Sun Dried Tomatoes Recipes

Steps:

• TOMATO PREPARATION ALL METHODS.
• Cut out the stem and scar and the hard portion of core lying under it.
• Cut the tomatoes in half, lengthwise. If the tomato is more than about 2 inches long, cut it in quarters.
• Scrape out all of the seeds that you can without removing the pulp.
• Mix together thoroughly basil,oregano, thyme, and salt.
• Sprinkle a small amount of this mixture on each tomato.
• OVEN-DRYING (approximately 12 hours).
• Arrange the tomatoes, with the cut surface up, on non-stick cookie sheets (glass or porcelain dishes are OK.) Do not use aluminum foil or aluminum baking sheets as the acid in the tomato will react with the metal.
• Bake in 170°F oven for about 3 hours.
• Leave the oven door propped open about 3 inches to allow moisture to escape.
• After 3 hours, turn the tomatoes over and press flat with your hand or a spatula.
• Continue to dry, turning the tomatoes every few hours, and gently pressing flatter and flatter, until tomatoes are dry.
• DEHYDRATOR (approximately 8 hours):.
• Place the tomatoes, cut side up, directly onto the dehydrator trays.
• Set dehydrator temperature to about 140°F.
• After 4 or 5 hours, turn the tomatoes over and press flat with your hand or a spatula.
• After a few hours, turn the tomatoes again and flatten gently.
• Continue drying until done.
• SUN-DRYING (approximately 3 days):.
• Dry in hot weather, with relatively low humidity.
• Place tomatoes, cut side down, in shallow wood-framed trays with nylon netting for the bottom of the trays.
• Cover trays with protective netting or cheesecloth.
• Place in direct sun, raised from the ground.
• on blocks or anything else that allows air to circulate under the trays.
• Turn the tomatoes over after about 1 1/2 days, to expose the cut side to the sun.
• Place the trays in a sheltered spot after sundown, or if the weather turns bad.
• ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR ALL METHODS.
• No matter what method you choose, be aware that not all of the tomatoes will dry at the same rate. They do not all have the same amount of moisture, nor do they experience the same temperature and air circulation while they are drying.
• They are done when they are very dry, but still pliable. Texture is about that of a dried apricot. If dried too long, they become tough and leathery. If not dried long enough, they will mold and mildew, unless packed in oil. So watch them carefully while they dry. Try to remove them on an individual basis, before they become tough.

Steps:

• Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water with a splash of oil to keep it from sticking together. Boil for 12 minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain well and allow to cool. Place the pasta in a bowl and add the tomatoes, olives, mozzarella, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• For the dressing, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, capers, salt, and pepper in a food processor until almost smooth.
• Pour the dressing over the pasta, sprinkle with the Parmesan and basil, and toss well.

Steps:

• Halve 2 pounds plum tomatoes lengthwise. Place cut-side up on a baking sheet, season with salt and let stand 20 minutes. Roast in a 250 degrees F oven until slightly dry but still juicy, about 4 hours. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme.

Steps:

• Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise with membranes in center.
• Scoop out seeds and juice with back of thumb.
• Cut wedge to get rid of core.
• Place on drying rack.
• Sprinkle lightly with salt.
• When dry, not brittle, just slightly rubbery, remove from rack and place in bowl.
• Toss with vinegar until all are moist, but not wet.
• Pat excess moisture with paper towel.
• Place in ziplock bag, squeeze out air, zip, and refrigerate in vegetable bin. (I keep mine for up to a year).

Steps:

• Wash tomatoes, pat dry and cut into pieces. For cherry tomatoes, cut in half; for others, cut into pieces, about 2x1", but this isn't fussy!
• Pat dry with paper towels again.
• Spray large baking tray with vegetable oil.
• If you have a cooling rack, place it on the baking tray and lightly spray it, too. (For very small cherry tomatoes, skip this. They'll just fall through as they dry!).
• Spread tomatoes evenly on rack/tray, trying not to have them touch.
• Place in 170 degree oven and let dry for 5-10 hours.
• OR cover with cheese cloth to keep bugs off and place in a really hot car with the windows up, set in the sun.
• Let tomatoes dry until they're crunchy and look like really dry raisins. Taste them! They should crunch!
• For longer storage, place in a freezer bag and freeze.
• When ready to use, take out what you want and cover with boiling water. Let set for about 20 minute.

Steps:

• Core the stem area out from each tomato.
• Cut each tomato in half crosswise.
• Take each tomato half in hand- with the cut-side out- and give it a quick, gentle squeeze to force out the seeds.
• Use a finger to sweep remaining seeds out.
• Place each tomato, cut-side up, on a cookie sheet.
• Spray or drizzle olive oil across the top of each tomato half.
• Sprinkle garlic, basil, oregano across the tomatoes.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bake in a 200°F oven for 4-6 hours or until the tomatoes are"dry" to the touch.
• When they are cool, cut each tomato half in quarters and store in fridge-- or start nibbling immediately.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
• Wash and halve tomatoes. Gently squeeze out the seeds. Place the tomatoes on a non-stick cookie sheet, and sprinkle with salt to taste.
• Bake until tomatoes take on a leathery texture. This could literally take all day; smaller pieces will require less oven time.

Steps:

• Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl.
• Cover with boiling water (just to cover) and let soak for 3 minutes; drain.
• Slice, and return to bowl.
• Add in oil and remaining ingredients.
• Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• Store in the refrigerator covered in a glass jar.
• **NOTE** the oil will thicken in the fridge, just warm slightly in the microwave before using.