System and method for preparing food

An apparatus for handling a food product during a cooking operation, the apparatus comprising:

• a body portion comprising a substantially flat portion and at least one sidewall extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom;
• wherein the at least one sidewall comprises a first end and a second end, the first end interconnected to the substantially flat portion and the second comprising a free end for contacting a surface, wherein the distance between the first end and the second is substantially constant over the entire perimeter of the at least one sidewall;
• wherein the second end of the at least one sidewall is adapted to contact a substantially planar surface such that when the entire perimeter of the at least one sidewall contacts the substantially planar surface the substantially flat portion and the substantially planar surface are positioned in parallel planes;
• a handle portion in force-transmitting communication with the substantially flat portion;
• the handle portion comprising an elongate member having a length of at least about 4.00 inches, a width of at least about 1.00 inches, a thickness of at least about 0.25 inches and a cross-sectional shape;
• wherein a void space is provided within the at least one sidewall and defined on at least one side by the substantially flat portion.

A method of preparing a food product, the method comprising:

• forming a plurality of food product units from a source, each of said plurality of food product units comprising at least one of a predetermined volume and a predetermined weight;
• based on an input request, selecting at least one of the plurality of food product units;
• applying at least one of a flavoring and a lubricating substance on an area of a heated surface;
• placing said at least one of the plurality of food product units on the area;
• providing an apparatus for handling food product, the apparatus comprising a body portion comprising a substantially planar member having a predetermined outer shape, at least one sidewall portion extending from a lower surface of the substantially planar member and provided substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar member, a handle portion comprising at least one support member extending from an upper surface of the substantially planar member and provided substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar member, the handle portion comprising a user-interface portion interconnected to the at least one support member, the user-interface portion having a length, a width, a thickness and a cross-sectional shape;
• placing the apparatus in contact with the at least one of the plurality of food product units;
• applying a force to the handle portion and deforming the at least one of the plurality of food product units until the food product unit contacts substantially the entirety of the planar member and the at least one sidewall portion;
• allowing a first amount of time to lapse;
• rotating the at least one of the plurality of food product units approximately 180 degrees;
• allowing a second amount of time to elapse;
• and
• removing the at least one of the plurality of food product units from the area.