Filled food products and methods for their preparation

Abstract

The present invention is directed to ready to eat filled food products incorporating heat stable food ingredient compositions and methods of manufacturing said food products. Such food ingredient compositions include fillings which may be incorporated within one or more other components of a complex food prior to any of a variety of cooking steps required to manufacture various ready to eat filled food products from such components.

Description

[0001] FILLED FOOD PRODUCTS AND METHODS FOR THEIR PREPARATION

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Application Number 63 / 533,044, filed August 16, 2023. The entire content of the application referenced above is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Foods manufactured by baking, frying, or extrusion are a significant and growing market across the globe. Many such food products incorporate fillings and / or toppings to add variety and versatility for consumers and manufacturers alike. Such components provide added flavor, texture, and overall sensory interest for the consumer. As such, they provide flexibility to manufacturers seeking to offer products targeted to different consumer preferences and maximize the scope of the market for their products.

[0006] Unfortunately, many fillings and toppings are not heat stable at the temperatures required in many food manufacturing processes. These include many fat-based, carbohydrate-based, or dairy -based compositions, the latter including many popular traditional cheese compositions. Among other problems, heat labile compositions can melt, scorch or even vaporize during thermal processing, ruining a product’s flavor, texture, color and other sensory attributes. In the case of fillings vaporization can also cause a product to burst or leak during or after processing, adversely impacting product quality. This loss of filling from the product can result not only in reduced product yield but also burning and scorching of food on manufacturing equipment leading to increased costs due to the need for more involved cleaning and longer changeovers from one batch to the next.

[0007] For these reasons, in many instances the incorporation of fillings or application of toppings is limited to one or more separate unit operations following thermal processing (post bake, post fry, etc.). Thus, most products are filled, sandwiched, bottomed, or topped with these food systems after any heating steps to reduce or eliminate these issues. In most cases this is a complex task and adds one or more unit operations to the manufacturing process. The baking or frying process generates many individual pieces to be subsequently filled or topped. Any extra steps must often be done in a particular orientation relative to each piece of product undergoing manufacturing. This necessitates retaining or regaining control of the orientation of numerous individual pieces before filling or topping them, eroding process efficiency and driving up manufacturing costs.

[0008] Forming coextrusion followed by baking is known in the art and is currently used to produce a limited number of filled snack products, including for example filled pretzel products, which are primarily peanut butter-based as such fillings are robust to the thermal processing required. Unfortunately, such fillings afford limited flexibility to manufacture filled products with different sensory attributes This limited flexibility also hinders the ability to manufacture products addressing other dietary needs such as allergen-free, low-sugar, and / or vegan or plantbased products.

[0009] There remains a need for heat stable compositions useful for creating a variety of different fillings, both sweet and savory, which can be efficiently incorporated into food products tailored to a range of sensory attributes, including but not limited to different flavors, aromas, textures, and mouthfeel. This need likewise extends to the flexibility to afford products for consumers with dietary requirements arising from a variety of health conditions or lifestyle concerns.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] Applicants have discovered heat stable compositions useful in the creation of a variety of different fillings, both sweet and savory, which can be efficiently incorporated into a multitude of different food products tailored to sensory attributes and dietary restrictions arising from consumers’ preferences, health conditions, and lifestyle choices. These compositions improve manufacturing efficiencies by obviating the need for additional unit operations due to their ability to undergo thermal processing necessary for other components of complex food products, such as a variety of types of doughs employed in creating the outer shells or substrates of filled or topped food products.

[0012] The present invention is directed to heat stable food ingredient bases, food ingredient compositions made with such bases, and the food products incorporating them. The present invention is also directed to methods of using said food ingredient bases and food ingredient compositions, and of manufacturing said food products. Such food ingredient compositions may be fillings (including centers, layers and sandwiches) or toppings (including coatings, drizzles, dips and sprays) which may be incorporated with or applied to one or more components of a complex food product prior to, concurrent with, or following any thermal processing step required to manufacture the food product from such components. In certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to ingredient bases, ingredient compositions, filled food products, and methods relating to the use of such bases and compositions and the production of filled food products that have at least one open end by which said filling is exposed.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 shows a process flow diagram for manufacturing a variety of filled food products having at least one open end according to certain embodiments of the invention.

[0015] Figure 2A shows a side view of a filled food product having two open ends according to certain embodiments of the invention.

[0016] Figure 2B shows a side view of a filled food product having one open end according to certain embodiments of the invention.

[0017] Figure 3 A is a photograph of a vegan peanut butter control sample prior to baking.

[0018] Figure 3B is a photograph of the sample of Figure 3 A following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes.

[0019] Figure 3C is a photograph of the baked sample of Figure 3B following agitation.

[0020] Figure 4A is a photograph of a dairy-based sample prior to baking.

[0021] Figure 4B is a photograph of the sample of Figure 4A following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes.

[0022] Figure 4C is a photograph of the baked sample of Figure 4B following agitation.

[0023] Figure 5A is a photograph of a 50% fat: 50% plant flour sample prior to baking.

[0024] Figure 5B is a photograph of the sample of Figure 5 A following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes.

[0025] Figure 6 is a photograph of a 20% fat: 80% plant flour sample prior to baking.

[0026] Figure 7A is a photograph of a 30% fat: 70% plant flour sample prior to baking.

[0027] Figure 7B is a photograph of a 40% fat: 60% plant flour sample prior to baking.

[0028] Figure 7C is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% plant flour sample prior to baking.

[0029] Figure 7D is a photograph of a 50% fat: 50% plant flour sample prior to baking.

[0030] Figure 7E is a photograph of a 60% fat: 40% plant flour sample prior to baking.

[0031] Figure 7F is a photograph of a 70% fat: 30% plant flour sample prior to baking.

[0032] Figure 8A is a photograph of a 30% fat: 70% plant flour sample following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes. Figure 8B is a photograph of a 40% fat: 60% plant flour sample following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes.

[0033] Figure 8C is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% plant flour sample following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes.

[0034] Figure 8D is a photograph of a 50% fat: 50% plant flour sample following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes.

[0035] Figure 8E is a photograph of a 60% fat: 40% plant flour sample following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes.

[0036] Figure 8F is a photograph of a 70% fat: 30% plant flour sample following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes.

[0037] Figure 9A is a photograph of a 30% fat: 70% plant flour sample following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes and subsequent stirring of the sample.

[0038] Figure 9B is a photograph of a 40% fat: 60% plant flour sample following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes and subsequent stirring of the sample.

[0039] Figure 9C is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% plant flour sample following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes and subsequent stirring of the sample.

[0040] Figure 9D is a photograph of a 50% fat: 50% plant flour sample following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes and subsequent stirring of the sample.

[0041] Figure 9E is a photograph of a 60% fat: 40% plant flour sample following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes and subsequent stirring of the sample.

[0042] Figure 9F is a photograph of a 70% fat: 30% plant flour sample following baking at 500°F for 15 minutes and subsequent stirring of the sample.

[0043] Figure 10A is a photograph of the 30% fat: 70% plant flour sample shown in Figure 9A following cooling to room temperature.

[0044] Figure 10B is a photograph of the 40% fat: 60% plant flour sample shown in Figure 9B following cooling to room temperature.

[0045] Figure 10C is a photograph of the 45% fat: 55% plant flour sample shown in Figure 9C following cooling to room temperature. Figure 10D is a photograph of the 50% fat: 50% plant flour sample shown in Figure 9D following cooling to room temperature.

[0046] Figure 10E is a photograph of the 60% fat: 40% plant flour sample shown in Figure 9E following cooling to room temperature.

[0047] Figure 10F is a photograph of the 70% fat: 30% plant flour sample shown in Figure 9F following cooling to room temperature.

[0048] Figure 11 A is a photograph of the 30% fat: 70% plant flour sample shown in Figure 10A.

[0049] Figure 1 IB is a photograph of the 40% fat: 60% plant flour sample shown in Figure 10B following sample agitation.

[0050] Figure 11C is a photograph of the 45% fat: 55% plant flour sample shown in Figure 10C following sample agitation.

[0051] Figure 1 ID is a photograph of the 50% fat: 50% plant flour sample shown in Figure 10D following sample agitation.

[0052] Figure 1 IE is a photograph of the 60% fat: 40% plant flour sample shown in Figure 10E following sample agitation.

[0053] Figure 1 IF is a photograph of the 70% fat: 30% plant flour sample shown in Figure 10F following sample agitation.

[0054] Figure 12A is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% chickpea flour sample at room temperature.

[0055] Figure 12B is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% field pea flour sample at room temperature.

[0056] Figure 12C is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% oat flour sample at room temperature.

[0057] Figure 12D is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% peanut flour sample at room temperature.

[0058] Figure 12E is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% white lentil flour sample at room temperature.

[0059] Figure 13A is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% amaranth flour sample at room temperature.

[0060] Figure 13B is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% pumpkin seed flour sample at room temperature.

[0061] Figure 13C is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% sunflower seed flour sample at room temperature.

[0062] Figure 13D is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% almond flour sample at room temperature.

[0063] Figure 13E is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% cashew flour sample at room temperature. Figure 13F is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% red lentil flour sample at room temperature.

[0064] Figure 13G is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% tapioca flour sample at room temperature.

[0065] Figure 14A is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% brown rice flour sample at room temperature.

[0066] Figure 14B is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% buckwheat flour sample at room temperature.

[0067] Figure 14C is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% golden corn flour masa harina sample at room temperature.

[0068] Figure 14D is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% quinoa flour sample at room temperature.

[0069] Figure 14E is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% white rice flour sample at room temperature.

[0070] Figure 15A is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% flour sample at room temperature wherein the flour is a mixture of 75% chickpea flour and 25% white lentil flour.

[0071] Figure 15B is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% flour sample at room temperature wherein the flour is a mixture of 75% chickpea flour and 25% red lentil flour.

[0072] Figure 15C is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% flour sample at room temperature wherein the flour is a mixture of 75% chickpea flour and 25% sunflower seed flour.

[0073] Figure 15D is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% flour sample at room temperature wherein the flour is a mixture of 75% chickpea flour and 25% tapioca flour.

[0074] Figure 15E is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% flour sample at room temperature wherein the flour is a mixture of 75% chickpea flour and 25% brown rice flour.

[0075] Figure 15F is a photograph of a 45% fat: 55% flour sample at room temperature wherein the flour is a mixture of 75% chickpea flour and 25% golden corn flour masa harina.

[0076] Figure 16 is a photograph of three of the 45% fat: 55% plant flour samples made using palm oil wherein the flour used was chickpea flour (left), white lentil flour (center) and a blend of 75% chickpea flour: 25% white lentil flour (right). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] The present invention addresses the need for enhanced flexibility in the efficient manufacturing of food products. Although a wide variety of fillings and toppings can be used to broaden the versatility of such products with respect to formats, flavors, textures and other organoleptic properties, unfortunately, the majority of these must be applied in a separate step following any required thermal processing for baked, fried, or otherwise cooked food products. The present invention arises from the recognition that the inability of many filling and topping compositions to undergo heat treatment is the result of thermal instability of one or more components of the ingredients therein. Removal of any ingredients which are problematic per se, or mutual isolation of ingredients which are problematic when present in combination in such formulations provides a means to create compositions which can undergo thermal processing required for any associated components, such as doughs, of complex food products.

[0078] In the case of filled snack products, nut butter-based fillings, such as peanut butter and almond butter, have gained wide acceptance as fillings from manufacturers and consumers alike. These bases possess the requisite thermal stability and other physicochemical properties rendering them useful for efficient manufacturing processes such as forming coextrusion and baking. Unfortunately, these bases are not compatible with the variety of flavor and texture profiles possible for many fillings. They also cannot be used for products targeted to consumers with allergy or other dietary restrictions. Conversely, non nut butter-based fillings are often incompatible with heat processing and must be applied to individual pieces of product after any baking or cooking step occurs. Such fillings may also contain ingredients which are non-vegan and thus unacceptable to many consumers pursuing modern trends for dietary or sustainability purposes.

[0079] The present invention can be used to produce vegan and non-vegan options in a wide array of sweet and savory flavors including vegan cheese or dairy free fillings or toppings. This allows for a forming / filling process prior to or commensurate with a heat processing step and packaging of said products ready for distribution and consumption, eliminating the need for any post bake filling or application steps and their associated process inefficiencies. The invention can be used to overcome issues with traditional cheese fillings, carbohydrate-based fillings, and fat-based fillings.

[0080] The present invention is more fully described by way of the following definitions:

[0081] As used herein, the term “caustic” means an aqueous solution of a base such as food grade lye or baking soda. The term “caustic treatment” means a step in the pretzel making process wherein a dough is treated, by any of a variety of means including but not limited to bathing, dipping, or spraying, with a caustic to provide the distinct brown color, surface texture, and alkaline flavor characteristic of a pretzel.

[0082] As used herein, the term “cold forming” means to shape the filling and dough either separately or simultaneously, without heating to cook or shearing to cook in the process. Nevertheless, reduced heating or shear may be applied to aid processing, such as conveying the materials which are to be cold formed. A common form of such simultaneous shaping is via forming coextrusion in which a filling is disposed within an edible material, such as a dough, in a filled rope. The term “cold formed” is an adjective applied to an immediate or downstream product of cold forming.

[0083] As used herein, the term “cooking” means the practice of heating a whole food or a combination or mixture of ingredients to make it more safe, edible, and enjoyable for consumption. Cooking may occur at moderate conditions from about 300°F to about 375°F, at hot oven conditions from about 376°F to about 450°F, and at fast conditions at above 450°F. Cooking may be baking by convection or air impingement heating, direct heating, or conductive heating, or alternatively frying in oil or fat.

[0084] As used herein, the term “crimping” means the sealing of the edible material surrounding a component of a filling, for example a dough, through compression. The term “crimped” means that the edible material is sealed with respect to the location on the edible material where crimping occurred.

[0085] As used herein, the term “crunchy” applied to a food means a food that is firm and makes a short, loud, low-pitched noise when eaten or pressed. Such a food usually has a dense texture, undergoes a series of fractures in the mouth, and is chewed through use of the molars, providing a sense of substance and satisfaction to the consumer. Examples would be pretzels or crunchy dough based baked products with a substantial thickness, layer or shell. This is in contrast to something that is crispy that fractures quickly and easily while emitting a high- pitched sound. Examples of crispy products would be cooker extruded puffed products or lightly fried potato chips.

[0086] As used herein, the term “dough” means any thick malleable mixture of flour and liquid used in baking, frying, or other cooking methods to produce breads, pastries, snacks, or other foods. A dough may include one or more compositions which may or may not be known in the art, including but not limited to a pretzel dough, a cracker dough, a cookie dough, a masa or corn-based dough, a tortilla dough, a pastry dough, a bread dough, a gluten free dough, a potatobased or containing dough, a legume-based or containing dough, a cassava-based or containing dough, or a dough based on or containing any other flour formulation capable of producing a shell. A dough may also incorporate one or more inclusions such as whole grains, dried vegetables, dried fruits, or chocolate or other flavored pieces or morsels.

[0087] As used herein the term “drying” means subjecting a cooked article to a more moderate temperature than cooking for a period sufficient to reduce the moisture content of the article to a desired target. Additionally, “drying” includes other methods known in the art for reducing moisture content, including, for example, microwave or radiofrequency drying or dehydration.

[0088] As used herein the term “exposed surface” means a surface of a filling not covered by a dough after cold forming and prior to or during cooking. The term “exposed surface” also means a surface of the filling following cooking that is not covered by a shell or outer shell.

[0089] As used herein, the term “shell” or “outer shell” means the outer layer of a food product prepared by cooking an edible material such as a dough corresponding to the desired shell. Depending upon the type of dough used and the treatment applied, a shell according to the present invention may include but not necessarily be limited to a cookie shell, including but not limited to a shortbread cookie shell, a chocolate cookie shell, a vanilla cookie shell, a butter cookie shell, a gingerbread cookie shell, a molasses cookie shell, a cracker shell, including but not limited to a butter cracker shell, a saltine cracker shell, a vegetable cracker shell, a graham cracker shell, a sweet multigrain shell or savory multigrain shell, a tortilla shell, a cocoa flavored shell, or a pretzel shell. The shell may also incorporate one or more inclusions such as whole grains, dried vegetables, dried fruits, or chocolate or other flavored pieces or morsels. In preferred embodiments the shell or outer shell is crunchy as defined herein.

[0090] As used herein, the terms “enclose” or “seal” mean to surround one component of a food product, such as a filling, entirely within another edible material, such as a dough, which will form a second component of a food product, such as a shell.

[0091] As used herein, the term “substantially enclose” or “substantially seal” means to surround one component of a food product, such as a filling, entirely within another edible material, such as a dough, which will form a second component of a food product, such as a shell, with or without one or more venting pinholes or slits applied to the edible material. Accordingly, a substantially sealed article encompasses both a sealed article and a sealed article with one or more venting pinholes or slits in the outer component.

[0092] As used herein, the term “fiber” describes the portion of a plant derived food that cannot be digested or broken down by human enzymes. Fibers can be isolated from the parent plant and used as an ingredient. As used herein, the term “flour” means any granular, powdered or melted solid component of any edible material, including but not limited to sugars, starches, fiber, and proteins. The term “plant flour” means any granular, powdered or melted solid component of any plant material, including but not limited to sugars, starches, fiber, and proteins.

[0093] As used herein, the term “leguminous flour” means a flour obtained by grinding any part of a plant from the Fabaceae family, including legumes as well as their edible seeds known as pulses.

[0094] As used herein, the term “seed flour” means a flour obtained by grinding any part of the seed of a plant from the Amaranthaceae family or the Cucurbitaceae family, or a flour obtained by grinding any part of sunflower seeds.

[0095] As used herein, the term “tree nut flour” means a flour obtained by grinding any part of a tree nut including but not limited to almonds, beech nuts, butternuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, candlenuts, chestnuts, coconuts, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, lychee, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, shea nuts, and walnuts.

[0096] As used herein, the term “secondary flour” means a flour or flour mixture that is added to or combined with another flour or mixture of flours within a filling or filling base. A secondary flour is typically used to expand the variety of organoleptic, nutritional, or other dietary properties of the filling or filling base.

[0097] As used herein, the term “heat stable” means capable of withstanding the thermal processing typically associated with food manufacturing processes employing thermal treatment, for example baking, frying, roasting, or otherwise cooking, including partial (for example, par- baked) or full processes, as modeled by the ability of the composition to withstand exposure to a temperature of 500°F for any duration up to 15 minutes without scorching or burning significantly impacting the organoleptic quality of the composition.

[0098] As used herein, the term “nut butter” is a food made from grinding nuts either fully or substantially into a paste and includes peanut butter as well as tree nut butters such as those made from almonds, beech nuts, butternuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, candlenuts, chestnuts, coconuts, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, lychee, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, shea nuts, and walnuts.

[0099] As used herein, the term “ready-to-eat” means a food that will not require further preparation through, for example, cooking or otherwise heating or reheating, prior to consumption. Although certain consumers may find it desirable to heat such a food, it is not necessary. Within the limits of its shelf life, such a food is safe for consumption immediately. As used herein, the term “solid fat” means a fat that is solid at room temperature (from about 15°C (59°F) to about 25°C (77°F), including animal fats such as lard and beef tallow, dairy fats such as milkfat, anhydrous milkfat, and butter, and plant-based fats such as coconut oil, palm oil, and cocoa butter, and shortening, and hydrogenated oils.

[0100] EMBODIMENTS

[0101] In one embodiment this invention is directed to heat stable compositions that can be used as bases for fillings or toppings in food products that undergo cooking during manufacturing. In this embodiment, the invention is drawn to a filling or topping base comprising at least one fat or oil and at least one plant flour. In a preferred embodiment, the filling or topping base further comprises at least one emulsifier. Such emulsifiers may be liquid or solid and may be derived from a variety of sources. In a preferred embodiment such emulsifiers are derived from plant sources, and in a particularly preferred embodiment are selected from soy lecithin or sunflower lecithin.

[0102] Such fats or oils may be solid, semisolid, or liquid at room temperature and may be derived from plant or animal origins. In a preferred embodiment the only or primary fat or oil present is plant based. In a more preferred embodiment the only or primary fat or oil present is a solid fat as defined herein. In a particularly preferred embodiment the only or primary fat or oil present is palm oil, coconut oil, or cocoa butter.

[0103] The ratio of total fat content (“fat”, equivalent to solid fat, oil and emulsifier) to flour present in the base composition can range on a weight percent basis from about 25% fat:75% flour to about 60% fat: 40% flour. In a more preferred embodiment such ratio can range from about 30% fat: 70% flour to about 50% fat: 50% flour. In a particularly preferred embodiment such ratio can range from about 30% fat: 70% flour to about 40% fat: 60% flour.

[0104] In a preferred embodiment the only or primary plant flour present is selected from the group consisting of a leguminous flour, a seed flour, a tree nut flour, tapioca flour, amioca, or a grain flour. More preferably the only or primary plant flour present is selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, amaranth flour, pumpkin seed flour, sunflower seed flour, almond flour, cashew flour, red lentil flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment the only or primary plant flour present is selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, and white lentil flour. In an even more preferred embodiment the only or primary plant flour is selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour and oat flour. In an even more preferred embodiment the only or primary plant flour present is selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour or oat flour.

[0105] In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a heat stable filling or topping composition comprising a filling or topping base as described above as well as one or more herbs, spices, seasonings, colors and / or flavors (the minor ingredients). Such additional ingredients may be any traditionally found in popular sweet or savory snacks or may include unique combinations. In a preferred embodiment the filling or topping composition contains about 30% to about 70% by weight of fat or oil (including any emulsifiers), about 5% to about 67.5% by weight of flour, and about 2.5% to about 25% by weight of minor ingredients. In a more preferred embodiment the filling or topping composition contains about 30% to about 70% by weight of fat or oil (including any emulsifiers), about 19.5% to about 65.5% by weight of flour, and about 4.5% to about 10.5% by weight of minor ingredients.

[0106] The ratio of total fat content (“fat”, equivalent to solid fat, oil and emulsifier) to flour present in the filling or topping composition can range on a weight percent basis from about 25% fat: 75% flour to about 60% fat: 40% flour. In a more preferred embodiment such ratio can range from about 30% fat: 70% flour to about 50% fat: 50% flour. In a particularly preferred embodiment such ratio can range from about 30% fat: 70% flour to about 40% fat: 60% flour.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment the filling or topping composition is prepared by combining the filling or topping base with the minor ingredients. This advantageously allows for delayed differentiation so that one filling or topping base composition can be used efficiently to prepare a variety of filling or topping compositions. However, the invention also contemplates the preparation of fillings or toppings having the same ingredient compositions prepared via other orders in which the ingredients may be combined as well.

[0108] In certain embodiments, the water content of the filling prior to cooking is less than or equal to 20%. In more preferred embodiments, the water content of the filling prior to cooking is less than or equal to 16%. In even more preferred embodiments, the water content of the filling prior to cooking is less than or equal to 13%. In even preferred embodiments, the water content of the filling prior to cooking is less than or equal to 10%. In particularly preferred embodiments, the water content of the filling prior to cooking is less than or equal to 7.5%.

[0109] In certain embodiments, the water content of the filling prior to cooking is greater than or equal to 1%. In more preferred embodiments, the water content of the filling prior to cooking is greater than or equal to 3%. In even more preferred embodiments, the water content of the filling prior to cooking is greater than or equal to 5%. In even more preferred embodiments, the water content of the filling prior to cooking is greater than or equal to 6%. In particularly preferred embodiments, the water content of the filling prior to cooking is greater than or equal to 6.5%.

[0110] In other embodiments the invention is directed to filled food products made by cooking a dough annularly disposed about a filling composition of the present invention by any of several methods including coextrusion, layering or wrapping. In a preferred embodiment the food product is a filled food product made via forming coextrusion of the food dough with a filling composition of the invention followed by cooking via baking or frying. The filled food products may have one surface on which the filling is exposed, such as a filled cup shape, or more preferably two surfaces on which the filling is exposed, such as a filled tube shape.

[0111] In certain embodiments the filled food product has a water content of less than or equal to 3.5%. In more preferred embodiments the filled food product has a water content of less than or equal to 3%. In even more preferred embodiments the filled food product has a water content of less than or equal to 2.5%.

[0112] In certain embodiments the filled food product has a water content of greater than or equal to 0.5%. In more preferred embodiments the filled food product has a water content of greater than or equal to 1%. In even more preferred embodiments the filled food product has a water content of greater than or equal to 1.5%.

[0113] In other embodiments this invention is directed to methods of using the heat stable compositions to manufacture a variety of food products having cooked fillings. The manufacturing process and product variations to which several embodiments of the present invention are directed can be understood with reference to the process flow diagram in Figure 1. A filling according to the present invention is disposed within an edible material such as a dough via cold forming (100). In the case of forming coextrusion, cold forming results in a filled rope having an edible material such as a dough annularly disposed about a filling. In the event a filled food product having a pretzel shell (Products 1-4) is desired, the filled rope may be treated with an application of a caustic (150). It is also possible to apply caustic to the individual filled pieces post cutting. Filled food products having other types of shells (Products 5-8) may be made by foregoing this step.

[0114] The filled rope is cut (200) into pieces at any angle to the main axis of the filled rope. In a preferred embodiment, the filling is exposed at both cut ends of each piece; however, one of the cut ends may be crimped to form a cup-shaped or pocket-shaped product.

[0115] The pieces are optionally seasoned (250), for example using salt or sugar. The pieces then undergo cooking (300) and drying (400) to a desired moisture content. The resulting product is optionally treated (450), for example to coat with a seasoning, enrobe the piece in a desired layer such as a confectionery coating, chocolate, an icing, or the like.

[0116] The optional application of a caustic results in Products 1 through 4, each having a pretzel shell, while foregoing this step results in Products 5-8, having non-pretzel type shells, such as a cracker, a cookie, a com-based shell, a tortilla, or the like. The optional application of a seasoning before cooking, for example salting, results in Products 3, 4, 7, and 8, each having a shell with a baked seasoning. The optional application of a treatment after cooking results in Products 2, 4, 6, or 8, each representing a modified product that has been, for example, coated, dusted, or enrobed using one or more ingredients not exposed to the cooking step.

[0117] Each of Products 1 through 8 represents a combination food with a shell annularly disposed about a filling in instances where both ends of each piece made from cutting (200) the filled rope remain open. In instances where one end of each piece is crimped, each of Products 1 through 8 represents a combination food with a filled cup-shaped or pocket-shaped shell.

[0118] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the filled products of the invention. In Figure 2A, a tube or cylinder-shaped product piece is shown having a shell (010) annularly disposed about a filling (020). The filling (020) has exposed surfaces (030) at the two cut ends (040) of the piece. In Figure 2B, a cup-shaped or pocket-shaped product piece is shown having a shell (010) disposed about a filling (020). The filling (020) has an exposed surface (030) at one cut end (040) of the piece but is covered by the shell at a sealed end (050) of the piece.

[0119] It will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art that cold forming, cutting, and optional crimping of one cut end of a piece may occur in various orders and either in separate or combined steps. In instances wherein the edible material into which the filling will be placed is a dough, for example, crimping may occur following cutting or simultaneously therewith via use of special cutting blades known in the art. As another example, cold forming may involve coextrusion of the filling within the dough to form a filled rope which may then be cut or crimped. In forming coextrusion, the dough and filling are shaped simultaneously. It is also contemplated that an exposed surface (030) may be accomplished by other means, such as cutting a slit in a dough otherwise substantially enclosing the filling or cold forming a filling within a dough in such a way as to leave the filling exposed at an exposed surface.

[0120] The invention also contemplates processes in which the forming of each component occurs separately. For example, cold forming may also involve depositing a mass of filling as a bolus, a shaped tube, a ribbon, or the like onto a flat piece of dough, which may itself be precut, and folding the dough around the filling and cutting or cutting and crimping as necessary to enclose the filling within the dough to arrive at the desired product format. As an additional example, cold forming may involve depositing a filling onto a piece of dough, overlaying the filling and dough with another piece of dough, and cutting to expose the filling at a cut end. As an additional example, cold forming may involve injecting a filling into a piece of formed dough. Additional means of forming a filled article having the filling exposed at one or more ends of the piece will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, these examples, as well as the process of Figure 1, are illustrative of certain embodiments and not intended to limit the manner in which products may be prepared according to the present invention. Sample Evaluation

[0121] In those embodiments of the invention directed to filling bases, fillings, and filled food products manufactured by forming coextrusion and subsequent cooking, such bases and fillings must meet acceptability criteria to ensure they are suitable for the processing involved. Fillings for baked coextruded products must possess certain physicochemical properties rendering them not only amenable to the manufacturing process, but also capable of producing a high-quality baked food product. The criteria to evaluate filling bases and fillings for coextrusion and throughout the baking process are outlined in Table 1.

[0122] TABLE 1

[0123] During the mixing and forming process prior to baking, the ingredients of the filling should be able to be mixed to the desired consistency with minimal to no separation of the lipid phase from any dry ingredients. Also important is the need to form and convey the filling into coextruded filled ropes within the dough or other edible composition which will form the outer shell of the product. During baking, the filling must withstand any necessary thermal treatment to avoid browning, scorching or burning which would adversely impact flavor, color, texture, and mouthfeel of the filling center in the final product. The benchtop experiments conducted herein modeled the temperatures necessary with treatment at 500°F for 15 minutes in a standard kitchen oven.

[0124] Under actual manufacturing conditions, in addition to the adverse impact of temperature on the filling per se, leakage of the filling from the shell by random perforation or other compromise of the shell’s integrity must also be avoided in sealed or substantially sealed products, and likewise from any open end(s) of a product having a filling that is not sealed or substantially sealed. Such leakage should also be avoided following baking as and after the product cools and is packaged.

[0125] In certain embodiments in which cooking is performed by conductive heating or convective heating in air in a controlled product orientation, the risk of heating to the integrity of the shell may optionally be managed by introducing one or more pinholes or slits to allow venting or expansion. Such pinholes or slits can avoid a buildup of pressure which could damage the shell at another location and may be useful to keep certain filling formulations from bursting the crimped ends of a product piece.

[0126] Separation of any fat or oil present in the filling from the other filling components can result in leaching into the outer shell, compromising its integrity and adversely impacting product quality. Leakage of the filling from the shell within the package will result in undesirable product pieces with hollow or semi hollow centers which are coated or stuck together with the escaped filling. As filled food products are an ideal format for portable use by consumers to eat “on the go” or while engaging in other activities, leakage of a filling renders the product undesirably messy and thus unsuitable for this purpose. Additionally, leakage can allow more rapid degradation of the filling as it is no longer protected by the outer shell as would be the case when the integrity of the product is maintained. Thus, it is also often ideal for a filling to set up to reach its final desired consistency within the outer shell prior to packaging to avoid leakage.

[0127] The invention is further defined by the following additional embodiments:

[0128] 1. A process comprising providing a filling having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight and an overall fat content, the filling comprising at least one flour; and at least one solid fat, the at least one solid fat comprising at least 50% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling; cold forming the filling within a dough to produce a filled rope; cutting the filled rope to form at least one filled piece having at least one open end; and cooking the at least one filled piece to generate at least one cooked filled piece having at least one open end.

[0129] 2. The process of embodiment 1 wherein cold forming the filling within the dough comprises forming coextrusion of the filling and the dough.

[0130] 3. The process of embodiment 1 wherein cold forming the filling within the dough comprises depositing the filling on the dough; and wrapping the dough about the filling to form the filled rope.

[0131] 4. The process of embodiment 1 wherein cold forming the filling within the dough comprises depositing the filling on a first piece of dough; and overlaying a second piece of dough on top of the filling and first piece of dough to form the filled rope.

[0132] 5. The process of embodiment 1 wherein cold forming the filling within the dough comprises injecting the filling within the dough.

[0133] 6. The process of any one of embodiments 1-5 wherein the at least one filled piece has two open ends.

[0134] 7. The process of any one of embodiments 1-5 wherein the at least one filled piece has one open end.

[0135] 8. A process comprising cold forming a filling within a dough to form at least one filled piece having at least one open end, the filling having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight and an overall fat content, the filling comprising at least one flour; and at least one solid fat, the at least one solid fat comprising at least about 50% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling; and cooking the at least one filled piece having at least one open end to generate at least one cooked filled piece having at least one open end.

[0136] 9. The process of any one of embodiments 1-8 further comprising drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide a ready to eat food product having at least one open end.

[0137] 10. The process of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the filling has a water content less than or equal to 16% by weight before cooking.

[0138] 11. The process of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the filling has a water content less than or equal to 13% by weight before cooking.

[0139] 12. The process of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the filling has a water content less than or equal to 10% by weight before cooking.

[0140] 13. The process of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the filling has a water content less than or equal to 7.5% by weight before cooking.

[0141] 14. The process of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the filling has a water content of at least 1% by weight before cooking.

[0142] 15. The process of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the filling has a water content of at least 3% by weight before cooking.

[0143] 16. The process of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the filling has a water content of at least 5% by weight before cooking. 17. The process of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the filling has a water content of at least 6% by weight before cooking.

[0144] 18. The process of any one of embodiments 1-13, wherein the filling has a water content of at least 6.5% by weight before cooking.

[0145] 19. The process of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the filling has a water content of between about 1.25% by weight and about 9% by weight before cooking.

[0146] 20. The process of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the filling has a water content of between about 6.5% by weight and about 7.5% by weight before cooking.

[0147] 21. The process of any one of embodiments 1-20, wherein the filling has a total fat content of at least about 25% by weight of the total fat and flour present in the filling.

[0148] 22. The process of any one of embodiments 1-20, wherein the filling has a total fat content of at least about 30% by weight of the total fat and flour present in the filling.

[0149] 23. The process of any one of embodiments 1-22, wherein the filling has a total fat content of less than about 70% by weight of the total fat and flour present in the filling.

[0150] 24. The process of any one of embodiments 1-22, wherein the filling has a total fat content of less than about 60% by weight of the total fat and flour present in the filling.

[0151] 25. The process of any one of embodiments 1-22, wherein the filling has a total fat content of less than about 50% by weight of the total fat and flour present in the filling.

[0152] 26. The process of any one of embodiments 1-22, wherein the filling has a total fat content of less than about 40% by weight of the total fat and flour present in the filling.

[0153] 27. The process of any one of embodiments 1-20, wherein the filling has a total fat content of about 25% to about 70% by weight of the total fat and flour present in the filling.

[0154] 28. The process of any one of embodiments 1-20, wherein the filling has a total fat content of about 30% to about 60% by weight of the total fat and flour present in the filling.

[0155] 29. The process of any one of embodiments 1-20, wherein the filling has a total fat content of about 30% to about 50% by weight of the total fat and flour present in the filling.

[0156] 30. The process of any one of embodiments 1-20, wherein the filling has a total fat content of about 30% to about 40% by weight of the total fat and flour present in the filling.

[0157] 31. The process of any one of embodiments 1 -30, wherein the at least one solid fat comprises at least about 80% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling.

[0158] 32. The process of any one of embodiments 1-30, wherein the at least one solid fat comprises at least about 85% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling.

[0159] 33. The process of any one of embodiments 1-30, wherein the at least one solid fat comprises at least about 90% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling. 34. The process of any one of embodiments 1-30, wherein the at least one solid fat comprises at least about 95% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling.

[0160] 35. The process of any one of embodiments 1-33, wherein the at least one solid fat comprises less than about 95% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling.

[0161] 36. The process of any one of embodiments 1-32, wherein the at least one solid fat comprises less than about 90% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling.

[0162] 37. The process of any one of embodiments 1-31, wherein the at least one solid fat comprises less than about 85% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling.

[0163] 38. The process of any one of embodiments 1-37 wherein the at least one flour comprises at least one leguminous flour.

[0164] 39. The process of any one of embodiments 1-37 wherein the at least one flour comprises at least one seed flour.

[0165] 40. The process of any one of embodiments 1-37 wherein the at least one flour comprises at least one tree nut flour.

[0166] 41. The process of any one of embodiments 1-37 wherein the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, pea flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, and amioca.

[0167] 42. The process of any one of embodiments 1-37 and 41 wherein the at least one flour comprises chickpea flour.

[0168] 43. The process of any one of embodiments 1-37 and 41 wherein the at least one flour comprises oat flour.

[0169] 44. The process of any one of embodiments 1-37 and 41 wherein the at least one flour comprises peanut flour.

[0170] 45. The process of any one of embodiments 1-37 and 41 wherein the at least one flour comprises pea flour.

[0171] 46. The process of any one of embodiments 1-37 and 41 wherein the at least one flour comprises white lentil flour.

[0172] 47. The process of any one of embodiments 1-46 wherein the at least one flour further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, pea flour, white lentil flour, psyllium fiber, oat fiber, acacia fiber, pectin, or inulin. 48. The process of any one of embodiments 1-47 wherein the at least one flour further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, quinoa flour, white rice flour, and com flour.

[0173] 49. The process of any one of embodiments 1-48 wherein the at least one flour further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, and amioca.

[0174] 50. The process of any one of embodiments 1-49 wherein the at least one flour further comprises sugar.

[0175] 51. The process of any one of embodiments 1-50 wherein the at least one flour further comprises cocoa powder.

[0176] 52. The process of any one of embodiments 1-51 wherein the filling further comprises peanut butter.

[0177] 53. The process of embodiment 52 wherein the peanut butter comprises at least 50% by weight of the filling prior to cooking.

[0178] 54. The process of embodiment 52 wherein the peanut butter comprises at least 75% by weight of the filling prior to cooking.

[0179] 55. The process of embodiment 52 wherein the peanut butter comprises at least 85% by weight of the filling prior to cooking.

[0180] 56. The process of any one of embodiments 1-55 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises at least one solid fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter.

[0181] 57. The process of any one of embodiments 1-56 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil.

[0182] 58. The process of any one of embodiments 1-56 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises palm oil.

[0183] 59. The process of any one of embodiments 1-56 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises cocoa butter.

[0184] 60. The process of any one of embodiments 1-7 and 9-59, further comprising treating the filled rope with a caustic before cutting.

[0185] 61. The process of any one of embodiments 1-7 and 9-59 wherein the filled rope is not treated with a caustic before cutting.

[0186] 62. The process of any one of embodiments 1-59 further comprising treating the at least one filled piece with a caustic before cooking. 63. The process of any one of embodiments 1-59 wherein the at least one filled piece is not treated with a caustic before cooking.

[0187] 64. The process of any one of embodiments 1-63, wherein the cooking is carried out at a temperature of at least about 300°F.

[0188] 65. The process of any one of embodiments 1-63, wherein the cooking is carried out at a temperature of at least about 375°F.

[0189] 66. The process of any one of embodiments 1-63, wherein the cooking is carried out at a temperature of at least about 450°F.

[0190] 67. The process of any one of embodiments 1-66, wherein the cooking is carried out at a temperature of less than about 600°F.

[0191] 68. The process of any one of embodiments 1-66, wherein the cooking is carried out at a temperature of less than about 525°F.

[0192] 69. The process of any one of embodiments 1-65, wherein the cooking is carried out at a temperature of less than about 450°F.

[0193] 70. The process of any one of embodiments 1-64, wherein the cooking is carried out at a temperature of less than about 375°F.

[0194] 71. The process of any one of embodiments 1-63, wherein the cooking is carried out at a temperature of from about 300°F to 375°F.

[0195] 72. The process of any one of embodiments 1-63, wherein the cooking is carried out at a temperature of from 376°F to 450°F.

[0196] 73. The process of any one of embodiments 1-63, wherein the cooking is carried out at a temperature of from 451 °F to about 525°F.

[0197] 74. The process of any one of embodiments 1-73, wherein the cooking comprises baking.

[0198] 75. The process of any one of embodiments 1-73, wherein the cooking comprises frying.

[0199] 76. The process of any one of embodiments 9-75 wherein the ready to eat food product has a water content of less than or equal to about 3.5% by weight.

[0200] 77. The process of any one of embodiments 9-75 wherein the ready to eat food product has a water content of less than or equal to about 3% by weight.

[0201] 78. The process of any one of embodiments 9-75 wherein the ready to eat food product has a water content of less than or equal to about 2.5% by weight.

[0202] 79. The process of any one of embodiments 9-78 wherein the ready to eat food product has a water content of greater than or equal to about 0.5% by weight.

[0203] 80. The process of any one of embodiments 9-78 wherein the ready to eat food product has a water content of greater than or equal to about 1% by weight. 81. The process of any one of embodiments 9-78 wherein the ready to eat food product has a water content of greater than or equal to about 1.5% by weight.

[0204] 82. The ready to eat food product prepared by the process of any one of embodiments 9-81.

[0205] 83. The ready to eat food product of embodiment 82 wherein the ready to eat food product has an outer shell that is crunchy.

[0206] 84. A process comprising providing a filling having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight and an overall fat content, the filling comprising a nut butter; and at least one flour; the nut butter comprising at least 50% by weight of the filling; cold forming the filling within a dough to produce a filled rope; cutting the filled rope to form at least one filled piece having at least one open end; and cooking the at least one filled piece to generate at least one cooked filled piece having at least one open end.

[0207] 85. A process comprising cold forming a filling within a dough to form at least one filled piece having at least one open end, the filling having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight and an overall fat content, the filling comprising a nut butter; and at least one flour; the nut butter comprising at least 50% by weight of the filling; and cooking the at least one filled piece having at least one open end to generate at least one cooked filled piece having at least one open end.

[0208] 86. The process of any one of embodiments 84 or 85 wherein the nut butter is selected from the group consisting of peanut butter and almond butter.

[0209] 87. The process of any one of embodiments 84-86 wherein the nut butter comprises at least 80% by weight of the filling.

[0210] 88. The process of any one of embodiments 84-87 wherein the flour is selected from the group consisting of peanut flour, almond flour, chickpea flour, oat flour, pea flour, and white lentil flour.

[0211] 89. The process of any one of embodiments 84-88 further comprising drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide a ready to eat food product having at least one open end. 90. The ready to eat food product prepared by the process of any one of embodiments 84-

[0212] 89.

[0213] 91. The ready to eat food product of embodiment 90 wherein the ready to eat food product has an outer shell that is crunchy.

[0214] 92. A ready to eat food product comprising a cooked edible outer shell having at least one open end; and a cooked filling cold formed within the outer shell, the filling comprising at least one solid fat; and at least one flour; wherein the cooked edible outer shell is annularly disposed about the cooked filling such that the cooked filling is not covered by the cooked edible outer shell on the at least one open end.

[0215] 93. The ready to eat food product of embodiment 92 wherein the cooked edible outer shell has two open ends.

[0216] 94. The ready to eat food product of embodiment 92 wherein the cooked edible outer shell has one open end.

[0217] 95. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-94 wherein the at least one flour comprises at least one leguminous flour.

[0218] 96. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-94 wherein the at least one flour comprises at least one seed flour.

[0219] 97. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-94 wherein the at least one flour comprises at least one tree nut flour.

[0220] 98. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-94 wherein the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, pea flour, and white lentil flour.

[0221] 99. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-94 wherein the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, and amioca.

[0222] 100. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-99 wherein the at least one flour further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, pea flour, white lentil flour, psyllium fiber, oat fiber, acacia fiber, pectin, or inulin. 101. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-100 wherein the at least one flour further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, quinoa flour, white rice flour, and com flour.

[0223] 102. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-101 wherein the at least one flour further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, and amioca.

[0224] 103. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-102 wherein the at least one flour further comprises sugar.

[0225] 104. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-103 wherein the at least one flour further comprises cocoa powder.

[0226] 105. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-104 wherein the filling further comprises peanut butter.

[0227] 106. The ready to eat food product of embodiment 105 wherein the peanut butter comprises at least 50% by weight of the filling prior to cooking.

[0228] 107. The ready to eat food product of embodiment 105 wherein the peanut butter comprises at least 75% by weight of the filling prior to cooking.

[0229] 108. The ready to eat food product of embodiment 105 wherein the peanut butter comprises at least 85% by weight of the filling prior to cooking.

[0230] 109. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-108 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises at least one solid fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, and cocoa butter.

[0231] 110. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-109 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil.

[0232] 111. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-109 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises palm oil.

[0233] 112. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 92-109 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises cocoa butter.

[0234] 113. A ready to eat food product comprising a cooked edible outer shell having at least one open end; and a cooked filling cold formed within the outer shell, the filling comprising a nut butter; and at least one flour; wherein the cooked edible outer shell is annularly disposed about the cooked filling such that the cooked filling is not covered by the cooked edible outer shell on the at least one open end.

[0235] 114. The ready to eat food product of embodiment 113 wherein the cooked edible outer shell has two open ends.

[0236] 115. The ready to eat food product of embodiment 113 wherein the cooked edible outer shell has one open end.

[0237] 116. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 113-115 wherein the nut butter is selected from the group consisting of peanut butter and almond butter.

[0238] 117. The ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 113-116 wherein the flour is selected from the group consisting of peanut flour, almond flour, chickpea flour, oat flour, pea flour, and white lentil flour.

[0239] 118. The process of any one of embodiments 1-81 wherein the at least one flour is partially defatted.

[0240] 119. The process of any one of embodiments 1-81 wherein the at least one flour is fully defatted.

[0241] 120. A ready to eat food product prepared by the process of any one of embodiments 118 or 119.

[0242] 121. The process of any one of embodiments 84-89 wherein the at least one flour is partially defatted.

[0243] 122. The process of any one of embodiments 84-89 wherein the at least one flour is fully defatted.

[0244] 123. The process of any one of embodiments 84-89, 121, or 122 wherein the at least one filled piece is treated with a caustic prior to cooking.

[0245] 124. The process of any one of embodiments 84-89, 121, or 122 wherein the at least one filled piece is not treated with a caustic prior to cooking.

[0246] 125. A ready to eat food product prepared by the process of any one of embodiments 121- 124.

[0247] 126. A ready to eat food product prepared by the process of any one of embodiments 120 and 125 possessing the characteristics of the ready to eat food product of any one of embodiments 90-117.

[0248] 127. The process of any one of embodiments 1-81, 84-89, 118, 119, and 121-124 wherein cold forming a filled piece with at least one open end is comprises cutting a slit in a sealed or substantially sealed filled piece.

[0249] 128. A ready to eat food product prepared by the process of embodiment 127. 129. The process of any one of embodiments 1-81, 84-89, 118, 119, 121-124, and 127 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of animal fat, lard, beef tallow, chicken fat, dairy fat, milkfat, anhydrous milkfat, butter, plantbased fat, coconut oil, palm oil, cocoa butter, shortening, hydrogenated oil, and partially hydrogenated oil.

[0250] 130. A ready to eat food product prepared by the process of embodiment 129.

[0251] Ready to Eat Food Products

[0252] In some embodiments, the invention is drawn to a ready to eat food product comprising a crunchy, cooked edible outer shell annularly disposed about a filling cold formed within said outer shell, said filling comprising at least one solid fat and at least one flour.

[0253] In a more specific embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof.

[0254] In a more specific embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof, and the at least one flour comprises at least one leguminous flour.

[0255] In another specific embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof, and the at least one flour comprises at least one seed flour.

[0256] In another specific embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof, and the at least one flour comprises at least one tree nut flour.

[0257] In another specific embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof, and the at least one flour comprises oat flour.

[0258] In another specific embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof, and the at least one flour comprises tapioca flour or amioca.

[0259] In another specific embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof, and the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof.

[0260] In another specific embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof, and the at least one flour comprises chickpea flour.

[0261] In a more specific embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil and the at least one flour comprises chickpea flour.

[0262] In another specific embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof, and the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof, wherein the filling further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, quinoa flour, white rice flour, corn flour, and mixtures thereof.

[0263] In another specific embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof, and the at least one flour comprises chickpea flour, wherein the filling further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, quinoa flour, white rice flour, corn flour, and mixtures thereof.

[0264] In another embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil, and the at least one flour comprises chickpea flour, wherein the filling further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, quinoa flour, white rice flour, corn flour, and mixtures thereof.

[0265] In another embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil, and the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof, wherein the filling further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, quinoa flour, white rice flour, corn flour, and mixtures thereof.

[0266] In another embodiment, the invention is drawn to a ready to eat food product comprising a crunchy, cooked edible outer shell annularly disposed about a filling cold formed within said outer shell, said filling comprising at least one solid fat and at least one flour, wherein the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof.

[0267] In another embodiment, the invention is drawn to a ready to eat food product comprising a crunchy, cooked edible outer shell annularly disposed about a filling cold formed within said outer shell, said filling comprising at least one solid fat and at least one flour, wherein the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil and the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof.

[0268] Processes for Manufacturing Ready to Eat Food Products Generally

[0269] In some embodiments, the invention is drawn to a process for manufacturing a ready to eat food product having a cooked edible outer shell annularly disposed about a filling cold formed within said outer shell, the process comprising providing a filling comprising at least one solid fat and at least one flour, the filling having a maximum water content of about 20% by weight; cold forming the filling within a dough to form a filled rope; cutting the filled rope to form at least one piece having at least two open ends; cooking the at least one piece; and drying the at least one cooked piece to obtain the ready to eat food product.

[0270] In another embodiment, at least one of the at least two open ends may be crimped to form a cup-shaped or pocket-shaped piece.

[0271] Processes for Manufacturing Ready to Eat Food Products Having a Pretzel Shell

[0272] In other specific embodiments, the general process for manufacturing the food product further comprises treating the at least one piece with a caustic before cooking the at least one piece.

[0273] In one such embodiment, the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof.

[0274] In another such embodiment, the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof, and the filling further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, quinoa flour, white rice flour, corn flour, and mixtures thereof.

[0275] In another such embodiment, the at least one flour comprises chickpea flour.

[0276] In another such embodiment, the at least one flour comprises chickpea flour and the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof,

[0277] In another such embodiment, the at least one flour comprises chickpea flour and the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil.

[0278] In another such embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof,

[0279] In another such embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof and the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof.

[0280] In another such embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil and the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof.

[0281] In another such embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil.

[0282] Processes for Manufacturing Ready to Eat Food Products Having a Cracker, Cookie, or other Non-Pretzel Shell

[0283] In other specific embodiments, where the product to be made does not have a pretzel shell, such as in the case of a cracker shell or a cookie shell, the general process for manufacturing the food product further requires cooking the at least one piece without having treated the at least one piece with a caustic.

[0284] In one such embodiment, the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof.

[0285] In another such embodiment, the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof, and the filling further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, quinoa flour, white rice flour, corn flour, and mixtures thereof.

[0286] In another such embodiment, the at least one flour comprises chickpea flour.

[0287] In another such embodiment, the at least one flour comprises chickpea flour and the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof,

[0288] In another such embodiment, the at least one flour comprises chickpea flour and the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil.

[0289] In another such embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof,

[0290] In another such embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof and the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof.

[0291] In another such embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil and the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof.

[0292] In another such embodiment, the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil.

[0293] EXAMPLES

[0294] The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples which are not intended to limit the effective scope of the claims. All parts and percentages in the examples and throughout the specification and claims are by weight of the final composition unless otherwise specified.

[0295] Example 1

[0296] This example demonstrates the performance of several compositions with respect to suitability criteria for use as filling bases and fillings for use in forming coextrusion followed by baking. A composition of a plant-based fat mixed with plant flour according to one aspect of the present invention was assessed in comparison with a natural peanut butter-based control sample and a dairy based composition including ingredients currently used in topically applied and / or post baked dairy fillings and coatings. The proposed inventive composition was tested for suitability of its thermal stability and physical properties for use as a filling base in this experiment.

[0297] Sample Selection and Preparation

[0298] Many baked coextruded products of the prior art rely upon peanut butter-based fillings as these compositions exhibit the requisite texture ideal for forming and filling the coextruded rope as well as the thermal stability to undergo the baking step. Peanut butter possesses the unique physical properties to allow the material to be pumped or conveyed into the process and yield product of acceptable quality regardless of product shape. Advantageously, peanuts and some other nuts such as almonds can be used with minor variations in parameters such as oil content largely as is depending on processing parameters such as temperature for conveying the sample into the coextrusion process. Thus, a natural vegan peanut butter consisting of ground peanuts and salt was used as a control to evaluate the samples in this experiment. Unlike both the traditional dairy based composition and the composition of fat and plant flour of the present invention, the peanut butter control contained neither palm oil nor soy lecithin. This peanut butter control exhibited minor oil separation and was thus subjected to mixing immediately prior to baking.

[0299] Dairy based compositions, including cheese toppings and fillings, enjoy broad consumer interest and represent a large market for food manufacturers. Unfortunately, traditional dairy ingredients cannot withstand the thermal requirements of coextrusion and baking and thus are typically used in fillings and toppings that are applied during a subsequent step post bake or in low temperature par baked processes which are unable to create products with a crunchy shell. To assess the performance of a dairy based filling to thermal treatment, a mixture was prepared according to the formula shown in Table 2. TABLE 2

[0300] The palm oil used was a non-hydrogenated, zero trans fat palm oil with a Mettler drop point of 103-110°F and a solid fat content of 50-55% (10°C / 50°F), 28-33% (20°C / 68°F), 10- 15% (30°C / 86°F), and 2-7% (40°C / 104°F). Soy lecithin was mixed into the melted palm oil, followed by the addition with stirring of the dry ingredients.

[0301] A 50% fat: 50% plant flour composition was also prepared according to one embodiment of the present invention for use as a heat stable filling base for preparing various filled food products via coextrusion and baking. The formula for this filling base composition, which included the same palm oil and lecithin as in the dairy-based sample, is shown in Table 3.

[0302] TABLE 3

[0303] Soy lecithin was mixed into the melted palm oil after which the chickpea flour was added with stirring. This and similar compositions could be useful filling bases which can be adapted in combination with one or more flavors, seasonings, herbs, spices, colors, or other ingredients to create baked extruded products for a variety of applications. Sample Evaluation

[0304] Pre-Bake

[0305] Samples of the natural peanut butter control, dairy-based sample and 50% fat: 50% plant flour filling base are shown before baking in Figures 3 A, 4A and 5A, respectively. The premixed natural peanut butter control exhibited minimal oil separation as seen in Figure 3 A. The viscosity of the control can be reduced by the application of moderate heat and the addition of oil as needed to ensure it can be pumped and extruded. Likewise, the dairy-based sample (Figure 4A) and 50% fat: 50% plant flour filling base sample (Figure 5A) both mixed easily and exhibited minimal oil separation. Both samples could also undergo the application of moderate heat to reduce the viscosity sufficiently to enable pumping and extrusion.

[0306] Baking

[0307] Each sample was baked at 500°F for 15 minutes in a pyrex dish in a standard kitchen oven to model the thermal treatment during baking of the filling within the coextruded dough shell. Baked samples of the natural peanut butter control, dairy-based sample and 50% fat: 50% plant flour filling base are shown in Figures 3B, 4B and 5B, respectively. Baked natural peanut butter control and traditional dairy based samples were also agitated to ascertain internal consistency and are shown in Figures 3C and 4C, respectively.

[0308] The baked peanut butter control exhibited some browning around the edges of the pyrex dish (Figure 3B) but this is likely not an issue within the shell of a food product during coextrusion. As expected, the control did not burn (Figure 3C). It is known from coextruded peanut butter filled pretzel products in the prior art that some oil from such fillings migrates into the pretzel shell. The degree of oil separation in this sample is thus expected to be acceptable.

[0309] Unlike the control, the baked dairy -based sample exhibited significant scorching and burning across the surface of the sample, even on areas not in contact with the pyrex dish (Figure 4B). Evaluation of the stirred sample (Figure 4C) indicated burning extended to parts of the inside of the dairy -based sample as well. Thus, the traditional dairy -based filling is expected to burn during baking within a coextruded product and is unsuitable for this purpose.

[0310] The 50% fat: 50% plant flour filling base sample fared much better. As with the peanut butter control, mild browning was observed at the edges of the sample where it was in contact with the pyrex dish (Figure 5B), which likewise is not expected to be an issue when the filling is baked in a coextruded shell. A moderate degree of bubbling was also observed during baking (Figure 5B), although this is also not expected to be an issue when the filling is coextruded. Thus, the proposed composition according to the present invention appears to possess the requisite thermal stability to be used as a filling base for baking within a coextruded dough.

[0311] Example 2

[0312] This example demonstrates the performance of a variety of compositions of a plantbased fat mixed with a plant flour according to one aspect of the present invention. The compositions differ in the relative amount of fat to flour to assess the range of compositions potentially suitable for use as filling bases to employ in baked coextruded products. These samples were subjected to the same thermal treatment (500°F for 15 minutes in a standard kitchen oven) and evaluated on the same criteria as those described in the previous example to more fully ascertain the range of combinations which may provide acceptable filled food products according to the invention.

[0313] Sample Preparation

[0314] Mixtures of the same palm oil and chickpea flour used in Example 1 were prepared in 7 different ratios according to the formulas provided in Table 4. Palm oil was melted and combined with stirring with the lecithin, followed by the addition of chickpea flour with stirring.

[0315] TABLE 4

[0316] Proposed Filling Base Compositions (% fat: % plant flour)

[0317] Employing samples of progressively increasing flour content gives rise to pre-bake processability concerns, as the increased amount of dry ingredients adversely impacts proper mixing of the composition as well as the ability to pump or convey the filling into a coextruded rope. On the other hand, employing samples of progressively increasing fat content gives rise to concerns of bubbling or increased vaporization during cooking as well as concerns of oil separation from the filling after baking. Bubbling could perforate the outer shell of a sealed product or give rise to cavitation and leaking in an open product. Oil separation could cause fat migration from the filling into the shell or leakage of fat from an open product. Either of these could impact the integrity of the coextruded piece and negatively impact the quality of the resulting product. Thus, an optimum base filling recipe would balance the impact of these considerations to yield a product of the best quality. The balance may differ depending upon the particular application, for example, a smoother and creamier or chunkier and more solid center may be desirable in different products. This balance will also be impacted by the types and amounts of minor ingredients, for example, flavors, colors, spices, and other agents, which may be included to tailor a given product to the desired specifications. As noted above, it is also possible to employ one or more pinholes or slits in certain embodiments to direct and control venting of the piece during cooking and so avoid undesired leaking depending upon the particular filling formulation.

[0318] Sample Evaluation

[0319] As an initial matter, the 20% fat: 80% plant flour composition, pictured in Figure 6, was far too dry and could not be appropriately mixed even with the addition of increased amounts of lecithin. Thus, this sample was not baked. The remaining samples were evaluated during and after baking. Pre-baked samples are shown in Figure 7. Baked samples are shown as is in Figure 8 and following stirring in Figure 9. Following baking, samples were cooled to room temperature. The cooled samples are shown as is in Figure 10 and following agitation to ascertain internal consistency in Figure 11. In each of the foregoing figures, the panels correspond to the following samples: (A) 30% fat: 70% plant flour; (B) 40% fat: 60% plant flour; (C) 45% fat: 55% plant flour; (D) 50% fat: 50% plant flour; (E) 60% fat: 40% plant flour; and (F) 70% fat: 30% plant flour.

[0320] Pre-Bake

[0321] Evaluation of the pre-baked samples is made with reference to Figure 7. A repeat of the sample tested in Example 1, the 50% fat: 50% plant flour filling base (Figure 7D) mixed well and with the application of a moderate amount of heat can attain a viscosity enabling it to be pumped and conveyed into extruded ropes. Likewise, the 45% fat: 55% plant flour filling base (Figure 7C) mixed well and was only slightly more viscous. The 40% fat: 60% plant flour filling base (Figure 7B) mixed well but was significantly more viscous and will likely require more heat to pump and extrude. The 30% fat: 70% plant flour filling base (Figure 7A) required significantly more agitation to coat the plant flour with oil. The product was crumbly and may be difficult to pump even at elevated temperatures. Filling bases with decreased oil contents may be acceptable in applications where thicker fillings are desired. These would also be advantageous for the preparation of filled products having one or more open ends to avoid leakage of filling from any exposed ends of the product during and after cooking and drying.

[0322] As the fat content was elevated above the original 50% fat: 50% plant flour sample tested, the agitation required to mix the sample dropped; however, concerns of oil separation in the pre-baked sample rose. The 60% fat: 40% plant flour filling base (Figure 7E) mixed easily but slight oil separation was observed, likely because there was an insufficient amount of plant flour to absorb all of the oil present. This issue was more readily apparent in the 70% fat: 30% plant flour filling base (Figure 7F), which underwent phase separation prior to baking as evident from the glossy layer of oil atop the sample. Accordingly, filling bases with elevated oil contents may be acceptable in applications where other ingredients are included which can absorb the excess fat not able to be retained by the amount of plant flour included to avoid oil separation.

[0323] Baking

[0324] Evaluation of the baked samples prior to cooling is made with reference to Figures 8 (undisturbed) and 9 (stirred immediately following baking). The criteria of interest in this step (see Table 1) are thermal stability and minimal to no leakage of the filling from the coextruded shell. The 50% fat: 50% plant flour filling base (Figure 8D) exhibited moderate foaming and slight browning. These phenomena progressively increased in the 60% fat and 70% fat samples (Figures 8E and 8F, respectively). Although some surface scorching was observed in the 70% fat sample, it exhibited neither the extent nor depth into the sample apparent in the traditional dairy -based sample of Example 1. Upon mixing each of the moderate to high fat samples appeared to be of acceptable quality (Figures 9D, 9E and 9F). Additionally, the foaming observed is thought to be an issue only in the model system which is unlikely to translate to problems when the filling is baked within a coextruded dough. Accordingly, the moderate to elevated fat samples tested appear to exhibit the thermal stability required for making baked filled food products.

[0325] As fat content decreased below the original 50% fat: 50% plant flour sample tested, baked samples developed a surface crust which exhibited increased browning as the level of flour rose. Both the warm 45% fat (Figure 8C) and 40% fat (Figure 8B) samples retained a fluid texture beneath the crust evident upon stirring (Figures 9C and 9B, respectively). In neither case was the scorching evident in the traditional dairy-based sample observed. The baked 30% fat: 70% plant flour sample had a crumb texture with browning on the surface (Figure 8A) which was observed to be diminished within individual pieces when the crumbs were stirred and broken (Figure 9A). As with the foaming phenomena in the elevated fat samples, the surface crusting phenomena in the elevated flour samples is believed to be an issue only in this model system where the sample surface is exposed to air and is unlikely to arise when the filling is disposed within a coextruded dough during baking. This is in stark contrast to the scorching which penetrated the traditional dairy -based sample examined in Example 1 Accordingly, the moderate to elevated plant flour samples tested also appear to exhibit the thermal stability necessary to manufacture baked coextruded products. In the creation of filled food products having one or more open ends, the use of a filling with increased levels of solids to fat may be appropriate in conjunction with more moderate processing temperatures to avoid leakage of the filling during cooking.

[0326] Post-Bake Cooling

[0327] Evaluation of the baked samples following cooling is made with reference to Figures 10 (undisturbed) and 11 (agitated to show internal consistency). Criteria include minimal to no oil phase separation following baking and the ability of the filling to set up to avoid leakage from the shell in a coextruded product. The 50% fat: 50% plant flour filling base sample cooled to a solid slab which exhibited very slight oil separation evident as a minor sheen on the sample surface (Figure 10D). The slab appeared homogeneous (Figure 1 ID). A thin layer of separated fat appeared on the surface of the 60% fat sample (Figures 10E and 1 IE), which became significant in the 70% fat sample (Figures 10F and 1 IF). Such separation gives rise to concerns about fat migration into the outer shell of the finished product. Accordingly, filling bases incorporating higher levels of fat may be useful in applications where a more lubricious texture is desired, where minor ingredients are present which can complex the additional fat to keep it from separating out and migrating into and possibly compromising the outer shell, or where different consistencies of the outer shell per se, such as a softer or thicker shell, are desired.

[0328] Oil phase separation after baking reduced as flour content of the samples rose. The 45% fat sample exhibited even less separation than the 50% fat sample, as evidenced by the flatter surface tone in Figure 10C relative to the glossier surface in Figure 10D. The 40% fat sample showed no phase separation upon cooling (Figure 10B). Both the 45% fat and 40% fat samples cooled to largely homogeneous slabs (Figures 11C and 1 IB, respectively). Oil phase separation was not an issue in the 30% fat sample which had a crumb consistency due to the excess flour (Figure 10A). Accordingly, filling bases incorporating higher levels of plant flour maybe useful in applications where a firmer or drier consistency is desired. Example 3

[0329] This example demonstrates the utility of a variety of plant-based flours as ingredients in the filling bases according to embodiments of the present invention. Different flours can provide different organoleptic properties to fillings, thus enhancing the flexibility of the present invention to provide a variety of unique filled products targeted to distinct consumer preferences.

[0330] Sample Preparation Seventeen different plant-based flours were incorporated in 45% fat: 55% plant flour filling bases which were subjected to 500°F for 15 minutes in a standard kitchen oven. The plant-based flours evaluated herein are listed in Table 5, while the formula for each filling base is provided in Table 6.

[0331] TABLE 5

[0332] Plant-Based Flours

[0333] Almond Flour Field Pea Flour Red Lentil Flour

[0334] Amaranth Flour Golden Com Flour Masa Harina Sunflower Seed Flour

[0335] Brown Rice Flour Oat Flour Tapioca Flour

[0336] Buckwheat Flour Peanut Flour White Lentil Flour

[0337] Cashew Flour Pumpkin Seed Flour White Rice Flour

[0338] Chickpea Flour Quinoa Flour

[0339] TABLE 6

[0340] Filling Base Composition (45% fat: 55% plant flour) Palm oil was first melted and lecithin was then added with stirring. The plant-based flour was then added to the mix of lipid and emulsifier with stirring.

[0341] Sample Evaluation Filling bases prepared from each flour tested did not scorch under the test conditions and thus appear to be heat stable to the conditions for baking of coextruded products. They also provided unique texture and flavor profiles; however, some were superior to others regarding the issue of oil separation from the baked filling, which can be cause for concern about migration of oil from the filling into the shell of a coextruded product. Evaluation of the filling bases on this criterion are summarized in Table 7. Filling bases made with different plant-based flours were categorized into three groups based on the thickness of the surface layer of oil on the baked and cooled sample. Samples made with five flours exhibited slight oil separation, wherein a surface film of less than 1 mm thickness was observed. These samples, shown in Figure 12, include chickpea flour (Figure 12A), field pea flour (Figure 12B), oat flour (Figure 12C), peanut flour (Figure 12D) and white lentil flour (Figure 12E). Among these samples, the sample prepared with chickpea flour appeared to have the least amount of oil separation. Interestingly, the sample prepared from oat flour also exhibited merely slight oil separation. This was the only grain flour tested which did not exhibit significant oil separation.

[0342] Seven more samples exhibited moderate oil separation, wherein a surface film of 1 mm to 3 mm thickness was observed. These samples, shown in Figure 13, include the seed flours amaranth seed (Figure 13A), pumpkin seed (Figure 13B), and sunflower seed (Figure 13C). The samples made using seed flours each had a clumpy texture. Also included in the moderate oil separation category were the tree nut flours almond (Figure 13D) and cashew (Figure 13E), and flours of the legume red lentil (Figure 13F) and the spurge tapioca (Figure 13G).

[0343] The last five samples exhibited significant oil separation, wherein a surface film over 3 mm thick was observed. These samples, shown in Figure 14, include the grain flours brown rice (Figure 14A), buckwheat (Figure 14B), golden corn masa harina (Figure 14C), quinoa (Figure 14D), and white rice (Figure 14E). Although these samples withstood the thermal treatment applied, it would be advantageous to improve their performance with respect to the degree of oil separation.

[0344] As expected from the results of Example 2, one avenue to incorporate any of the underperforming flours here in suitable fillings would be to alter the ratio of fat to flour content; however, another means to accomplish this could be to combine multiple plant flours to attenuate the degree of oil separation in the baked filling. Any flour with desirable organoleptic or nutritional properties that exhibits oil separation could be blended with a flour performing better on this measure. To evaluate this, filling base compositions according to the formula of Table 6 were prepared wherein the plant flour was one of the six blends with chickpea flour shown in Table 8. Comparative results of the oil separation observed in samples made using the pure flour and the corresponding sample prepared using the blend with chickpea flour are shown in Table 9. TABLE S

[0345] Plant Based Flour Blends : Chickpea with Secondary Flour 75% Chickpea Flour: 25% Brown Rice Flour

[0346] 75% Chickpea Flour: 25% Golden Corn Flour Masa Harina

[0347] 75% Chickpea Flour: 25% Red Lentil Flour

[0348] 75% Chickpea Flour: 25% Sunflower Seed Flour

[0349] 75% Chickpea Flour: 25% Tapioca Flour

[0350] 75% Chickpea Flour: 25% White Lentil Flour

[0351] TABLE 9

[0352] Oil Separation from the Baked Filling Base The use of a blend of flours appears to be a viable strategy to attenuate oil separation in baked fillings In each of the cases examined, blending the flour of interest as a secondary flour with three parts chickpea flour improved the quality of the baked filling and afforded the flexibility imparted by the secondary flour component to modulate the texture and flavor of the baked filling. Images of these blended flour samples are shown in Figure 15 for combinations of chickpea flour with white lentil flour (Figure 15 A), red lentil flour (Figure 15B), sunflower seed flour (Figure 15C), tapioca flour (Figure 15D), brown rice flour (Figure 15E), and golden corn flour masa harina (Figure 15F). Improvements were noted in comparison with the respective original samples made with white lentil flour (Figure 12E), red lentil flour (Figure 13F), sunflower seed flour (Figure 13C), tapioca flour (Figure 13G), brown rice flour (Figure 14A), and golden com flour masa harina (Figure 14C). Regardless of the enhanced degree of oil separation (moderate or significant) exhibited by the original flour, blending with 75% chickpea flour reduced oil separation in all samples tested to the slight category. Moreover, although the white lentil sample originally fell in the “slight” category, the film of separated oil was thicker than that seen in the original chickpea sample, and the blended sample showed improvement on the oil separation measure over the white lentil sample. This improvement is apparent from Figure 16, showing a comparison of the samples made from pure chickpea flour (left), pure white lentil flour (center), and the 75:25 chickpea flour: white lentil flour blend (right).

[0353] Chickpea flour is also particularly noteworthy for use in the compositions of the present invention either as the sole flour or in flour blends as it has a clean flavor profile which requires little to no masking by any additional ingredients. The blends in Table 8 were successful in not only reducing the degree of oil separation, but also in imparting the organoleptic qualities of the minor flour to the sample. For instance, the blend containing corn flour exhibited a moderate toasted corn flavor. Thus, chickpea flour is advantageously versatile for preparing a wide variety of products with different flavor profiles according to the present invention.

[0354] Other flours exhibiting minimal oil separation could also be of utility either alone or in blends for more targeted products. Field pea flour has grassy notes and natural colors that could be useful in preparing food products targeted for vegetable flavors such as spinach dip or guacamole. Oat flour could be particularly useful in sweet products. Peanut flour could be useful in products where roasted and or sweet notes are desired. Such blends may utilize these flours as the main flour component with other secondary flours used to tailor flavor and texture profiles. These flours could also be used in blends with chickpea flour to further minimize oil separation.

[0355] Accordingly, plant-based flours can be used alone or in blends to prepare filling bases, fillings and filled products of the present invention. Advantageously, this enables the manipulation of flavor, texture, color, and other sensory attributes, as well as the degree of oil separation. The latter can be impacted not only by the affinity of any flour present for the oil but also by the particle size of such flour.

[0356] Example 4

[0357] This example demonstrates the use of compositions of the present invention to produce filled, baked, cylinder shaped products with two open ends. A control filling made from traditional dairy -based ingredients was compared to novel plant-based cheese fillings made from the most stable flours from Example 3 (Chickpea, Oat, Peanut, Pea, and Lentil). Each filling was formulated using different ratios of total fat (including solid fat and oil) to solids (flour, seasonings, and flavors) to determine a range for optimum performance of each filling. The formulas for the vegan cheese fillings prepared using chickpea flour, oat flour, white lentil flour, pea flour, or peanut flour at each of four different fat contents are shown in Table 10.

[0358] TABLE 10

[0359] *(Chickpea, Oat, White Lentil, Pea, or Peanut Flour)

[0360] Each filling was prepared by melting the coconut oil, combining with vegetable oil, and adding lecithin with agitation. The blend of fat, oil, and emulsifier was transferred to a mixer and the respective flour was added while mixing to produce the filling base. The seasonings were added to the filling base while mixing. Finally, natural flavors were added to the mixture with agitation to produce the respective filling.

[0361] The vegan cracker dough used for these experiments (including those in subsequent Examples 5 through 10) contained 37% Wheat Flour, 33% Water, 18% Chickpea Flour, 5% Vegetable Oil, 5% Pea Protein, 1% Sugar, 1% Salt, and 1% Baking Powder. This shell is a modified version of a typical dough containing 67.4% flour, 29.7% water, 1.6% malt, and 1.3% oil useful for making cracker or pretzel type shells. It will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of doughs known in the art will be useful in the creation of a variety of shells, for example, cookie, cracker, pretzel, tortilla, and the like, and can be used in conjunction with the processes described herein and to produce the products described herein, and thus these are contemplated by the present invention.

[0362] To prepare the dough the dry ingredients were blended in a Hobart mixer and the water and oil were added while mixing. After the liquids were fully added, the mass was mixed for 4 minutes at low speed. The dough was allowed to sit for 20 minutes prior to use. Each filling was cold formed within the dough. This was accomplished on a lab scale by depositing a bead of filling on a 4.5 cm wide and 2 mm thick ribbon of dough which was then wrapped around the filling to create a filled tube representative of the filled ropes resulting from production scale forming coextrusion. The filled tube was then cut into open ended cylinders approximately 1.5 cm long using a stainless-steel knife, sprayed with a warm water mist, and salted prior to baking.

[0363] Pieces were baked on industrial baking pans fitted with wire baking racks in a batch convection oven set to an oven temperature of 475°F for 8 minutes to reach an estimated moisture content of 10-12%. Pans were then immediately transferred to another batch convection oven set at 265°F where pieces were dried for 25 minutes to an estimated final moisture content of 2-3%. These lab scale treatments were designed to emulate conditions of production scale cooking and drying, respectively.

[0364] Chickpea Flour Fillings

[0365] The filling made with chickpea flour at 30% total fat exhibited a rough and doughy appearance. Although the filling did not leak, there was some protrusion from the shell and the shell appeared slightly expanded. The filling had a slightly powdery texture with a weaker cheese flavor than other fillings. At 40% total fat, expansion and protrusion of the filling was more pronounced, with some filling dropping on the pan. The filling exhibited a cooler and creamier mouthfeel and more cheese flavor. At 50% total fat, the exposed ends of the filling appeared bubbly and rough, oil seeped on the pan and cavities were left in the product due to oil separation. The flavor was reduced and the filling was salty. Finally, at 60% total fat, each of the issues with the 50% total fat continued to degrade. Oil seepage and separation worsened, resulting in collapse of the product shells and some empty shells. Again, the flavor was diminished and the filling was salty.

[0366] Lentil Flour Fillings

[0367] The filling made with lentil flour at 30% total fat had a dry, rough texture. The filling did not leak, but rather appeared to contract within the product. The filling was dry and crumbly with beany flavor notes. At 40% total fat, the filling exhibited a smooth appearance and no leakage occurred despite slight protrusion of the cooked filling from the shell. It was soft and creamy with slight bitter flavor notes. At 50% total fat, leakage of the filling on the pan occurred with associated cavitation in the product. Product quality was highly variable, and loss of oil resulted in a powdery texture and salty taste with no creaminess. Finally, at 60% total fat, oil separation resulted in loss of filling from the product, with only a salty residue remaining in the shell and much of the oil burnt on the pan after leakage from the product.

[0368] Pea Flour Fillings

[0369] The filling made with pea flour at 30% total fat exhibited no oil leakage. There was slight protrusion of the filling from the shell, with some burning of the filling around the edges. It exhibited a harsh, bitter taste and a grainy texture. At 40% total fat, the filling was smooth and protruded beyond the shell but did not leak onto the pan. The tase had bitter off notes, and the texture was grainy and mouth-drying. At 50% total fat, the filling exhibited slight cavitation in the product but did not leak oil onto the pan. The filling was cohesive, slightly salty, and grainy with some flavor off notes. Finally, at 60% total fat, some oil was observed to leak onto the pan while much of the fat remained within the filling. The product appeared filled following baking, indicating pea flour’s ability to hold oil better than the other flours examined. However, the filling flavor was salty with off notes.

[0370] Oat Flour Fillings

[0371] The filling made with oat flour at 30% total fat exhibited no oil leakage. The product had a smooth appearance but was doughy, and the shell was expanded outward. The filling had a good texture that was firm but creamy, possessed a good cheese flavor, and cleared more slowly than those of other fillings. At 40% total fat, the filling exhibited some extrusion from the ends of the product and expansion, with some burning at the surface and spillover on the pan. The texture was still good, creamy but less firm than the lower fat filling. There was also a good cheese flavor that cleared well. At 50% total fat, the filling underwent expansion and extrusion from the ends of the product. Much of the filling was lost, causing the shells to collapse slightly and leaving behind a chunky residue with a very salty flavor. Finally, at 60% total fat, leakage of oil from the product onto the pan was prevalent, leaving behind a salty residue that was unbalanced and not creamy. Peanut Flour Fillings

[0372] The filling made with peanut flour at 30% total fat exhibited a creamy, stick to your mouth texture. The peanut flavor overpowered that of cheese. The product filled well and the exposed filling was more cracked than smooth. At 40% total fat, the filling was creamy, did not spill over onto the pan, and exhibited a peanut taste with good flavor release. At 50% total fat, oil was observed to leak and spill onto the pan but cavitation in the filled product did not occur. The filling remained creamy and became salty while continuing to have a peanut butter flavor. Finally, at 60% total fat, leakage of oil from the product onto the pan occurred along with cavitation in the product. The filling was oily and very salty yet no burning was observed.

[0373] Summary

[0374] Products with fillings made from peanut, oat, or chickpea flours exhibited the best oil retention and creaminess. Oat and chickpea flour fillings had the cleanest cheese flavor, while fillings made with peanut flour exhibited a discernible peanut butter flavor. Pea flour exhibited a strong propensity to hold oil but possessed a bitter flavor.

[0375] As total fat content rose to 50% and above, failures due to leakage of filling with associated cavitation and or collapse of the pieces were observed in many cases with the notable exception of fillings made with pea flour, in keeping with the observation that pea flour was best able to hold the fat together at lower levels of overall solids.

[0376] Example 5

[0377] This example demonstrates filling formulations to improve creaminess and flavor of filled, baked products with two open ends. A total of eight product samples each having a filling with 32% total fat content were produced using the methods outlined in Example 4. These included products with baked cheese flavored fillings made with chickpea or oat flour and palm oil or coconut oil with or without the addition of vegetable oil. The filling formulas are described in Table 11 and observations of the products are described in Table 12. TABLE 11

[0378] * Chickpea Flour or Oat Flour

[0379] ** Palm Oil or Coconut Oil

[0380] TABLE 12

[0381] RESULTS

[0382] Chickpea / Coconut + Veg Oil no leaks, creamy, good flavor

[0383] Chickpea / Coconut no leaks, very smooth and creamy, good flavor

[0384] Chickpea / Palm + Veg Oil no leaks, creamy, good flavor

[0385] Chickpea / Palm no leaks, thick and creamy, good flavor

[0386] Oat / Coconut + Veg Oil no leaks, creamy w / some grain, good flavor

[0387] Oat / Coconut no leaks, creamy, some grain, slow flavor release

[0388] Oat / Palm + Veg Oil no leaks, thick and creamy, slower melt

[0389] Oat / Palm no leaks, creamy, some grain, slow flavor release Overall, fillings made with chickpea flour were clean flavored and exhibited good cheese flavor release across all samples with the major differences being textural. In the absence of liquid oil the texture became thicker and slower melting.

[0390] For oat flour fillings the flavor released slower overall and some cereal notes were detected, which may be favorable depending on the flavor of interest. Moreover, some grain was detectable texturally as the filling melted which could be favorable depending on the desired product application.

[0391] Example 6

[0392] This example demonstrates the flexibility of preparing fillings using combinations of flours to achieve desired textures and organoleptic profiles. As described in Example 4, some flours, like lentil and pea, possess both favorable and unfavorable characteristics for making fillings according to the invention. Formulas for fillings made using combinations of flours are shown in Table 13. Products were prepared using these fillings according to the method described in Example 4. TABLE 13

[0393] * Chickpea or Oat Flour

[0394] ** Chickpea, Oat, Peanut, Pea, or Lentil Flour

[0395] When used in combination with chickpea flour or oat flour, lentil flour or pea flour produced fillings with a smooth and creamy texture and good flavor release as shown in Table 14. Thus, combining flours in the preparation of fillings is a viable approach to enhance the flexibility of filled products with open ends according to the present invention.

[0396] TABLE 14

[0397] Example 7 This example demonstrates the incorporation of a variety of fibers in fillings of the present invention to enhance the flexibility of products available. Snack products were prepared with fillings incorporating blends of chickpea flour with five commercial fibers using the methods described in Example 4 incorporating the fiber with the rest of the dry ingredients. Filling formulas incorporating the fibers evaluated here are shown in Table 15. TABLE 15

[0398] Baked Cheese Filling: Blends of Chickpea Flour and Fiber

[0399] *Psyllium Fiber, Oat Fiber, Acacia Fiber, Inulin Fiber, or Pectin Fiber

[0400] The incorporation of one or more fibers in combination with other plant-based flours in a filling can be used to manage stability during baking as well as enhance a product’s nutritional value. Although fiber from a variety of sources alone generally produces unacceptable products, the use of fiber in combination with one or more flours can provide fillings with a variety of tastes and textures and thus enhances the flexibility of filled products having open ends according to the present invention.

[0401] Observations of the performance of the five fillings evaluated are shown in Table 16. Psyllium Fiber, Oat Fiber, and Acacia Fiber all performed comparably, providing fillings exhibiting no leakage, a creamy texture, and good flavor. Inulin Fiber exhibited very poor oil adsorption characteristics and the filling leaked readily, leading to an imbalanced flavor and texture. Incorporation of Pectin Fiber resulted in a filling that was thick and mouth drying; however, no leaks were observed.

[0402] TABLE 16 Example 8

[0403] This example demonstrates the incorporation of a sweet chocolate favored filling in a filled product with open ends according to the present invention. The sample was produced following the procedure in Example 4. Notably, the filling incorporated a significant amount of sugar and cocoa powder, as shown by the formula in Table 17.

[0404] TABLE 17

[0405] Chocolate Flavored Filling Formula

[0406] The filling exhibited no leakage from the shell and afforded a product with a desirable sweet and creamy chocolate center. Accordingly, the methods of the present invention possess the flexibility to incorporate ingredients for the manufacture of sweet as well as savory products. Such a formula could be used to make filled sweet snacks for cookies according to embodiments of the present invention. Example 9

[0407] This example demonstrates preparation of a vegan snack with a pretzel shell and a baked cheese flavored filling in a cylinder format with open ends. The filling formula, shown in Table 18, is identical to that of the chickpea flour and coconut oil filling of Example 5. TABLE 18

[0408] Baked Cheese Filling for Pretzel Shell

[0409] The vegan cracker dough was formulated and prepared identically to the procedure of Example 4. Each filling was cold formed within the dough. This was accomplished on a lab scale by depositing a bead of filling on a 4.5 cm wide and 2 mm thick ribbon of dough which was then wrapped around the filling and sealed at both ends to create a filled tube representative of the filled ropes resulting from production scale forming coextrusion.

[0410] The sealed, filled tubes were treated with a warm aqueous solution of 3% NaOH for two minutes. Following removal from the caustic, the tubes were cut with a stainless-steel knife into open ended cylinders approximately 1.5 cm long, and salted prior to baking.

[0411] Pieces were baked on industrial baking pans fitted with wire baking racks in a batch convection oven set to an oven temperature of 475°F for 8 minutes to reach an estimated moisture content of 10-12%. Pans were then immediately transferred to another batch convection oven set at 265°F where pieces were dried for 25 minutes to an estimated final moisture content of 2-3%. These lab scale treatments were designed to emulate conditions of production scale cooking and drying, respectively.

[0412] The shell of the product browned as per the traditional pretzel formula caustic treatment resulting in a crunchy pretzel outside and a cheesy plant-based filling on the inside. Accordingly, the methods of the present invention afford the flexibility to prepare filled products with open ends having a pretzel shell.

[0413] Example 10

[0414] This example demonstrates the preparation of baked vegan snacks with either a crunchy cracker shell or a crunchy pretzel shell and a peanut butter filling in a cylinder format with open ends. Although peanut butter-filled baked products are popular in the form of peanut butter- filled pretzels, these products are sealed so as not to allow the filling to melt and leak from the product during heating in the oven.

[0415] A filling of 85% natural peanut butter and 15% peanut flour on a weight percent basis was produced by blending together warm natural peanut butter with peanut flour in a Hobart mixer. Using the product preparation methods described in Example 4, open-ended cylinders were created and baked to produce a crunchy, peanut butter-filled snack in a cracker shell. The filling exhibited no leakage from the shell during baking and resulted in a product with a crunchy outside and a smooth and creamy peanut butter texture inside.

[0416] The same filling (85% Peanut Butter, 15% Peanut Flour) was used to make a product with a pretzel shell using the methods to prepare the shell described in Example 9. This successfully produced a crunchy pretzel cylinder filled with peanut butter filling. As with the cracker shell there was no leaking from the shell during baking, creating a crunchy pretzel snack with open ends.

[0417] Accordingly, the present invention encompasses open ended nut butter filled products having different types of shells as well as methods for their preparation. Nut butters include peanut butter as well as tree nut butters such as those made from almonds, beech nuts, butternuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, candlenuts, chestnuts, coconuts, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, lychee, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, shea nuts, and walnuts.

[0418] Example 11

[0419] This example demonstrates the preparation of snacks with a crunchy pretzel shell with a plant-based cheese filling in a cylinder format with open ends with individual pieces treated directly in the caustic bath with exposed open ends.

[0420] The filling used in Table 18 was introduced into the dough used in Example 9 using the same method of preparation and rope formation. Instead of producing longer ropes with sealed ends, so as not to expose the filling directly to a caustic bath, the ropes were cut into individual pieces and dropped into a hot caustic bath (3% NaOH) for 30 seconds. The pieces were then removed, placed directly on trays and salted. The trays were baked at 450F for 8 minutes then dried at 265 F for 25 minutes. The resultant filled cylinders with two open ends retained filling through the process and cooled to a shelf stable product with a pleasant crunchy outside and a smooth flavorful filling center. Example 12

[0421] Several fillings were produced by mixing natural peanut butter with peanut flour in the following ratios (weight percent natural peanut butter: weight percent peanut flour): (85: 15), (90: 10), (95:5). A filling without peanut flour (100% natural peanut butter) was also used. The combination fillings were produced by blending together warm natural peanut butter with peanut flour in a Hobart mixer. Using the procedure outlined in Example 11, the respective fillings were used to create filled, cut, open-ended cylinders which were dropped directly into a hot caustic bath (warm solution of 3% NaOH) for 30 seconds. The individual filled cylinders were removed from the bath, placed on baking trays, and salted. The trays were baked at 450°F for 8 minutes and then dried at 265°F for 25 minutes.

[0422] Each of the fillings employed was retained within the filled open-ended cylinders throughout the process of caustic application, baking, drying, and cooling. Although stable, the 100% peanut butter filling exhibited cavitation and leakage more so than the blended fillings containing peanut flour. The oil holding capacity of the flours aided in retaining the peanut oil from escaping through the open ends. The resultant products included a crunchy pretzel shell surrounding a creamy filling center with strong peanut butter impact.

[0423] Although peanut butter-filled baked products are popular in the form of peanut butter- filled pretzels, these products are sealed so as not to allow the filling to melt and leak from the product during heating in the oven or caustic bath. Although commercial filled peanut butter pretzel pillows are widely produced, one embodiment of the present invention represents a continuous method for the efficient manufacture of peanut butter-filled pretzels and other peanut butter filled-products having two open ends in a cylinder format. This format allows for higher peanut butter to shell ratios due to the cylindrical geometry which, coupled with the exposed filling affords a consumer more of a peanut butter experience per piece. Adding flours further stabilizes the oil in the peanut butter allowing for open ended snacks made by this continuous method.

[0424] Example 13

[0425] This example demonstrates the preparation of a baked vegan snack at scale with a crunchy cracker shell in a cylinder format with two open ends filled with vegan filling. The dough described in Table 19 was mixed in an Electrolux Model EM80 floor mixer fitted with a dough hook. Dry ingredients were blended for 2 minutes at medium speed, then oil and water were added and the batch was mixed for an additional 4 minutes on medium speed. Dough was set aside and allowed to rest for 20 mins before use.

[0426] TABLE 19

[0427] Shell Dough Formula

[0428] A plant-based filling consisting of 57% Chickpea Flour, 33% Coconut Oil, 0.6% Lecithin, and 9.4% of a Plant Based Seasoning Blend was produced by blending together ingredients in a 12 Gallon Heated Groen Kettle Model TDB-40. Coconut Oil was melted under agitation and then lecithin was added to the melted fat and mixed for 5 mins. Chickpea Flour was slowly added under agitation followed by the addition of the Seasoning Blend. Once all dry ingredients were added the filling was mixed applying heat until homogeneous and smooth and held until use at around 100°F.

[0429] The dough and filling were combined in a commercial EUROMEC EXTRUDER Type 40ES / H with a Screw diameter of 100mm fitted with a EUROMEC FILLING PUMP. The filling was transferred from the Groen to the jacketed heated hopper and the dough was introduced to the extruder screw. A 60 / 40 ratio of dough and filling was coextruded without application of any heat through a die with an outer diameter of 12mm and an inner pin with outer diameter of 7.5mm and inner opening for filling injection of 6mm. The resulting rope of dough with filling inside was taken away via a conveyor and cut using a mechanical cutter into individual pieces. The pieces were sprayed with warm water, salted and baked in a Blodgett Commercial Convection Oven at 450°F for 8 minutes followed by drying at 265 °F for 25 mins. The resulting baked cylinder with two open ends had no loss of any filling and once cooled exhibited a crunchy outer shell and a smooth flavorful filling center.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A ready to eat food product comprising a crunchy, cooked edible outer shell (010) prepared by cooking at least one dough; and a filling (020) cold formed within said at least one dough prior to cooking, said filling (020) comprising at least one solid fat; and at least one flour; wherein the filling (020) has at least one exposed surface (030).

2. The ready to eat food product of claim 1 wherein the crunchy, cooked edible outer shell (010) has two cut ends (040) and the filling (020) has two exposed surfaces (030) at the two cut ends (040).

3. The ready to eat food product of either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises at least one fat selected from the group consisting of palm oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and mixtures thereof.

4. The ready to eat food product of claim 3 wherein the at least one flour comprises at least one leguminous flour.

5. The ready to eat food product of claim 3 wherein the at least one flour comprises at least one flour selected from the group consisting of chickpea flour, pea flour, oat flour, peanut flour, white lentil flour, almond flour, amaranth flour, cashew flour, pumpkin seed flour, red lentil flour, sunflower seed flour, tapioca flour, amioca, and mixtures thereof.

6. The ready to eat food product of claim 3 wherein the at least one flour comprises chickpea flour.

7. The ready to eat food product of claim 6 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil.

8. The ready to eat food product of claim 6 wherein the filling (020) further comprises at least one secondary flour selected from the group consisting of brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, quinoa flour, white rice flour, corn flour, and mixtures thereof.

9. The ready to eat food product of claim 3 wherein the at least one flour comprises oat flour.

10. The ready to eat food product of claim 9 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil.

11. The ready to eat food product of claim 3 wherein the at least one flour comprises pea flour.

12. The ready to eat food product of claim 11 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil.

13. The ready to eat food product of claim 3 wherein the at least one flour comprises white lentil flour.

14. The ready to eat food product of claim 13 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil.

15. The ready to eat food product of claim 3 wherein the at least one flour comprises peanut flour.

16. The ready to eat food product of claim 15 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil.

17. The ready to eat food product of claim 3 wherein the at least one solid fat comprises coconut oil.

18. A ready to eat food product comprising a crunchy, cooked edible outer shell (010) prepared by cooking at least one dough; and a filling (020) cold formed within the at least one dough prior to cooking, the filling (020) comprising at least one nut butter; wherein the filling (020) has at least one exposed surface (030).

19. The ready to eat food product of claim 18 wherein the crunchy, cooked edible outer shell (010) has two cut ends (040) and the filling (020) has two exposed surfaces (030) at the two cut ends (040).

20. The ready to eat food product of either claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the filling further comprises at least one flour.

21. The ready to eat food product of either claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the at least one nut butter comprises peanut butter.

22. The ready to eat food product of claim 21 wherein the filling (020) further comprises at least one partially or fully defatted peanut flour.

23. The ready to eat food product of either claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the at least one nut butter comprises almond butter.

24. The ready to eat food product of claim 23 wherein the filling (020) further comprises at least one partially or fully defatted almond flour.

25. A process comprising providing a filling (020) having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight and an overall fat content, the filling (020) comprising at least one flour; and at least one solid fat, the at least one solid fat comprising at least 20% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling (020); disposing the filling (020) within at least one dough by cold forming to produce at least one filled piece wherein the filling (020) has at least one exposed surface (030); andcooking the at least one filled piece to generate at least one cooked filled piece wherein the filling (020) has at least one exposed surface (030).

26. The process of claim 25 wherein the cold forming to produce the at least one filled piece comprises forming coextrusion of the filling (020) and the at least one dough to produce a filled rope; and cutting the filled rope to produce the at least one filled piece wherein the filling (020) has at least one exposed surface (030).

27. The process of claim 26 further comprising drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide a ready to eat food product having a filling (020) disposed within a cooked edible outer shell (010) wherein the filling (020) has at least one exposed surface (030).

28. The process of claim 27 wherein the filling (020) further comprises at least one secondary flour.

29. A process of manufacturing the ready to eat food product of any one of claims 1 through 7 and 9 through 17, the process comprising providing a filling (020) having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight and an overall fat content, the filling (020) comprising at least one flour; and at least one solid fat, the at least one solid fat comprising at least 20% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling; disposing the filling (020) within at least one dough by forming coextrusion of the filling (020) and the at least one dough to produce a filled rope and cutting the filled rope to produce the at least one filled piece wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030); cooking the at least one filled piece to generate at least one cooked filled piece; and drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide the ready to eat food product.

30. A process of manufacturing the ready to eat food product of claim 8, the process comprising providing a filling (020) having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight and an overall fat content, the filling (020) comprisingat least one flour; at least one secondary flour; and at least one solid fat, the at least one solid fat comprising at least 20% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling; disposing the filling (020) within at least one dough by forming coextrusion of the filling (020) and the at least one dough to produce a filled rope and cutting the filled rope to produce the at least one filled piece wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030); cooking the at least one filled piece to generate at least one cooked filled piece; and drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide the ready to eat food product.

31. A process comprising providing a filling (020) having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight and an overall fat content, the filling (020) comprising at least one nut butter; disposing the filling (020) within at least one dough by cold forming to produce at least one filled piece wherein the filling (020) has at least one exposed surface (030); and cooking the at least one piece to generate at least one cooked filled piece wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030.

32. The process of claim 31 wherein the cold forming to produce the at least one filled piece comprises forming coextrusion of the filling (020) and the at least one dough to produce a filled rope and cutting the filled rope to produce the at least one filled piece wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030).

33. The process of claim 32 further comprising drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide a ready to eat food product having a filling (020) disposed within a cooked edible outer shell (010) wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030).

34. The process of claim 31 wherein the filling (020) further comprises at least one partially or fully defatted nut flour.

35. The process of claim 34 wherein the cold forming to produce the at least one filled piece is accomplished by forming coextrusion of the filling (020) and the at least one dough to produce a filled rope and cutting the filled rope to produce the at least one filled piece wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030).

36. The process of claim 35 further comprising drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide a ready to eat food product having a filling (020) disposed within a cooked edible outer shell (010) wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030).

37. A process of manufacturing the ready to eat food product of any one of claims 18, 19, 21, and 23, the process comprising providing a filling (020) having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight, the filling (020) comprising at least one nut butter; disposing the filling (020) within at least one dough by cold forming to produce at least one filled piece wherein the filling (020) has at least one exposed surface (030); cooking the at least one filled piece to generate at least one cooked filled piece wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030); and drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide the ready to eat food product.

38. A process of manufacturing the ready to eat food product of any one of claims 20, 22, and 24, the process comprising providing a filling (020) having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight, the filling (020) comprising at least one nut butter; and at least one partially or fully defatted nut flour disposing the filling (020) within at least one dough by cold forming to produce at least one filled piece wherein the filling (020) has at least one exposed surface (030); cooking the at least one filled piece to generate at least one cooked filled piece wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030); and drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide the ready to eat food product.

39. A process of manufacturing the ready to eat food product of any one of claims 1 through 7 and 9 through 17, the process comprising providing a filling (020) having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight and an overall fat content, the filling (020) comprising at least one flour; and at least one solid fat, the at least one solid fat comprising at least 20% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling; disposing the filling (020) within at least one dough by forming coextrusion of the filling (020) and the at least one dough to produce a filled rope and cutting the filled rope to produce the at least one filled piece wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030); applying caustic to the at least one filled piece; cooking the at least one filled piece to generate at least one cooked filled piece; and drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide the ready to eat food product.

40. A process of manufacturing the ready to eat food product of claim 8, the process comprising providing a filling (020) having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight and an overall fat content, the filling (020) comprising at least one flour; at least one secondary flour; and at least one solid fat, the at least one solid fat comprising at least 20% by weight of the overall fat content of the filling; disposing the filling (020) within at least one dough by forming coextrusion of the filling (020) and the at least one dough to produce a filled rope and cutting the filled rope to produce the at least one filled piece wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030); applying caustic to the at least one filled piece; cooking the at least one filled piece to generate at least one cooked filled piece; and drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide the ready to eat food product.

41. A process of manufacturing the ready to eat food product of any one of claims 18, 19, 21, and 23, the process comprising providing a filling (020) having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight, the filling (020) comprising at least one nut butter;disposing the filling (020) within at least one dough by cold forming to produce at least one filled piece wherein the filling (020) has at least one exposed surface (030); applying caustic to the at least one filled piece; cooking the at least one filled piece to generate at least one cooked filled piece wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030); and drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide the ready to eat food product.

42. A process of manufacturing the ready to eat food product of any one of claims 20, 22, and 24, the process comprising providing a filling (020) having a water content less than or equal to 20% by weight, the filling (020) comprising at least one nut butter; and at least one partially or fully defatted nut flour disposing the filling (020) within at least one dough by cold forming to produce at least one filled piece wherein the filling (020) has at least one exposed surface (030); applying caustic to the at least one filled piece; cooking the at least one filled piece to generate at least one cooked filled piece wherein the filling has at least one exposed surface (030); and drying the at least one cooked filled piece to provide the ready to eat food product.

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