Kit, apparatus and method for use in cooking over an intense heat source

An apparatus for cooking food above an intense heat source, comprising:

• a heat shield member comprising a first baffle plate and a second baffle plate attached to and spaced apart from the first baffle plate, said first and second baffle plates of the heat shield member being fixedly connected by at least one spacer extending therebetween, wherein a buffer zone is defined between the baffle plates, and wherein an open space is provided between peripheral edge portions of said baffle plates at an outer edge of said heat shield member such that heated air from said buffer zone may flow outwardly through said open space;
• a food support member for suspended placement above the heat shield member, the food support member having a plurality of openings formed therein;
• and
• a plurality of support arms rigidly affixed to said heat shield member, said support arms extending between and interconnecting the food support member and the heat shield member.

A method of using a cooking apparatus to cook food over a barbeque grill, wherein the cooking apparatus comprises a heat shield having a plurality of spacers affixed to an upper surface thereof the and extending upwardly thereon, and a food support member adapted for placement above and spaced apart from the heat shield, said method comprising the steps of:

• a) placing the heat shield on a grill rack of the barbeque grill, wherein the heat shield comprises an upper plate and a lower plate, the upper plate fixed to the lower plate in a vertically stacked, spaced-apart relationship, said upper and lower plates of the heat shield being fixedly connected by at least one spacer extending therebetween, wherein a buffer zone is defined between said upper and lower plates, and wherein an open space is provided between peripheral edge portions of said plates, at an outer edge of said heat shield, such that heated air from said buffer zone may flow outwardly through said open space;
• b) placing uncooked food on top of a food support surface of the food support member;
• c) placing the food support member on top of the spacers of the heat shield such that the food support member is supported thereby;
• d) allowing the food is to cook on the food support member;
• and
• e) removing the food from the food support member.