents, the binding agents containing egg white solids and gelatin, and 15 to 70% by weight bulking agents, the bulking agents containing pre-fried crumbs and/or cereal crumbs or fines. A well balanced proportion of egg white solids and gelatin provides a uniform, continuous, cohesive film that closely resembles the inner layer of a batter fried product and acts as a binder for the other coating ingredients to help retain moisture.

Abstract: A coating mix for application to skinless chicken pieces prior to baking. After baking, the coating simulates the appearance and texture of real chicken skin. The mix preferably contains on a weight basis from 25-50 parts maltodextrin, from 6-20 parts high-amylose starch, from 0.5-4 parts CMC, and from 5-15 parts powdered fat and from 6-20 parts pregelatinized starch.

Abstract: A food, e.g. meat, is treated by coating an exterior surface of the food with a granular particulate composition of egg albumen, a milk protein and starch and then heating the coated food to at least a temperature sufficient and for a time sufficient to form the coating into a film. The composition may be prepared by drying a mixture of egg albumen, milk protein, native starch and water under conditions of temperature which substantially avoid coagulation of the albumen, denaturation of the protein and gelation of the starch, and then forming the dried composition into granules.

Abstract: A coated, baked canine biscuit having enhanced palatability. The edible coating includes: (a) about 20 to about 40 weight percent of at least one dextrin or at least one maltodextrin; (b) about 0.2 to about 2 weight percent of at least one edible acidulent; (c) about 0.1 to about 1 weight percent of at least one edible antimycotic agent; (d) about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent of lecithin or at least one modified lecithin; (e) about 0.3 to about 5 weight percent of at least one polysaccharide gum; (f) about 1 to about 10 weight percent of at least one flavorant; (g) about 1 to about 10 weight percent of at least one food starch or at least one modified food starch; (h) about 1 to about 10 weight percent of vegetable fat; (i) about 30 to about 70 weight percent of meat solids; and (j) about 3 to about 16 weight percent of animal fat. All of the weight percents are based on the total weight of the dried coating minus the moisture content thereof.

Abstract: A process for providing fried battered and breaded food products with enhanced crispiness and golden brown color, wherein fat, caloric content and loss of volatile flavor components are controlled and shelf life of the frying medium is increased, in which a substrate having a moisture content over about 35% is battered and breaded, coated with a protein dispersion and heated to form a protein film.

Abstract: Uniform distribution of materials over a predetermined area of a receiver is assured by a multipurpose applicator wherein a gauging or metering device contacts materials on a conveyor to ensure that the materials are uniformly spread along the conveyor so that incremental movement of the conveyor results in a predetermined portion of the materials entering a distributor wherein it is agitated to form a cloud that will fall evenly over the predetermined area defined by a mask on the receiver. An electronic weighing device between the conveyor and the distributor may be used to achieved exact weight of portions.

Abstract: Oil-based or fat-based carriers or solvents are replaced in whole or in part by a supercritical fluid or high pressure gas as a spray medium or carrier for food additives or food enhancers. Reduced fat, low fat, and even no-fat food products may be produced by topically applying the additive or enhancer using a supercritical fluid as a fat or oil replacement. Post baking or post cooking application of the food additives or enhancers substantially reduces the loss of the additives or enhancers due to heat decomposition or a volatilization in the production of food products such as baked goods, snacks, and nuts. Food additives or enhancers which may be topically applied to the food substrates include flavorants, colorants, moisture barriers, vitamins and minerals, and odorants or fragrances.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the continuous treatment of reduced thickness article surfaces, for example, for the surface treatment of fragile products of small dimensions. The product to be treated is continuously poured, along with a treatment product, if necessary, into a rotary cylinder arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally, and rotated at low speed. A helical brush is also rotated at a reduced speed in an opposite direction to the cylinder, with the brush being arranged parallel to the cylinder and in contact on at least one of its generating lines with at least one internal generating line of the lower portion of the cylinder.

Abstract: Substantially uniform distribution of a particulate composition such as a seasoning or spice, on both the top and bottom surfaces of baked good or snack pieces is achieved by applying the composition as a curtain or sheet from within a housing as the substrate pieces are transported and tumbled by counterrotating brushes. The curtain or sheet extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal cavity through which the substrate pieces are transported. The apparatus includes a housing having a raised portion for enclosing and permitting the curtain or sheet to disperse in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing cavity as the composition descends towards the baked good or snack pieces. A lowered portion, downstream of the raised portion of the housing prevents escape of airborne particulate composition to the atmosphere through the baked good or snack piece outlet.

Abstract: The present invention discloses that the water permeability across the surface membrane of harvested fruits and vegetables can be substantially increased by treating such surfaces with a degradation enzyme. The resulting products are not only more easily dehydrated but can be used to incorporate desirable substances into the interior of the treated fruit or vegetable, such as sweeteners, stabilizers, preservatives, flavor enhancers, etc.

Abstract: An edible microwave composition is prepared for coating a food product to produce rapid, high temperature surface heating and/or browning on exposure to microwave energy. A method of heating/browning a food product includes the steps of coating a food product with a microwavable composition and subjecting the coated product to microwave energy. The microwavable composition essentially includes 1) about 8% to 97% of an edible oil; 2) about 1% to 90% of a selected microwave absorbing emulsifier; 3) about 0.1% to 30% of a supplemental microwave absorbing inorganic material; 4) about 2% to 90% of a microwave absorbing polyhydric alcohol; and in preferred compositions, 5) about 2% to 25% by weight of a thickener.

Abstract: Spherical and quasi-spherical objects are fed from a vibratory feeder through at least one outfeed chute to an oscillable plate positioned beneath the chutes. The oscillable plate has pocket passages positioned therethrough so that upon oscillation of the plate in a first direction, a pocket passage aligns with each chute opening to receive an object.