Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filled, elongate half product which can be expanded (i.e., puffed) when subjected to microwaves. The half product comprises an elongate outer casing formed from a dough containing a cereal material, water, and, optionally, starch, microwave absorptive materials (e.g., sugar or salts), and emulsifiers. Within the outer casing is a filling formed from an edible oil and flavoring. The half product of the present invention is prepared by mixing the ingredients which form the dough, cooking the dough at an elevated temperature and pressure to gelatinize the starch, venting the cooked dough to reduce its moisture content and temperature, cooling the cooked dough, coextruding the cooked dough and filling material to form a filled half product, and cutting the resulting extrudate cross-sectionally. In one preferred version of the present invention, a longitudinal slice is cut through the casing as it is extruded but prior to cross-sectional cutting to permit the half product to curl open as it puffs during microwaving. The mixing, cooking, venting, and cooling steps are conducted in a co-rotating twin screw extruder.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim