A device and method are provided for dispensing a quantity of food to be
cooked. The device includes a freezer, a storage container located in the
freezer, means located in the freezer for dispensing a predetermined
quantity of food from the storage container into a secondary container,
and means for dispensing the quantity of food from the secondary
container to a location outside the freezer. The means for dispensing a
predetermined quantity of food may be, for example, a magazine with dual
spiral flights for dispensing food items one at a time, or a vibratory
conveyor cooperating with a device for determining a quantity of food in
the secondary conveyor and means for terminating the dispensing when a
predetermined quantity of food is sensed. The secondary container may
have an opening in its bottom and be movable laterally to align its
opening with an opening in the freezer.