Method

Pretzel Rolls
Mix the water and milk together in a glass bowl and then microwave until lukewarm. It shouldn’t be steaming, just warm (around 40 °C). Pour the mixture into a larger mixing bowl (make sure it’s large enough as the dough will double in size as it proves). Add the oil, salt and yeast. Add 3 cups of flour and combine with a wooden spoon. Add the other 4 cups of flour, then using your hands work the dough until it comes together.

When the mixture forms a dough, turn it out on to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes. The dough should have a stiff, yet soft consistency and should not be too sticky. Rinse and clean the mixing bowl and then grease it with butter. Plop the dough back into the bowl and brush the top with a little extra oil. Cover with a wet tea towel and leave in a warm spot for 2 hours to prove. The dough should double in size.

Portion the dough into twelve pieces before rolling. Make sure the kitchen counter is clean; if there is any residual flour on the counter it makes it difficult to roll the rolls. The rolls need to tack to the surface so they come together as they are formed. Take a portion of dough and place a cupped hand over it. The idea is to keep your pinky finger on the surface at all times and make a fast clockwise motion with your cupped hand. As you rotate you will feel the dough come together into a ball. If the dough is sliding around and not coming together, try rubbing a little butter onto the surface. This will help it tack. You should get a perfectly round dough ball with a pucker on the bottom. Space the rolls out on a sheet of baking paper and cover with a wet tea towel for 20 minutes to further prove. The dough will expand so ensure there is room in between them. At this point preheat the oven to 210 °C.

Now its time to give the rolls a bath. Put the bicarb, brown sugar and water into a large saucepan. Bring to the boil, and then working in batches of two to three, boil the rolls for 30 seconds each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain the rolls, then place onto a tray lined with baking paper. Using a seriously sharp knife or even an NT cutter, slice an X into the top of the rolls. Try not to deflate the balls when you do this. Sprinkle some sugar and coarse sea salt over the rolls and place in the oven to bake for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and remove when you are happy with the colour.

Pineapple & Pepper Relish
Over medium-hot coals char the skin of the red peppers. Remove from the heat and place into a plastic packet to sweat for 10 minutes.
Braai the pineapple slices for about 2-3 minutes a side until they have caramelised and have distinctive grill marks. Set aside to cool.
Peel the skin off the peppers, dice and then throw into a mixing bowl.
Dice the pineapple and add to the bowl.
Add the rest of the ingredients, mix well and season to taste. Cover the relish and leave it in the fridge so that all the flavours can get to know each other.

To Assemble
Slice the pretzel rolls and allow to cool slightly. Butter and spread with a good dollop of wholegrain mustard. Pile generously with slices of gammon and top with fresh pineapple and red pepper relish and rocket. Serve with an ice-cold beer.