US20060141104A1 - Deep dish pizza crust - Google Patents

Deep dish pizza crust Download PDF

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Publication number
US20060141104A1
US20060141104A1 US11/358,764 US35876406A US2006141104A1 US 20060141104 A1 US20060141104 A1 US 20060141104A1 US 35876406 A US35876406 A US 35876406A US 2006141104 A1 US2006141104 A1 US 2006141104A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
pounds
pizza
kit
crust
deep dish
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Abandoned
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US11/358,764
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English (en)
Inventor
Mary Lamp
Keith Forneck
William Paulos
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Intercontinental Great Brands LLC
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Kraft Foods Holdings Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/864,554 external-priority patent/US20040265438A1/en
Application filed by Kraft Foods Holdings Inc filed Critical Kraft Foods Holdings Inc
Priority to US11/358,764 priority Critical patent/US20060141104A1/en
Publication of US20060141104A1 publication Critical patent/US20060141104A1/en
Assigned to KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL BRANDS LLC reassignment KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL BRANDS LLC MERGER (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KRAFT FOODS HOLDINGS, INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A21—BAKING; EDIBLE DOUGHS
    • A21C—MACHINES OR EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING OR PROCESSING DOUGHS; HANDLING BAKED ARTICLES MADE FROM DOUGH
    • A21C11/00—Other machines for forming the dough into its final shape before cooking or baking
    • A21C11/004—Other machines for forming the dough into its final shape before cooking or baking forming the dough into a substantially disc-like shape with or without an outer rim, e.g. for making pie crusts, cake shells or pizza bases
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A21—BAKING; EDIBLE DOUGHS
    • A21D—TREATMENT OF FLOUR OR DOUGH FOR BAKING, e.g. BY ADDITION OF MATERIALS; BAKING; BAKERY PRODUCTS
    • A21D10/00—Batters, dough or mixtures before baking
    • A21D10/02—Ready-for-oven doughs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A21—BAKING; EDIBLE DOUGHS
    • A21D—TREATMENT OF FLOUR OR DOUGH FOR BAKING, e.g. BY ADDITION OF MATERIALS; BAKING; BAKERY PRODUCTS
    • A21D13/00—Finished or partly finished bakery products
    • A21D13/40—Products characterised by the type, form or use
    • A21D13/41—Pizzas
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A21—BAKING; EDIBLE DOUGHS
    • A21D—TREATMENT OF FLOUR OR DOUGH FOR BAKING, e.g. BY ADDITION OF MATERIALS; BAKING; BAKERY PRODUCTS
    • A21D15/00—Improving finished, partly finished or par-baked bakery products
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
    • B65D5/20—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form
    • B65D5/28—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form with extensions of sides permanently secured to adjacent sides, with sides permanently secured together by adhesive strips, or with sides held in place solely by rigidity of material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/003—Articles enclosed in rigid or semi-rigid containers, the whole being wrapped
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/0413—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks, e.g. carton
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
    • B65D77/0413—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks, e.g. carton
    • B65D77/042—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks, e.g. carton the inner container being of polygonal cross-section formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks, e.g. carton
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/32—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents for packaging two or more different materials which must be maintained separate prior to use in admixture
    • B65D81/3216—Rigid containers disposed one within the other
    • B65D81/3222—Rigid containers disposed one within the other with additional means facilitating admixture
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2585/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials
    • B65D2585/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
    • B65D2585/36—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for biscuits or other bakery products
    • B65D2585/363—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for biscuits or other bakery products specific products
    • B65D2585/366—Pizza

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a pizza food product and a kit for assembling a deep dish pizza.
  • the pizza crust of this invention is especially adapted for use in cartons and/or packages which also contain the other pizza ingredients necessary to assemble a snack or single-service sized, deep dish, ready-to-eat pizza.
  • Reheating pizza does not generally allow the crust's texture to return to its original state and may, in fact, further “toughen” it to an even more leathery texture. While such leftover pizza may be fully edible from all health and safety considerations, the organoleptic properties are generally diminished. Much of the loss of quality is due to the crust becoming more leathery. Fully baked pizzas or pizzas having a fully baked crust are not often found in grocery refrigerator or freezer cases.
  • Refrigerated pizzas with unbaked crust have their own problems. These include, for example, (1) sauce soaking into the crust (moisture migration), (2) sauce and other toppings becoming maldistributed on or knocked off the crust during transport, and (3) flavor, odor and microbiological migration (e.g., from sauce or meat to cheese). Moreover, such products must also be baked by the consumer thereby diminishing the convenience desired by most consumers. Even when baked in the home kitchen with conventional ovens, the overall quality is not as high as desired.
  • a meal kit containing a baked bread or dough product in a sealed pouch which is contained within a compartment contained within a base tray having an anti-fogging agent component.
  • the anti-fogging agent assists in maintaining freshness and retarding staling under refrigerated, non-frozen conditions.
  • the anti-fogging agent is contained within a layer of the base trap or in other container elements so that enters the compartment in a time release manner so that it gradually blooms onto the internal surfaces within the meal kit.
  • the anti-fogging agent is though to prevent the formation of water droplets within the container and thereby allow any trapped moisture to more easily evaporate from the meal kit.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,747,084 provided a packaged pizza product containing a pre-baked pizza crust and other pizza ingredients (i.e., pizza sauce and one or more pizza toppings).
  • the pizza crusts included in the kit of this patent were generally flat, thin, and circular.
  • the present invention provides such deep dish, fully baked, ready-to-assemble pizza crusts and kits containing such pizza crusts in combination with other pizza components such as, for example, pizza sauces, cheeses, and/or toppings. Once assembled, the deep dish pizzas of this invention can be eaten as is or after heating.
  • the invention comprises a farinaceous pizza crust which can be fully baked, then refrigerated and later served cold or reheated without becoming leathery, dry, stale and/or tough.
  • the pizza crust is configured to have a deep dish shape.
  • the crust preferably has a water activity in the range of about 0.90 to about 0.95 and retains satisfactory texture and chewability characteristics throughout a refrigerated shelf life that may be, e.g., about 75 days.
  • the pizza crust is preferably adapted for use in a “single-serving” kit which allows easy preparation of a ready-to-eat, deep dish pizza.
  • the kit preferably contains (1) at least one of the pizza crusts, (2) pizza sauce, (3) one or more cheese products, and, if desired, (4) one or more additional components that may include, for example, proteinaceous components such as sausage, pepperoni, ham or anchovies, or vegetable components such as slices of green pepper or olives.
  • the pizza crust products and kits containing the pizza crust products of the present invention do not require the use of an anti-fogging agent to achieve the desired shelf life.
  • the kit may also contain other items, e.g., a soft drink or other beverage and/or candy item.
  • the kit is contained in a single serve package having separate pouches and/or compartments for each of the various components to be separately sealed under an inert atmosphere to increase the shelf life of the product or kit.
  • the seals are preferably hermetic, and are capable of withstanding stresses and strains associated with shipping and handling, including pressure variations associated with transport to and through high altitudes.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ready-to-assemble deep dish pizza crust in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pizza kit that includes a plurality of the crusts of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic elevation of the pizza kit of FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the pizza crust of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of a nested stack of the pizza crusts of FIG. 1 .
  • FIGS. 6 a - 6 c are schematic plan views of the kit of FIG. 2 .
  • FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are schematic plan views of a kit in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
  • the invention is preferably embodied in a fully baked, farinaceous food product that can be refrigerated without development of a leathery texture.
  • the invention is preferably embodied in a fully baked deep dish pizza crust that has an extended refrigerated shelf life.
  • the preferred pizza crust can be refrigerated without development of a leathery texture, retaining a soft texture for extended periods of time, preferably about 75 days or more.
  • the invention may also be embodied in a kit containing a fully baked deep dish pizza crust and additional components for the assembly of a ready-to-eat pizza that can be eaten cold or heated.
  • the pizza crusts may be nestable, and may be included in a tray-type package with additional pizza components which are storable at refrigerated temperatures and from which one may assemble a ready-to-eat pizza.
  • Neither the pizza crust product nor the packaging materials including in the kit require an anti-fogging agent to achieve the desired characteristics of the refrigerated product.
  • neither the pizza crust product nor the packaging materials including in the kit contain such an anti-fogging agent.
  • FIG. 1 perspective view
  • FIG. 4 side view
  • the pizza crust 10 is illustrated as being essentially square, other basic shapes (e.g., rectangular, triangular, round, oval, or the like) can be used if desired. It is generally preferred, however, that the basic shape be generally rectangular and, most preferably, generally square. The rectangular/square shapes will generally be more easily packaged in the kits contemplated by this invention.
  • the base 12 is preferably of a smaller dimension than the top or rim 14 so that the sides 16 slope outward from bottom to the top.
  • the slanting sides 16 are of generally uniform thickness, e.g., about 1 ⁇ 4 to about 1 ⁇ 2 in.
  • the top rim 14 is of larger dimension than the base 12 to allow for the slanted sides 16 .
  • the top rim 14 will be about 4.2 to about 4.3 in. along each dimension. For a preferred base dimension of about 31 ⁇ 2 in. square, the top rim 14 would have a dimension of about 41 ⁇ 4 in. square.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a ready-to-assemble pizza kit containing a plurality of fully baked, deep dish pizza crusts 10 in a carton 20 with additional and separate packages of other pizza components.
  • Such other components can include, for example, pizza sauce 22 , shredded or cubed cheese 24 , and/or additional pizza toppings 26 .
  • additional pizza toppings can include, for example, additional cheese or a mixture of additional cheeses, pepperoni slices, salami, bacon bits, Canadian bacon, ham dried vegetables (e.g., onions, peppers, olives and the like), sausage, beef, spices, and other pizza ingredients.
  • pizza sauces include traditional tomato-based sauces, salsa, catsup-based sauce, white sauce, or other spreadable sauce usable to create flavorful pizza-style products.
  • Examples of the cheese products which may be included in the kit comprise natural cheeses such as mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Swiss cheddar, Monterey jack, Gruyere, and similar products.
  • other components can also be included in the kit.
  • Such other components include, for example, a drink 27 , dessert 30 (e.g. candy), an implement or utensils to spread the sauce, salt, pepper, other spices, napkins, and the like.
  • the pizza ingredients, including the crusts are packaged in separate containers such as pouches, cups, cans, or jars.
  • separate pouches are formed from oxygen-impermeable film.
  • separate compartments may be formed in the tray and sealed with oxygen-impermeable film. In either case, the components are sealed under an inert atmosphere or under inert gas flushed conditions.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates how the slanting side walls 16 allow the pizza crusts to nest together.
  • parchment or paper liners can be used to separate the nested pizza crusts (especially around their rim areas) to allow them to be more easily separated when consumed.
  • such parchment or paper liners may include pull tabs, strips or other features that the consumer can employ to help separate the nested pizza crusts.
  • the separating parchment or paper liners may be coated or impregnated lightly with oil (containing various spices if desired) to help retain the desired texture and appearance of the pizza crusts.
  • pizza kits of the present invention contain 2 to 4 nested pizza crusts.
  • kits designed for multi-person use i.e., family sized units
  • a higher number of pizza crusts may be included along with proportionally increased amounts of other pizza ingredients.
  • the interior of the uppermost nested pizza crust can be used to store other components in the kit so long as these other components are contained in separate pouches or containers.
  • the percentages used in the present specification to describe the pizza crust dough are generally a baker's percentages, which are weight percentages based on the weight of flour used in a specific recipe (generally per 100 pounds of flour). For example, for 100 pounds of flour in a recipe, 57 percent water and 1.5 percent salt would mean the addition of 57 pounds of water and 1.5 pounds of salt, respectively, to 100 pounds of flour. Of course, such baker's percentages do not normally add up to 100 percent. Conventional percentages can be calculated from bakers percentages by normalizing to 10 percent.
  • Baking science involves a complicated process employing time, temperature and relative humidity to produce various food products.
  • the time, temperature and relative humidity parameters are generally different for bread, rolls, pizza crusts, pastry and cereal products, not only with regard to their appearance (crust color, size, etc.), but also with regard to the development, texture, and size.
  • Some of the desirable changes caused by baking are protein denaturing, starch gelatinization, moisture migration and veracity (cell development or grain).
  • Many factors may be involved in preparing a baked product which is appealing in the eyes of the ultimate consumer.
  • a manufacturer must also consider items such as shelf life and how a consumer will actually use a product. Consequently, it is desirable to have some quantitative measure by which one can determine whether a production line product meets specification.
  • One such measure is water activity.
  • Water activity is a measure of the percent of water remaining in a baked product after it has been baked. Cracker products typically have a water activity in the range of about 0.35 to 0.50. Common baked goods, for example, bread, dinner rolls and pizza crusts, typically have a water activity in the range of about 0.90 to 0.98.
  • the fully baked pizza crust of this invention preferably has water activities of about 0.90 to about 0.95, with a value of about 0.93 being particularly preferred.
  • Such fully baked pizza crusts have satisfactory refrigeration storage characteristics as well as satisfactory texture and taste when used to prepare a ready-to-eat pizza, whether unheated or heated, and whether eaten cold or warm.
  • the water activity of the pizza crust is measured after the crust has come out of the oven and cooled to about 100° F.
  • the water activity is generally measured about after the fully baked crust is removed from the baking oven.
  • Moisture content of the deep dish pizza crust may be measured with an a w meter, or by weight difference between the crust after cooling to about 100° F. and after further, more complete drying (i.e., using a desiccator or other suitable and reliable method).
  • the moisture content of fully baked deep dish pizza crust is about 89 to 99 percent, and preferably in the range of about 91 to about 93 percent.
  • yeast is included in the formulation of pizza dough
  • a fermentation or rising step is included in the dough preparation.
  • the fermentation step allows the yeast to produce carbon dioxide gas which stretches and mellows the gluten contained in the flour, and aids in producing good flavor and texture.
  • the large commercial baking operations such as will be used to prepare the crusts of the invention, fermenting all the dough to be baked requires large equipment outlays, is time consuming and is therefore costly. It has been found that in practicing the invention, one can produce a flavorful and texturally pleasing pizza crust by fermenting a portion of the dough and adding an aliquot of the fermented dough to bulk unfermented dough. The fermented dough is thoroughly mixed with the unfermented dough, and the resulting mixture is divided, cut to size, shaped, and baked.
  • the dough mixture continues to rise and develop the desired characteristics. It has been found that a dough mixture containing about 2 to about 7 percent fermented dough and about 93 to about 98 percent unfermented dough produces satisfactory results.
  • One preferred embodiment contains about 3 to about 5 percent fermented dough.
  • Other preferred embodiments may contain up to 10% fermented dough.
  • the texture of the baked pizza crust of the invention can be additionally changed by laminating the dough somewhat in the manner used to prepare croissants or Danish pastries.
  • a laminate of three to six layers, preferably three to four layers, may be formed by folding the dough back-and-forth across itself (i.e., layering). Lamination is believed to result in a baked product having improved texture and taste when cold or heated.
  • the dough, whether laminated or not, is formed into the desired shape (e.g., see FIG. 1 ).
  • a basic recipe (in baker's percentages) for pizza crust prepared according to a preferred embodiment of the invention follows.
  • Preferred Range Range Most Preferred Ingredient (% flour basis) (% flour basis) (% flour basis) Flour 100 100 100 100 Sweeteners 5.0-15.0 8.0-12.0 10.0 Butter Chips 7.5-17.5 10.5-14.5 12.5 Salt 1.5-3.5 2.0-3.0 2.5 Dough Relaxer 1.0-2.25 2.0-2.25 2.25 Yeast 0.5-5.0 2.5-3.5 3.0 Shortening 1.0-6.0 2.0-4.0 3.0 Monoglycerides/ 0.4-2.0 0.5-1.5 1.0 Diglycerides Dried Egg White 0-2.0 0.75-1.5 1.0 Sodium Stearoly 0-0.5 0.4-0.5 0.5 Lactylate Calcium Propionate 0-0.5 0.4-0.5 0.45 Alpha Amylase 0.2-0.4 0.3-0.35 0.32 Enzyme Guar Gum 0-0.3 0.15-0.25 0.22 Water 53-63 54-60 60 Spices/Seasonings 0-1.0 0.3-0.4 0.35
  • the flour is preferably hard wheat bread flour made from hard spring or winter wheat.
  • the shortening is preferably a solid, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil; for example, a hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated cottonseed, corn, soybean, sunflower, canola oil, or mixture thereof, and similar hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and mixtures.
  • the preferred vegetable oils are corn, canola, sunflower seed, cottonseed and soybean oils, or mixture thereof.
  • the shortening may have a butter flavoring agent added to the shortening by the producer.
  • a butter flavoring agent or other flavoring agent may be added to the recipe in an amount known to those skilled in the art or in accordance with the flavor manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Compressed yeast may be substituted for the dried yeast used in the above basic recipe. If compressed yeast is used, the baker's percentage or weight is approximately tripled to account for the water content of the compressed yeast; likewise, the amount of water added may be reduced to account for the water content of the compressed yeast. Therefore, if compressed yeast is used in the above general recipe in place of dried yeast, the amount of compressed yeast will be in the range of about 1.5 to about 15 percent, preferably about 7.5 to about 10.5 percent.
  • the baked pizza crusts can be assembled in any suitable packaging. Such packaging should not, however, contain the anti-fogging agents used in U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,558. Although the pizza crust described herein may be packaged and sold as a stand alone product, it is generally preferred that it be included as part of a ready-to-assemble and eat kit as described above.
  • Example of packages of a type that might be adapted for use for the ready-to-eat pizza kit of the invention are shown, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,375,701 and 5,747,084, which are hereby incorporated by reference.
  • the food packages of the present invention do not require, and do not contain, the anti-fogging agents used in U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,558.
  • These packages will include a tray portion and a seal portion.
  • the tray portion can be of a relatively rigid or shape retentive material e.g., plastic, and may include walls that define compartments for receipt of food products therein.
  • a main food product or item or entree can be held in a main compartment that can be larger than the other compartments in which other food items are held such as side dishes or snacks, and/or, as in the present invention toppings, to be placed on the deep dish crusts(s) held in the main, larger compartment.
  • one or several of the compartments can contain farinaceous food products
  • one or several of the compartments can contain proteinaceous food products.
  • a ready to drink beverage product in a container can also be included in one of the compartments.
  • the seal portion film which can be a flexible plastic film material, is attached to the top of the walls, such as on an upper rim area about the compartments, as by an adhesive or the like.
  • This sealing of the package can provide it with a hermetic seal that sufficiently minimizes leakage therethrough to keep the contents fresh for a commercially satisfactory extended shelf life period while refrigerated.
  • the seal minimizes undesirable transfer of flavor and odor between the products in the different compartments.
  • the package for the kit takes a different form, comprising an outer paperboard carton 20 having the various different components contained therein in individually sealed pouches.
  • pouches containing the pizza crusts and a beverage are positioned to be visible through windows in the carton 28 .
  • the outer carton 20 is of a generally parallelepiped shape, comprising a rectangular bottom 28 , four generally rectangular upstanding side walls 30 , and a generally rectangular hinged lid 32 .
  • the lid has a depending front flap 34 to cover an opening 36 in the front wall.
  • the lid also preferably has one or more windows 38 therein to permit viewing of the contents of the kit.
  • the lid 32 preferably provided with conventional means for retaining it in closed position, then facilitating opening. Such means may comprise, e.g., securing the front flap to the front wall with adhesive, and providing a flap, tear strip, pull tab or the like on the lid to facilitate opening.
  • the contents of the kit preferably are arranged in layers.
  • the embodiment FIGS. 6A-6C has three layers of pizza components on the left side and a beverage 27 such as a 12 oz can of soft drink on the right.
  • the bottom or first layer of pizza components comprises a pouch of shredded cheese 24 , a pouch of pizza sauce 22 , and a confectionary or dessert item 29 such as a candy item or the like, contained in a sealed wrapper.
  • the components in the first layer overlap somewhat, as shown in FIG. 6A .
  • the second layer comprises a pouch 26 containing an additional topping, preferably a proteinaceous component, e.g., pepperoni slices.
  • an additional topping preferably a proteinaceous component, e.g., pepperoni slices.
  • the third layer comprises a plurality of pizza crust 10 , sealed in a pouch 40 , supported on a carrier 42 .
  • the carrier has feet 44 at its four corners to mechanically isolate the crusts from the other components, and to laterally stabilize the beverage container.
  • Each of the pouches preferably has a seal that is substantially hermetic.
  • the pouches preferably have easy-open features.
  • the pouch 40 containing the pizza crusts preferably has a peelable seal 46 at one corner.
  • Each of the seals of the pouches is preferably capable of withstanding the stresses and strains associated with shipping and handling, including atmospheric pressure drops, which may occur due, e.g., to transportation from a packaging facility at an elevation near sea level to or through a rocky-mountain elevation of 5,000 to 10,000 feet.
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B is similar to that of FIGS. 6 A-C, except the proteinaceous component is eliminated, to provide a cheese pizza kit.
  • the candy item 29 may comprise, e.g., Reese's Pieces candy, Crispy M&M's candy, Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, or any other suitable candy item.
  • the pizza kit package is opened, the crusts removed, and the pizza assembled.
  • the side walls help to retain the toppings on the crust.
  • the pizza may be heated in a conventional or a microwave oven.
  • a recommended microwave heating time at full oven power falls within the range of about 20 to about 80 seconds, and preferably within about 20 to about 40 seconds in order to preserve the taste, texture, and chewability characteristics of the crust.
  • a pizza dough was made using the following formulation: Amount Ingredient (% flour basis) Flour 100 High Fructose Corn 10.0 Syrup (42%) Butter Chips 12.5 Salt 2.50 Dough Relaxer 2.25 Dried Yeast 3.0 Soy Bean Oil 3.0 Monoglycerides/ 1.0 Diglycerides Dried Egg White 1.0 Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate 0.50 Calcium Propionate 0.45 Alpha Amylase Enzyme 0.32 Guar Gum 0.22 Water 60 Granulated Garlic 0.35 All dry components were mixed using low speed mixing for about 1 minute, in a horizontal mixer followed by the wet components which were mixed in using medium speed mixing for about 6 minutes, followed by the butter chips which were mixed using low speed mixing for about 1 minute.
  • the resulting dough was then sheeted into flat sheets, cut into 4.25 in. squares with roll cutters cutting the first two parallel sides and guillotine cutters cutting the final two parallel sides.
  • the dough squares were placed on the bottom of a pizza forming pan to obtained the desired deep dish shape. Each square contained about 44 to about 50 grams raw dough.
  • the dough was cold-pressed in the pan via a press head that pushes and spreads the dough to evenly distribute it about the pan so that it assumes the shape of the pan.
  • the pizza crust dough shapes were proofed at about 85 percent relative humidity and about 110° F. Proofing was carried out for about 15 to about 20 minutes; satisfactory proofing can be determined when the pizza crusts stay indented when pressed lightly with a finger.
  • the proofed pizza crusts are baked at about 400° F. commercial oven for about 3 to about 4 minutes to yield a pizza crust that is fully baked and has a golden brown color.
  • the baked pizza crusts are immediately frozen using a ⁇ 20° F. blast freezer.
  • the pizza crusts, nested in groups of two each, were then packaged in a film pouch or bag using vacuum and then flushing with nitrogen before sealing.
  • the baked pizza crusts are kept frozen until offered for retail sale to maximize the product life.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Bakery Products And Manufacturing Methods Therefor (AREA)
  • Seeds, Soups, And Other Foods (AREA)
US11/358,764 1999-05-17 2006-02-21 Deep dish pizza crust Abandoned US20060141104A1 (en)

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US13456999P 1999-05-17 1999-05-17
US57280800A 2000-05-17 2000-05-17
US10/864,554 US20040265438A1 (en) 1999-05-17 2004-06-09 Deep dish pizza crust
US11/358,764 US20060141104A1 (en) 1999-05-17 2006-02-21 Deep dish pizza crust

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US20100196555A1 (en) * 2009-01-30 2010-08-05 Elizabeth Guidobono Kit for making a non-frozen dessert and a method of assembly
US20110262590A1 (en) * 2010-04-27 2011-10-27 Gallo Lea Organics Llc Pizza Kit and Method for Making Pizza
US20210169120A1 (en) * 2019-12-04 2021-06-10 West Liberty Foods, L.L.C. Automated food preparation and packaging systems, methods, and apparatus

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FR2846626B1 (fr) * 2002-11-04 2005-05-06 Atria Procede pour conditionner des fonds de tartre et conditionnement ainsi obtenu
US8741369B2 (en) 2005-03-21 2014-06-03 Kraft Foods Group Brands Llc Microwaveable dough compositions
DE102005026037A1 (de) * 2005-06-03 2006-12-07 Bernhard Zamek Gmbh & Co. Kg Modulares Nahrungsmittelsystem
US8354131B2 (en) 2006-09-13 2013-01-15 Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc Microwavable food products
US8057832B2 (en) 2006-09-13 2011-11-15 Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc Microwavable food products

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US20110262590A1 (en) * 2010-04-27 2011-10-27 Gallo Lea Organics Llc Pizza Kit and Method for Making Pizza
US20210169120A1 (en) * 2019-12-04 2021-06-10 West Liberty Foods, L.L.C. Automated food preparation and packaging systems, methods, and apparatus

Also Published As

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CA2308557A1 (en) 2000-11-17
EP1053681A2 (de) 2000-11-22
CA2308557C (en) 2010-07-20
EP1053681A3 (de) 2004-04-14

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