Oven-Dried Tomatoes

Ciao Amici!

Well, to close out the month of Tomatoes, August (yes, I know it's September 2nd), I'd like to share with you how I did my "Oven-Dried Tomatoes". First off, if you prefer, you can call them "Sun-Dried Tomatoes". I don't think anyone will know, or care.

First, I made sure to choose small to medium sized ripe plum tomatoes. I took the core out with the point of a sharp knife and sliced them in half from top to bottom. Next, I laid them on a sheet-pan (cookie sheet) with the inside of the tomato facing UP. I lightly salted the open part of the tomato halves and put them into the oven. The lowest setting on my oven is 170 degrees, this proved to be too low. So, my official decision is to dry them at 200 degrees until they are completely dry. For me, this took about 24 hours. I did 2, 12 hour increments and yes, I allowed the oven to stay on while I slept during the night. I have to say, I woke up to a wonderfully-smelling house the next morning.

After they dried, I allowed them to sit out for a half-day or so to finish drying. They're REALLY dry! (If they're not totally dry they can mold in the jars and of course you don't want that.) After that, I packed them very firmly into small jars with leaves of basil and filled the jars with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Now I'll store them in the cupboard or even on the kitchen counter per bellezza (for looks) as long as I need them.

Buon Appetito!

Now let's start September!!

PASTA E' BASTA!!!!

Pasta and that's all!!