Food preparation devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

A food preparation device is disclosed. The food preparation device can include an ingredient combining apparatus to introduce a fluid food ingredient and a solid food ingredient to one another within a package. The food preparation device can also include a mixing apparatus to mix the fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient to form a food mixture in the package. In addition, the food preparation device can include a forming apparatus to form the food mixture into a predetermined shape within the package.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A food preparation device, comprising:
 an ingredient combining apparatus to introduce a fluid food ingredient and a solid food ingredient to one another within a package;   a mixing apparatus to mix the fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient to form a food mixture in the package; and   a forming apparatus to form the food mixture into a predetermined shape within the package.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the ingredient combining apparatus comprises a pressurized fluid source fluidly coupleable to the package to provide pressurized fluid to one of the compartments to break the frangible seal. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a package securing mechanism to secure the package during operation of the food preparation device. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the package securing mechanism comprises a fluid port configured to interface with the package to fluidly couple the pressurized fluid source and the package. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein the package securing mechanism comprises a clamp configured to engage a portion of the package. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein at least a portion of the clamp is movable to accommodate inflation of the package by a pressurized fluid. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mixing apparatus comprises an orbital shaker. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mixing apparatus further comprises a package support to provide support for the package while forming the food mixture. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the forming apparatus comprises a die to form the food mixture into the predetermined shape. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a heating apparatus configured to heat at least one of the fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a drying apparatus to remove moisture from the food mixture. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a housing disposed about the ingredient combining apparatus, the mixing apparatus, and the forming apparatus. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a receptacle within the housing to receive the package, wherein at least one of the mixing apparatus and the forming apparatus are operable on the package when in the receptacle. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a topping dispenser to apply a topping to the food mixture formed in the predetermined shape. 
     
     
         15 . A food preparation system, comprising:
 a package having a solid food ingredient disposed therein; and   a food preparation device, having
 an ingredient combining apparatus to introduce a fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient to one another within the package, 
 a mixing apparatus to mix the fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient to form a food mixture in the package, and 
 a forming apparatus to form the food mixture into a predetermined shape within the package. 
   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the solid food ingredient is contained within the package by a frangible seal. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient are disposed in the package in separate compartments of the package formed at least in part by the frangible seal. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the ingredient combining apparatus comprises a pressurized fluid source fluidly coupleable to the package to provide pressurized fluid to one of the compartments to break the frangible seal. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the package is flexible. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the package is disposable. 
     
     
         21 . A method for preparing a food product, comprising:
 obtaining a package having a solid food ingredient disposed therein;   introducing a fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient to one another within the package;   mixing the fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient to form a food mixture in the package; and   forming the food mixture into a predetermined shape within the package.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient are disposed in the package in separate compartments of the package formed at least in part by a frangible seal, and wherein introducing the fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient to one another within the package comprises providing a pressurized fluid to one of the compartments to break the frangible seal. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein forming the food mixture comprises applying pressure to the food mixture. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein mixing the fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient to form the food mixture in the package comprises shaking he fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising heating at least one of the fluid food ingredient and the solid food ingredient. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising drying the food mixture to remove moisture from the food mixture.