Food processing device, componentry, and related methods

A food processing device comprising:

• a base;
• a mixing bowl mountable on the base, the mixing bowl including a first opening arranged to receive unmixed food items, and a second opening arranged to output mixed food items;
• a mixing assembly arranged to mix the unmixed food items in the mixing bowl to produce the mixed food items;
• an extruder arranged to receive the mixed food items from the second opening via a feed chute, the extruder comprising an extrusion chamber, an inlet arranged to align with the second opening of the mixing bowl, an outlet, and an auger configured to rotate within the extrusion chamber to move contents from the inlet to the outlet;
• and
• a door assembly arranged to be movable between a first position that serves a barrier between the second opening and the inlet to prevent contents of the mixing bowl from entering the extruder and one or more second positions in which contents of the mixing bowl are enabled to exit the mixing bowl through the second opening and enter the feed chute and then the extruder through the inlet,
• wherein the door assembly has a plunger positioned within the feed chute which extends from the second opening,
• wherein the plunger is configured to pivot within the feed chute between the first position in which the plunger seals the second opening and a second position of the one or more second positions in which the plunger retracts within the feed chute and the second opening is open to the feed chute to permit entry of the mixed food items into the feed chute, and
• wherein the plunger is configured to force contents from the feed chute back into the mixing bowl when the plunger moves to the first position.