embodiment a manifold 24 having a series of depending outlet pipes 26 is located above the depressions 20 and the flowable mixture 22 is directed through the respective pipes 26 for filling of the depressions generally this flowable mixture has a temperature of from about 130 190 u00b0 f during the filling step the mixture 22 is then allowed to harden within the individual depressions 20 to form the self sustaining bodies 28 of the invention such hardening can be carried out at room temperature or if desired in a refrigerated area in the case of room temperature hardening a period of from about 45 minutes to 4 hours is normally sufficient at the end of the hardening step the bodies 28 typically have a moisture content of from about 30 60 by weight and a temperature of from about 40 90 u00b0 f the products of the invention have a mass to surface area ratio in the range of from about 0 05 5 g cm 2 it has been found that bodies having greater than a 5 g cm 2 ratio are difficult to mold owing to the fact that the starch tends to tenaciously cling to the surfaces of the bodies because during hardening substantial moisture migrates from the bodies into the surrounding starch the formed bodies 28 are then separated from the starch 10 this can be accomplished by a variety of techniques fig8 illustrates one such method wherein the entire contents of the tray 12 are dumped onto a sieve apparatus 30 allowing.