Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for cooking food on a grill having opposed upper and lower platens wherein a gap spacing between the platens is adjusted in an initial stage and in subsequent stages of the cooking time for the meat. The method includes causing the food to be located between two opposed platens, the opposed platens each having opposed cooking surfaces and the opposed cooking surfaces defining a gap spacing that is adjustable, and adjusting the gap spacing between the platens so that during an initial stage of the cooking the gap spacing is equal to or less than the nominal initial uncooked thickness of the food, and during one or more subsequent stages of the cooking, after the initial stage, the gap spacing between the platens is varied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device 1 for detecting the internal temperature of a foodstuff 2, with at least one temperature sensor 3 that is arranged in a first housing section 4, which can be inserted into the foodstuff 2 for the measurement, while a second housing section 10 protrudes from the foodstuff 2. The autonomous device further comprises a voltage source 7, an electronic analyzing unit 6 for checking at least one predetermined temperature condition, and a temperature indicator 8. For precise, especially continuous measuring of the internal temperature of the foodstuff 2 during the preparation, in particular during a grilling process, the first housing section 4 is designed to remain within the foodstuff 2, and for this purpose, at least the analyzing unit 6 and the temperature indicator 8 are arranged in the first housing section 4, and the second housing section 10 is designed so that information shown by the analyzing unit 6 on the temperature indicator 8 can be perceived.

Abstract: An oven has a first conveyor, a first burner that directs heat toward the first conveyor from above the first conveyor, and a second burner directs heat toward the first conveyor from below the first conveyor. A method includes providing foodstuff on a conveyor, exposing the foodstuff to heat directed toward the foodstuff from above the conveyor, and exposing the foodstuff to heat directed toward the foodstuff from below the conveyor. Another oven has a first conveyor and first conveyor insulators that surround the first conveyor and define a first zone. Another method includes introducing foodstuff to a first conveyor belt within a first insulated zone, introducing heat into the first insulated zone, and retaining a portion of the heat within the first insulated zone. Another oven has an insulated cooking zone that closely envelopes a cooking path and an insulated oven zone that substantially envelopes the cooking zone.

Abstract: A cooking device, for insertion into food, having a shell with a top portion and a bottom portion, securable together at a latitudinal cross section of the shell. The top portion has one or more steam holes to allow seasoning placed in the device to permeate the food during the cooking process. The cooking device can be stood on its base in an upright position for filling with seasoning, and can then be disposed substantially perpendicular to the upright position during the cooking process, without seasoning that is not in a gaseous phase running or spilling out of the steam holes.

Abstract: A convection oven having a vapor collection system; water injection system; easily accessible electrical components; and a variable-speed, reversible blower is disclosed. The vapor collection system collects vapor from the cooking chamber during a cooking event, condenses the vapor, and drains the condensed vapor. The water injection system injects water for impact against a blower wheel for dispersion into the air circulating through the cooking chamber. The electrical components are housed within a housing that in a closed position conceals the components and in a closed position exposes the components for easy access. The rotational speed and direction of the variable-speed, reversible blower is controlled during a cooking event according to predetermined speed curves which may include one or more reversal events to achieve more uniform cooking of food. A main controller is programmable via an operator input (e.g., liquid crystal display touch screen) to control operating parameters of the oven.

Abstract: A food heating device includes a platen (101) and a pair of conveyor segments (103). A first conveyor segment is arranged and spaced to transport a food product (201, 203, 205) between a first side of the platen (101) and the first conveyor segment (103). A second conveyor segment (103/703/903) is arranged and spaced to transport the food product between a second side of the platen (101) and the second conveyor segment (103/703/903). A transfer device (505/705) may be disposed at one end of the platen (101) such that the transfer device transfers the food product (203) from the first side of the platen (101) to the second side of the platen (101).

Abstract: A hot dog grill for cooking hot dogs or similar food products is disclosed. The grill can include a plate having a heating surface. A grill assembly can be positioned proximate to the plate and can be moveable relative to the plate. A cam can be operably coupled to a motor and a first end portion of a connecting rod can be movably received within a groove in the cam. A second end portion of the connecting rod can be operably coupled to the grill assembly. Operation of the motor can rotate the cam and drive the connecting rod to move the grill assembly back and forth along the heating surface..

Abstract: A support for providing a stable resting place for a food product being cooked in a roasting pan. The support has a pliable spine and a plurality of heat resistant elements that extend outwardly from the spine. The spine has a core member, such as a wire, that enables it to be manipulated by a user into a variety of shapes so as to be adaptable to support foods having different shapes and sizes. The spine and heat resistant elements can be molded of silicone with the core member molded therewithin. The heat resistant elements may be formed in a variety of shapes, and can be molded into various decorative shapes such as leaves, and as illustrated herein, give the appearance of a laurel.

Abstract: A food piece with a first dough sheet having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, and a first peripheral edge. The food piece also includes a second dough sheet having a second inner surface, a second outer surface, and a second peripheral edge. The first peripheral edge of the first dough sheet is joined together with the second peripheral edge of the second dough sheet to define a perimeter. The food piece also includes an embossment positioned within the perimeter. The embossment extends upon at least one of the first outer surface and the second outer surface and includes at least one line along which the first and second dough sheets are joined.

Abstract: Food packaging of the present invention is particularly adapted for microwave, conventional oven, stove top and boiler cooking techniques and includes an integral pocket or trap compartment for receiving fluids created by the cooking process, such as grease. Embodiments include a compartment for cooking food products therein with the addition of water or other fluids, wherein the water or other fluids are drained from the food products and removed from the food packaging after cooking the food products.

Abstract: A marshmallow roasting unit is provided that comprises an enclosure having a roasting chamber and a side defining an enclosure opening below the roasting chamber, a skewer disposed in the roasting chamber and configured to hold a marshmallow, a heating element disposed relative to the skewer in the roasting chamber, and a removable tray configured to be inserted into the enclosure opening and hold a cracker in the enclosure under the roasting chamber. The heating element is disposed a predetermined range from the skewer such that the heating element is effective to roast the marshmallow on the skewer until the marshmallow becomes pliable and falls on to the cracker or contents disposed on the cracker held on the removable tray.

Abstract: A method for cooking food items in an oven is disclosed. A history of instant oven temperatures is initially obtained during a cook of a first food item. A salient representation of the oven temperature history is stored in a non-volatile memory. The salient representation includes multiple average oven temperatures, each selected to represent a summary of the instant oven temperatures at various specific time periods throughout the cook of the first food item. During a cook of a second food item that is substantially similar to the first cook item, the current cook settings are dynamically adjusted during the cook of the second food item based on the results of a comparison between the instant oven temperatures and the stored average oven temperatures in order to duplicate the result of the cook of the first item.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for the energy-saving control of at least one process in a food processing device including a processing chamber, at least one processing device, and a control or regulating device. The control or regulating device can reduce the duration of at least the first process step or the duration of regulation in the first processing step or switch off the processing device during at least a part of the processing step to save energy, based on at least one first variable relating to the climate in the processing chamber or at least one second variable relating to the processing device or at least one third variable relating to the food item to be processed or at least one fourth variable relating to a degree of soiling of the processing chamber, during at least one second processing step directly after the first processing step.

Abstract: A barbecue grill provides a top cooking level and a central cooking zone located below the top cooking level. Lateral heat panels warm the central cooking zone. A food basket is configured to be opened and loaded with foodstuff when in an approximately horizontal position at the top cooking level. An elevator mechanism lowers the filled food basket into the central cooking zone while converting the food basket to an approximately vertical position. The food cooks while the basket is vertical. The elevator mechanism raises the basket of cooked food to the top cooking level while converting the food basket to approximately horizontal position. A user-operated control selectively actuates the elevator mechanism to move the food basket in either direction.

Abstract: A Cooking equipment comprises an oven cavity (2); at least one energy source (3), operable to heat food placed inside the oven cavity (2); and a control device (8) provided with a first database (18) containing a plurality of cooking programs stored therein, each cooking program comprises at least a start cooking temperature; with a user interface (13) which is operable to select a set of cooking programs to be performed by the cooking equipment from the plurality of cooking programs stored in the first database (18); with a processing unit (15) configured to sort the set of cooking programs selected through the user interface (13) on the basis of energetic constraints; and with a regulating module (16) configured to drive the at least one energy source (3) in accordance with the sorted set of cooking programs.

Abstract: A multi-purpose device for holding food items for cooking, storage and other purposes is disclosed. One use of the device is for the poaching of one or more eggs. The device is formed and dimensioned to float in boiling water without tipping over and spilling an egg contained within.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining when meat is cooked to a desired degree of doneness, the method continuously calculating the arithmetic integral of the meat's temperature (T) minus some threshold temperature (Tt) to determine an Energy Impulse (EI) value. Each level of doneness for a particular type of meat is represented by a range of EI values resulting from the integration of a time-based function of the meat's temperature. When the desired EI value is reached, the meat has been cooked to the desired doneness level, a signal is generated that indicates the meat is cooked to the desired doneness level and the cooking process is terminated.

Abstract: A method for operating at least one cooking process in a cooking chamber of a cooking appliance is based on a multiple number of parameters that can be entered through an input device of the cooking appliance. Based on the parameters, at least one cooking product and/or cooking program, at least one starting and/or ending time of the cooking of at least one cooking product and/or for at least one cooking program, and at least one cooking parameter can be selected. An output device indicates when each cooking product is to be loaded into and removed from the cooking chamber in dependence of the starting time and/or ending time, and the selection of a multiple number of cooking products. Additionally, the sequence of cooking of the cooking products can be optimized based on at least one parameter that determines at least one cooking parameter.

Abstract: A method and system for processing food products in a vessel includes the steps of introducing intermediate temperature water from a first reservoir into the vessel, circulating the water and emptying it back into the first reservoir. Next, hot water from a second reservoir fills the vessel, is regulated by circulation between the second reservoir and the vessel, and is emptied back into the second reservoir. Intermediate temperature water from the first reservoir is then reintroduced into the vessel, circulated and emptied. Then, chilled water or brine from a third reservoir fills the vessel, is regulated by circulation between the third reservoir and the vessel, and is emptied back into the third reservoir.

Abstract: A cooking aid comprising a sheet of flexible burn resistant material and a composition disposed on one face of the sheet, the composition comprising a mixture of vegetable or animal oil with a melting point below 20° C., vegetable or animal fat with a melting point above 20° C., and one or more herbs, spices and flavour enhancers.

Abstract: Various types of food preparation pans such as but not limited to food preparation pans used for baking, steaming, chilling, freezing and molding various foods and food combinations intended for consumption are disclosed. The pan includes a plurality of thermal conveyance depressions protruding in a vertically oriented disposition relative to a horizontal inner pan bottom surface; and upwardly projected depressions in an outer pan bottom surface of the thermal conveyance depressions to form hollow depressions spaced in between by bridging portions.

Abstract: A poultry cooking device for removable insertion into an eviscerated abdominal cavity of a whole bird carcass prior to pre-cooking, and sized to fit within the cavity, is disclosed. The device includes an elongated member having first and second ends, the first end terminating in a taper. An at least one flange portion, for supporting the cavity during pre-cooking, is positioned between the first and second ends of the elongated member and extends outwardly therefrom, the presence of each flange portion creating an air channel for supporting uniform cooking of the carcass. A method of pre-cooking and rotisserie re-heating a whole bird carcass using the device of the present invention is also described.

Abstract: A grill pan has a diamond grill forming at least a portion of its cooking surface. The diamond grill may provide a diamond grill pattern on cooked food products without having to turn the food products in a 45 degree angle to make a diamond pattern. The pan may have a diamond pattern raised from a bottom, heat application side of the pan. The pan may be made from cast iron, enamel coated cast iron, or stainless steel. In some embodiments, the pan may be made from cast iron containing from about 1.7 to about 4.5 percent carbon.

Abstract: A brittle having a base made from a batter containing a ratio of 1:1.5 to 3:1 weight chocolate to weight of syrup in the base has distinctive properties. There is in the batter a thickening agent which is usually flour or corn starch. Various additions such as nuts, candy chips and dried fruits may be incorporated in the batter or placed on the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preferably continuous method for precooking the surface of food products, characterized in that all or part of the surface of the product makes contact with the flame produced by a burner, the flame employed being an oxyhydrogen flame, preferably a hydrogen/oxygen flame.

Abstract: An improved grill with an upper platen position and a pressure control is disclosed. The grill may include a lower platen assembly having a lower grilling plate, and an upper platen assembly movably connected to the lower platen assembly. The upper platen assembly may include an upper grilling plate operatively connected to a manipulator capable of applying positive pressure on and adjusting position of the upper grilling plate. Methods of using the grill to cook food items are also disclosed.

Abstract: A food product having aligned fibers.

Abstract: A food product having aligned fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of wheat flour for reducing baking losses. The wheat flour can comprise genetically or chemically phosphorylated starch.

Abstract: A device for roasting food of fire, the device designed to mimic a fishing pole and having a rod, a wire, and a flipping mechanism. The wire is attached to an end of the rod and extends a fixed length culminating in a bifurcation at its end. The bifurcation includes apertures to receive a shaft of the flipping mechanism. The flipping mechanism includes a pair of rails and skewers located at the ends of the shaft and a weight centrally located on the shaft between the bifurcation, wherein the weight acts as a counter balance to flip the flipping mechanism when the rod is moved up and down or tilted.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an allergen-free composition (e.g., flours and dough) and baked products made without eggs or any other major food allergen. The disclosed allergen-free flours, dough, and batters overcome the various problems associated with allergen-free baking by appropriate adjustment of the relative amounts of various components that contribute moisture, alkalinity, texture, etc., to the final product. Baked products produced using the allergen-free flours thus have a moistness, springiness, rise, texture, and flavor comparable to products containing major food allergens. Baked products according to the disclosure include, but are not limited to, cookies (e.g., chocolate chunk/chip cookies), cakes (e.g., cupcakes), muffins, pancakes, waffles, pizza crust, pie crust, and bread products.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking food, such as meat, protein, vegetable, or soup is disclosed. In one embodiment, the food items are supplied in a flexible polymer package that can withstand the temperature needed to cook the item. The cooking apparatus has two cooking surfaces in the form of heated platens, which may be arranged in a vertical orientation. These platens come together to simultaneously contact both sides of the food item. The cooking apparatus further includes a controller, configured to prepare the food using various control system algorithms. The apparatus cooks the food item from both sides to affect rapid and even cooking. It uses a combination of temperature, time, food thickness, platen force and a cooking code that is unique for each food type. The control system algorithm uses some or all of these parameters to determine precisely when the food item is cooked correctly.

Abstract: Potato chip cooking process and apparatus includes controlled cooking of potato slices from the initial to the final cooking stages. Slices are deposited in hot cooking oil to develop a slice pack which is carried along a cooking path during which the pack is agitated and mixed by paddle means or tumbled so that the individual slices receive maximum contact with the cooking medium. The cooking path may be divided into one or more stages in each of which the cooking times and temperatures are selected and maintained to produce potato chips of different styles having a final moisture content in the range of 1.2% to 2%. Further disclosed are apparatus that includes temperature and oil circulation controls for the oil heat exchangers dedicated to each stage of a cooking protocol.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for cooking using a stove system. In some embodiments, a method of heating materials using a stove may include inserting fuel through a third conduit positioned substantially above a fourth conduit. In some embodiments, the method may include allowing air to flow through the fourth conduit and a second opening. In some embodiments, the method may include inhibiting flames from reaching the second end of the first conduit using a deflector. In some embodiments, the method may include heating a heating surface coupled to the second end of the first conduit. In some embodiments, the method may include elevating the heating surface above the second end of the first conduit using a spacer. In some embodiments, the method may include inhibiting escape of heated fluids from the first conduit such that a heating surface is heated by the heated fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar cooking apparatus, comprising: a first solar reflector; a second solar reflector; a solar collection element; and a solar collection element holder, wherein the first solar reflector and the second solar reflector are concave, and opposably arranged and aligned with a solar collection element axis, each reflector having a range of motion on a plane perpendicular to the solar collection element axis, and focusing, radiation at the solar collection element, which rapidly heats when the first and/or second solar reflectors are in an opened position, the first and second solar reflectors protectably encase the solar collector when in a closed position. The solar cooking apparatus is adjustable and, in some embodiments, portable.

Abstract: A rice cooker comprising several inner containers, wherein a set of cooking parameters for each inner container is independently selectable, thus, permitting the automatic and simultaneous preparation of different style, recipe or taste of rice in each of the plurality of the inner containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for forming and baking an edible cone-shaped container, the container being of a bread dough provided with a light, flaky texture by the inclusion of solid flaked fat pieces in the dough mixture and the cone formed by an initial forming and cooking step followed by multiple baking steps.

Abstract: A speed cooking oven is disclosed comprising a cooking cavity, thermal heating source, air movement and directing means, air delivery means, and a vent assembly. Hot gas is circulated to and from the oven cavity via air delivery means such that turbulently mixed glancing, conflicting and colliding gas flow patterns mix at and about the surfaces of the food product. The turbulently mixed gas flows are spatially averaged over the surface area of the food product producing high heat transfer, thereby optimizing speed cooking of the food product.

Abstract: A method of cooking in a continuous cooking oven system generally includes transporting food products on a continuous, pervious conveyor through a helical path within a cooking chamber, directing a substantially vertical flow of a heated gaseous cooking medium into either a top end or a bottom end of the helical stack and through the plurality of superimposed tiers, and selectively reversing the substantially vertical flow of heated gaseous cooking medium on a user defined interval.

Abstract: A continuous oven comprising cascading conveyors. In one embodiment the oven comprises an oven floor, a ceiling, a left panel, and a right panel. The oven floor and ceiling are attached by the left and right sides defining an oven cavity. Located inside the oven cavity is at least one cascading conveyor. Also within the oven cavity is a partition which separates the oven into an upstream end and a downstream end.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus (10) that comprises a cooking chamber (14) with an access door (16); a heating system (20) that radiates heat into the cooking chamber (14); and a plurality of air flow fans (32a, 32b, 32c, 32d) circulating air within the cooking chamber (14) to distribute the heat in a substantially even manner within the cooking chamber (14).

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermal preservation (sterilization) of heterogeneous and multiphase foods and biomaterials in order to achieve their shelf stability at ambient level temperatures. Flowing heterogeneous, multiphase foods and biomaterials are exposed to single or multiple stages of electromagnetic energy under continuous flow conditions within conduits passing through the electromagnetic energy exposure chambers.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a flexible container for use by the end user as a cooking utensil. Said container comprises a front and rear panel formed of a food safe material and sealed at three sides, the rear panel being extended beyond the front panel on the unsealed fourth side to form a flap. On the upper side of the flap is formed an adhesive strip provided with a removable cover strip intended to be removed by the user when closing the container. The user is instructed to fold the container across both layers rather than simply across the junction of the flap and front panel in order to seal it prior to cooking. This creates a container which is effectively sealed but which is capable of releasing excess pressure above that level needed to steam the contents thoroughly.

Abstract: The present invention involves an intelligent cooking method, especially a cooking method defined as oil stir-fry in Chinese cuisine. The present cooking method is comprised of the following steps: feeding heat transfer medium, feeding cooking materials, dispersing and/or turning-over cooking materials, separating cooking materials from oil, re-feeding cooking materials, stir-frying and/or turning-over cooking materials, etc. The method can perform intelligent cooking and can accurately control the duration and degree of heating to achieve the effect of stir-fry which is one of main cuisine techniques.

Abstract: Treated Brassica seeds and their extracts for use as a flavor and/or a flavor modifier in consumables. Treatment includes heating, and optionally grinding methods and/or recovery methods. Consumables include foods, beverages, health-care products, oral hygiene and oral care products, beauty-care products, and tobacco products. The extract contains elevated amounts of flavor and flavor modifier. One flavor modifier of the extract may be 2-furfurylthiol (“FFT”). A process for producing treated Brassica seeds extract.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for preparing pizza, and method of operating same. A customer selects a type of pizza, such as toppings or crust style. The apparatus slices and defrosts dough, applies cheese, slices and applies toppings, and cooks the pizza to order. The cooked pizza is packaged for delivery to the customer and may include a separate cutting apparatus. Proper temperature of hot and cold sections is maintained while ingredients are stored and as the pizza is cooked. The process is monitored and controlled by one or more processors.

Abstract: Provided is a cooking/grilling apparatus, primarily for outdoor use, providing smoking and/or direct or indirect heat cooking capability, and offering the user enhanced cooking flexibility, temperature control, safety and convenience of operation. The grill apparatus is unique in that it offers a downward opening lid that rotates, such as on rollers or a pivot mechanism, to a fully open position beneath the base plate of the cooking enclosure, and reverses to an upward rotation to re-close the cooking enclosure. Moreover, the grill apparatus offers a vertically adjustable cooking grate, controlled by a continuous loop cable, moving over a set of pulleys, thereby reliably controlling the height of the cooking grate when affixed to a crank on the outer surface of the grill, wherein movement of the grate can also be locked in place.

Abstract: A continuous stir-fry cooking apparatus of a rotating drum type includes a heating drum having a cooking ingredient charging portion at one end and a product discharging portion at the other end, a swing arm 23 swingable about a swing shaft provided on an axis line of the heating drum 14, a rotating shaft 24 provided to a swing end of the swing arm to be parallel to the axis line of the heating drum, and a stirring blade member 26 provided to the rotating shaft with a tip end coming in close proximity to an inner peripheral surface of the heating drum. The stirring position of the stirring blade member can be optimized by regulating the swing angle of the swing arm according to the conditions, such as the rotating velocity of the heating drum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a colored structured protein product with protein fibers that are substantially aligned and the resultant product. Specifically, the plant protein is combined with a colorant and extruded, forming a colored structured protein product with protein fibers that are substantially aligned and the resultant product.

Abstract: A method for producing wafers by extrusion comprising the steps of a. Preparing an ingredient mix b. Feeding the mix in an extruder and cooking the mix c. Extruding the cooked mix such that an extruded and expanded non-planar structure is formed d. Unfolding the structure to give a large extruded sheet e. Subjecting the extruded sheet to stretching/pulling f. Adjusting the sheet in order to obtain a desired thickness g. Drying the sheet h. Separating the sheet into wafers of desired dimensions The invention also relates to the wafers thus produced and to a wafer production line.