Top Chef Canada BBQ Tips

Canadian chef and Top Chef Canada contestant Jo Notkin has launched her veru own line of baking mixes, Jo’s BBQ Baking Mixes, specifically designed to make sweet and savoury baked goods on a gas barbecue. We asked Jo for some of her top barbecue baking tips in time for grilling season, and to share one of her own favourite recipes. Enjoy! —Vita Daily

zoeford.com

Jo Notkin’s BBQ Baking Tips

• The best results will be on a three- or four-burner gas barbecue with a middle burner that can be turned off as needed.
• Use cookware dedicated to barbecue baking. I suggest thick, restaurant-quality bakeware (available at restaurant-supply retailers). Do not use your best pans, or coated or non-stick bakeware.
• Follow the exact temperatures in the recipes. Learn how to maintain a steady temperature. Once your barbecue is preheated, turn the knobs slightly, and open and close the lid, as needed to reach the recipe baking temperature. Where do the knobs need to be to hold that temperature? All barbecues vary, so practice makes perfect!
• Use parchment paper where noted. Do not use waxed paper; it will melt. Do not use foil; it can vary the results.
• Use your intuition! Baking times vary widely from barbecue to barbecue (our suggested times can vary by 7 to 8 minutes) and baking in a gas barbecue requires some good old-fashioned intuition to know when an item is done or when it needs more time.

Zoe Ford’s Quick Sea Salt BBQ Dinner Rolls

Jo’s BBQ Baking Mix
4 tbsp cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes ( can also use dairy-free alternative)
1 ½ cups of cold buttermilk or milk alternative
2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil

Preheat gas barbecue to 425 F. Line 8- or 9-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving 2-inch overhang. In medium bowl, add baking mix and cold butter. Using your fingers, press butter into flour to create pea-sized pieces. Stir in buttermilk just until no dry bits remain (about 10 seconds). Pour batter into prepared pan; let puff and rise (3-4 minutes). Using fingers, carefully spread oil over top. Using a greased rubber spatula, press a line down the middle lengthwise, one-quarter of the way into the batter (repeat crosswise 3 times to create 8 equal rolls). Bake in gas barbecue, with lid closed, until tops are golden and wooder skewer inserted in centre comes out clean (about 23-28 minutes). Let cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing. Pull apart to serve.