A food processing apparatus (10) includes a tank (26) defining a heat compartment (38) having an inlet end (22) for receiving food product and an outlet end (18) for discharging food product, an inlet for introducing a non-liquid heat transfer medium to the heat compartment (38) and a drum (50) rotatably mounted within the inner compartment (38) and having an auger (62) therein. The auger (62) advances food product within the tank (26) from the inlet end (22) toward the outlet end (18) and through the non-liquid heat transfer medium. The apparatus (10) includes a recirculation mechanism (14) configured and adapted to create a uniform temperature pattern within the heat compartment (38) and to transfer non-liquid heat transfer medium from the outlet end (18) of the heat compartment to the inlet end (22) of the heat compartment (38).