Water- and energy-saving systems and methods for producing lime-cooked masa are described. Such methods generally include adding water to maize kernel in a first predetermined proportion, the maize kernel having endosperm, germ, pericarp, and tip cap components. Using a first conditioner, the maize kernel is conditioned for a first predetermined amount of time to cause moisture absorption to within a first predetermined range. The maize kernel is limed. The maize kernel is cooked, using a cooker, in an environment of steam. After the maize kernel is cooked, water is added to the maize kernel in a second predetermined proportion and, using a second conditioner, the maize kernel is conditioned for a second predetermined amount of time to cause moisture absorption to within a second predetermined range. The maize kernel is milled using one or more mills.

The present invention is directed to an ingredient system for flatbread products which are essentially free from added mono-diglycerides, comprising an ingredient system containing a fat-coated vegetable fibre particle, a fat-coated organic acid and an enzyme preparation containing at least an amylase: flatbread products which contains the ingredient system and the use of the ingredient system in flatbread products.

Methods for creating semolina flour-based shape-changing food from a multi-layered dough with at least one grooved surface. The dough layers have difference compositions including natural, staple and edible ingredients. The dough is exposed to stimuli during dehydration (e.g., baking) or hydration (e.g., boiling) processes.

A funneling apparatus is provided that can be used in filling a food item, such as a taco shell. The funneling apparatus includes two opposing elongated walls connected on their ends by two opposing end walls. An opening is formed inside the funneling apparatus between the elongated walls and the end walls, which includes a top portion configured to receive contents and a bottom portion configured to dispense the contents. A concave section is provided along the base of each of the first elongated wall the second elongated wall. During use of the funneling apparatus with an item such as a taco shell, the concave section exposes the interior of the side walls formed by the taco shell. The end walls of the funneling apparatus prevent the contents inserted into the opening from spilling out of the taco shell.

A cooked, bread like product is provided. The product is formed initially as a pourable batter that has an increasing consistency with time, effected by the use of a fast acting hydrocolloid in combination with a slow acting hydrocolloid and proofing. The cooked product can be used in combination with a topping to form a product like a pizza.

Gluten-free tortillas are made from a composition including a gluten-free flour mixture constituting from 50-60% of weight of the composition, with the gluten-free flour mixture consisting of a combination of rice or tapioca flour, oat flour and quinoa flour. In particular embodiments, the flour mixture includes substantially equal amounts of the rice or tapioca flour, oat flour and quinoa flour by weight of the composition. In addition, the composition includes an enzyme for structural integrity purposes. In embodiments utilizing rice flour in the tri-flour blend, the composition can also comprises about 8% by weight of tapioca starch. Further, the gluten-free tortilla may be soft flat tortilla or a soft shaped tortilla having a formed shape selected from a cup, bowl, U- or square bottomed shaped taco shell, boat, tube, envelope or cone.

Gluten-free tortillas are made from a composition including a gluten-free flour mixture constituting from 50-60% of weight of the composition, with the gluten-free flour mixture consisting of a combination of rice or tapioca flour, oat flour and quinoa flour. In particular embodiments, the flour mixture includes substantially equal amounts of the rice or tapioca flour, oat flour and quinoa flour by weight of the composition. In addition, the composition includes an enzyme for structural integrity purposes. In embodiments utilizing rice flour in the tri-flour blend, the composition can also comprises about 8% by weight of tapioca starch. Further, the gluten-free tortilla may be soft flat tortilla or a soft shaped tortilla having a formed shape selected from a cup, bowl, U- or square bottomed shaped taco shell, boat, tube, envelope or cone.

The present invention encompasses edible carriers for foods that are soft but still hold a preformed shape. Specifically encompassed are soft shaped tortilla products that can be used to hold food fillings. Exemplary shapes and sizes are provided for the products. Also encompassed are methods of making, packaging, and using the products.

The present invention encompasses edible carriers for foods that are soft but still hold a preformed shape. Specifically encompassed are soft shaped tortilla products that can be used to hold food fillings. Exemplary shapes and sizes are provided for the products. Also encompassed are methods of making, packaging, and using the products.

A taco shell is produced using a rotary cutter including a shaft, an outer blade extending radially outward from the shaft and a first inner blade extending radially outward from the shaft. The outer blade defines an interior area, enclosed by the outer blade, and an exterior area. The first inner blade is located in the interior area and includes a plurality of teeth. A dough piece is cut from a dough sheet with the outer blade, and a first arcuate line of depressions is created in the dough piece with the plurality of teeth. The dough piece is folded to form a shaped dough piece, and the shaped dough piece is baked to produce a hard taco shell.