Batter-like compositions containing setting agent and methods of preparing and using same

Abstract

The invention provides batter-like compositions including flour or a flour replacement ingredient, sweetener, a fat source, a chemical leavening system, and a setting agent. The resulting batter-like compositions are capable of being formed into discrete product pieces (such as pucks), and maintaining the puck form throughout storage and handling of the batter-like composition prior to baking. The invention further provides methods of preparing batter-like compositions having a discrete form, and methods of using such batter-like compositions to provide baked goods.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1) of a U.S. provisional patent application, Ser. No. 60 / 705,035, filed Aug. 3, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to farinaceous batter-like compositions. The farinaceous batter-like compositions include a reversible setting agent. The invention further relates to methods of making such batter-like compositions, as well as baked goods made from such batter-like compositions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Certain moist baked goods such as muffins, pancakes, cakes, brownies, and the like are typically made from scratch or from a dry mix, where consumers make a batter by adding liquids to dry ingredients and then bake the batter soon after mixing. While these methods can produce high quality baked goods, preparation of the batters can be time consuming and messy. Additionally, the b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The batter-like compositions include a setting agent that provides the unique handling properties described herein. The setting agent comprises a continuous phase throughout the batter-like composition at temperatures below the melting point of the setting agent, thereby imparting rheological properties akin to a solid and / or semi-solid (non-fluid) material. Upon baking, the setting agents soften, reverting the batter-like composition to an aqueous continuous phase akin to conventional batter systems that bake accordingly.

[0008] In some aspects, the invention also provides intermediate farinaceous products that are formed from the batter-like compositions. According to these aspects, the intermediate farinaceous products are in the form of discrete, generally non-flowable units that can maintain a desired form and be handled by a manufacturer and consumer, even when the intermediate farinaceous product warms to temperatures above the freezing point of the batter-like composition. In some aspects, the intermediate farinaceous products are substantially non-sticky at temperatures below baking temperatures, such that they can be easily handled by a manufacturer or consumer (e.g., picked up and placed in appropriate bakeware). When used to describe the intermediate farinaceous products, the phrase “discrete units,” refers to portions of the composition that possess a definite, generally non-flowable and individual form, as compared to indefinite length materials intended to be divided from one another at a subsequent time after preparation and packaging (for example, at the point of use, upon removal of the batter-like composition from storage for baking). The discrete units can be any defined size of batter-like composition that can be individually stored without the need for packaging to contain it in a particular shape, or packaged, although multiple discrete units can be packaged together, as described herein.

[0012] In some aspects, the batter-like compositions can be formed into intermediate farinaceous products that can be stored at refrigeration temperatures. The intermediate products are capable of maintaining structural integrity at refrigeration temperatures (that is, temperatures less than about 65° F. (18.3° C.), or less than about 55° F. (12.8° C.), or less than about 45° F. (7.2° C.), yet above the freezing point of the batter-like composition), providing the consumer with the ability to select any number of discrete units to be baked by manually placing the selected units in or onto a desired baking sheet, pan, cup, or tray. In some aspects, the batter-like compositions can be formed into intermediate farinaceous products that can be stored at refrigeration temperatures in the range of about 30° F. (−1.1° C.) to about ambient temperature, or in the range of about 35° F. (1.7° C.) to about 45° F. (7.2° C.), or in the range of about 38° F. (3.3° C.) to about 45° F. (7.2° C.) for up to 90 days.

[0042] For purposes of illustration, use of the batter-like compositions and methods to prepare muffins will be described in detail. Muffins have been selected because these baked goods are typically prepared from dry mixes or from scratch; thus, the advantages of handling and preparation efficiency resulting from the invention can be easily illustrated. Moreover, consumers have certain expectations of muffin products, such as soft, moist product texture and acceptable baked specific volume. Thus, these systems provide the ability to describe the improved organoleptic properties of baked goods prepared from the batter-like compositions and systems.

Problems solved by technology

While these methods can produce high quality baked goods, preparation of the batters can be time consuming and messy.

Additionally, the batter should be used by the consumer immediately to provide for optimum leavening action and because the batters are not microbiologically stable.

Some of these issues have been overcome by preparing muffins and other batter-based baked goods from frozen batters, which require the consumer to thaw prior to baking the batter (a time consuming step).

However, the refrigerated storage life of the thawed batter is typically short (often on the order of a few days).

If the entire batch is not used relatively quickly, there is a risk that the unused portion of the batter will spoil and be wasted.

As a result, after the consumer opens the packaging for initial use of the product, the refrigerated dough cannot be stored for long periods of time thereafter.

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