Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Drying tomatoes without the sun!!!

In winter you can use your oven. Don't bother doing this for just a few tomatoes, you will be wasting a gastronomical amount of energy and your electricity bill will sky rocket...

Sun-dried tomatoes are great for adding that gourmet touch..plus if you make them like I do, they should explode flavour into whatever recipe you pop them into. They taste marvelous in pastas, biscuits, bread,pizzas, salads or simply with toast topped with greek yoghurt.

A few facts worth noting:

- If all the tomatoes are uniform in size, they will dry at the same rate.

- If you want to use fresh herbs or garlic, you'll need to refrigerate after.

- This recipe works best with Cherry or Roma Tomatoes.

- A jar of these gorgeous deep-red delicacies, make an excellant gift!

Ingredients:

2 kilos of Cherry Tomatoes

Mixture:

Olive oil
Cracked black pepper

Salt

Chilli Flakes

Mixed herbs ( Dried oregano, thyme etc. )

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees. The higher the temperature, the faster they will dry and the more you will have to check up on them.

2. Slice the tomatoes lengthwise (Dont forget to remove the stem).

3. Using your fingers or a spoon, scoop out the seeds and jelly, leaving only the flesh behind. ( To seed or not to seed, is up to you completely)

4. Place on a rack for a slighty crispy product, or on a tray lined with a cookie sheet for a more soft result.

5. You can brush the surface of the tomatoes with the mixture. I preferred to toss them in a bowl with the olive oil concoction to ensure maximum flavour ^^

6. Line them up, so they are not touching each other.

7. Stick them in the oven for 5-6 hours. Watch them closely. ( The time depends on the water content of the tomatoes and how well air is circulating around them )

Storage:

Many people freeze them in zip lock bags, but seeing as how they get used up pretty fast in my house, packing them in seasoned oil, and refridgerating them is also an ideal option.

Oil pack them in a jar, especially if you have used fresh garlic and herbs. Ensure all the tomatoes are covered with oil.