A taco shell is produced by applying a plasticizing agent to a base or spine portion of a hard taco shell, such as by targeted spraying, rolling, brushing or dipping of the taco shells, thereby softening the base or spine portion, preferably across a strip width between 4 mm-20 mm. As a result, when the taco shell is bitten, the softened base portion has some hinging flexibility or pliability which reduces the potential for any crack propagation. Therefore, the structural integrity of the hard taco shell can be better maintained while be eaten, resulting in retention of the fillings and less mess. If desired, an anti-migration agent can also be applied to assure containment of the plasticizing agent in the targeted region.

An apparatus and method for baking a hollowed-out bagel substitute product is disclosed. A composite tray is provided with a tray portion that supports bread dough within tray cups, and a cover portion that sits on top of the tray portion. In use, gravitational forces on the cover portion retain it in place, with a gap defined between the cover portion and the tray portion that contributes to a resultant shape of the substitute product after the bread dough rises and is baked.

An apparatus and method for baking a hollowed-out bagel substitute product is disclosed. A composite tray is provided with a tray portion that supports bread dough within tray cups, and a cover portion that sits on top of the tray portion. In use, gravitational forces on the cover portion retain it in place, with a gap defined between the cover portion and the tray portion that contributes to a resultant shape of the substitute product after the bread dough rises and is baked.

A taco shell is produced by applying a plasticizing agent to a targeted region including a base or spine portion of a hard taco shell and lower sections of taco shell sidewalls, thereby softening the targeted region, preferably across a strip width between 16 mm-20 mm, and enabling the sidewalls of the hard taco shell to engage each other without cracking or otherwise breaking the taco shell. As a further result, when the taco shell is bitten, the softened targeted region has some hinging flexibility or pliability which reduces the potential for any crack propagation. Therefore, the structural integrity of the hard taco shell can be better maintained during packaging and while be eaten, resulting in retention of the fillings and less mess. If desired, an anti-migration agent can also be applied to assure containment of the plasticizing agent in the targeted region.

Methods for creating flour-based shape-changing food by creating grooves in the surface of a dough layer before exposing the dough to stimuli during dehydration (e.g., baking) or hydration (e.g., boiling) processes. A tailored computational design tool, digital fabrication platform and mold for use with the methods also are provided.

A method for producing a bakery product (10) comprising the steps of: forming a strip-shaped assembly (12, 15, 16, 32) comprising a strip of flour-based dough (13) and a corresponding strip of foldable sheet (14) adhering to the strip of dough; wherein the flour-based dough is suitable to harden after baking; folding and positioning the strip-shaped assembly (12, 15, 16, 32) on a base so that, at least at a portion of the strip-shaped assembly, the strip-shaped assembly forms an angle in the range of 70 degrees-110 degrees with the base; heating in an oven the base and the strip-shaped assembly positioned on the base until the flour-based dough hardens; removing the strip of foldable sheet (14) from the strip-shaped assembly (12, 15, 16, 32) after heating in the oven.

A method for forming a donut by manipulating dough. This method includes forming a first tip located on a first side of the dough and forming a second tip located on a second side of the dough, manipulating the dough into a partially arc shaped configuration wherein the first and second tips are held pointing outwardly, placing an object within the arc, wrapping the second tip of the dough around the object, crossing the second tip over the first side of the dough forming a hole in the dough where the object is located, removing the object from within the arc, and wrapping the tips around the side of the dough and through the hole and rubbing the dough to smooth hanging tips. The dough is completed to be formed in a one-piece round shape resembling a circle.

Provided herein are methods for producing a mung bean protein isolate having high functionality for a broad range of food applications. In some embodiments, the methods for producing the isolate comprise one or more steps selected from: (a) extracting one or more mung bean proteins from a mung bean protein source in an aqueous solution, for example, at a pH between about 6.5-10.0; (b) purifying protein from the extract using at least one of two methods: (i) precipitating protein from the extract at a pH near the isoelectric point of a globulin-rich fraction, for example a pH between about 5.0-6.0; and/or (ii) fractionating and concentrating protein from the extract using filtration such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration or ion-exchange chromatography; and (c) recovering purified protein isolate.

Provided herein are methods for producing a mung bean protein isolate having high functionality for a broad range of food applications. In some embodiments, the methods for producing the isolate comprise one or more steps selected from: (a) extracting one or more mung bean proteins from a mung bean protein source in an aqueous solution, for example, at a pH between about 6.5-10.0; (b) purifying protein from the extract using at least one of two methods: (i) precipitating protein from the extract at a pH near the isoelectric point of a globulin-rich fraction, for example a pH between about 5.0-6.0; and/or (ii) fractionating and concentrating protein from the extract using filtration such as microfiltration, ultrafiltration or ion-exchange chromatography; and (c) recovering purified protein isolate.

Rolled food products are produced by cutting a dough sheet to form a roll sheet having a continuous pattern. The pattern is comprised of an asymmetrical repeat unit. The roll sheet is transported in a first direction with a conveyor system, and the roll sheet is rolled in a second direction to form a continuous roll. The second direction is not parallel to the first direction. The continuous roll is cut to form a plurality of rolls. Each of the plurality of rolls is asymmetrical.