A method and apparatus for a reciprocating kneader. A primary rotational gear is attached to a gear box primary shaft and rotates in concert therewith and engages a secondary rotational gear. The primary rotational gear drive provides a primary source of rotation for a kneading screw and for the secondary gear as a secondary source of rotation. An adjustable eccentric is coupled to the secondary oscillation gear and rotates in concert therewith for reciprocation motion.

Disclosed is a mixing system for making a dough ball. The mixing system comprises a cup for receiving a plurality of ingredients to be mixed, the cup comprising a base and side wall. The mixing system also comprises a blade for mixing the ingredients in the cup to develop the dough ball, the blade and cup together defining a mixing volume, and a drive system for moving at least one of the blade and the cup to change a size of the mixing volume.