For SandyM- Sundried Tomatoes

[MrsReber]

Sandy- it's not a dumb question at all! I know we had a whole discussion about it on the BB sometime last summer, but I can't seem to find that thread.

Here's what I do- I get a bunch of plum tomatoes (preferably from my garden) and slice them in half longways. I put them on my broiler pan so that any moisture can drip off. I also line the bottom of the broiler pan with foil for easy clean up! Then I place them cut side up on the pan, season them with a little bit of salt and pepper and spray them with some olive oil (not too much seasoning or oil). Then I place them in the oven at the lowest setting for 10-12 hours. I normally do this overnight on a weekend so I can keep a close eye on them. It takes a while, but I have to say I always have excellent results and they tatse much better than the store bought.

There's also someone who posted that she dries them in a dehydrater. I never tried that method so I can't vouch for it!

[donleyk]

I, too, was interested in how you did this. You mentioned keeping an eye on them. Why, exactly? Are you watching for them to look like they do when I buy them at the store? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[MrsReber]

It'll take a few hours, but you'll see them start to shrink up after a bit. I spray them again with olive oil about halfway through, too. I try to use them right away. I have stored them in the fridge, too, in a plastic bag with a little bit of olive oil and some seasonings. They are just so much sweeter than the store bought ones.

[SandyM]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mrs. Reber!

[MrsReber]

You are quite welcome. I was surprised at how easy they were to make. You just have to stay close to the house for a bit, which is why I do them overnight. I'll start them around 7:00 or 8:00 on a weekend and check them before I go to bed. They are usually almost done by the morning.

[SandyM]

One more question - do you have a gas or electric oven? I probably wouldn't do it overnight, because I have a gas oven - but I'm wondering if there would be a difference.......

[MrsReber]

Sandy, I've used both an electric and a gas oven. The first couple of times, I was living by myself and my house had an electric oven. Now my husband and I have a house with a gas oven (propane) and I've made them twice in there. If you're uncomfortable with it, you can simply pop them in first thing in the morning and then they'd be done by evening.

[SandyM]

Again, many, many thanks!

PS - who's in charge of letting us know about your blessed event? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[MrsReber]

That's a good question. Guess I'll just have to check in and let everyone know! Only three 1/2 months left, give or take a few days. Time sure does fly! Guess my husband will be tending the garden this year. This baby is beating on my stomach all day long now. It's all so very strange, but also very wonderful.