Tomato==== December Nationl Vegetable or is it a Fruit

Oven roasted tomatoes are delicious and a great way to enjoy tomatoes in the winter. Turning tomatoes into delicious sweet bite full of robust flavor. Cooking the tomatoes in this method can be used in hundreds of dishes. Awesome for appetizers, pastas, salads, meat, poultry, or whatever you would normally use tomatoes.

The process of cooking these tomatoes is slow and one that is meant for the lazy weekend. Easy enough to allow you to work around the home, wrap gifts or whatever you need to do.

Tomato-Rosemary Confit Croustades

Makes approximately 2 1/2 dozen croustades (about 4 cups tomato confit) Prep Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 5 hours Active Work Time: 45 minutes 3/4 cup olive oil 4 very finely minced medium-sized garlic cloves 3 tablespoons finely chopped, fresh rosemary 5 pounds medium-sized vine-ripened tomatoes, peeled and seeded Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 large French baguette Heat the oven to 225 degrees F. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic and rosemary.  Set aside. To peel and seed the tomatoes: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Prepare a bowl of ice water next to the stove. Use a sharp paring knife to mark an "X" on the bottom of each tomato, trying to slit only the skin and to not really cut into the flesh of the tomato. Use the same knife to remove the stems. Place the tomatoes in the boiling water for about 30 seconds, just until you see the skin pull away a bit at the"X."  We're not cooking the tomatoes at all -- we're just loosening the skin. Use a slotted spoon or small strainer to remove the tomatoes and place them directly into the ice water.  This "shocks" the tomatoes.  It stops the tomatoes from cooking and helps keep their color bright. Once the tomatoes are cool, the skin can easily be peeled off, beginning at the "X."  You can use your hands or the paring knife. Cut each tomato in half, horizontally, and use your fingers or a small teaspoon to scoop out the seeds.  Gently shake the tomato half to remove excess seeds. Now pour half of the oil mixture to cover the surface of an edged baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the tomatoes, round side up on the baking sheet.  Don't worry if it's a tight fit -- squeeze in all of the tomatoes, as they will shrink during the cooking process.  Season with salt and pepper and evenly pour the remaining oil mixture over the tomatoes. Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for approximately 5 hours, basting every hour and a half or so with the pan juices. When the tomatoes are done, they will be about half their original size and slightly golden brown along some of the edges.  They should not be dry.  Season  to taste with salt and pepper. Turn the oven up to 375 degrees F. Using a serrated knife, cut the baguette into approximately 30 slices and place them on a baking sheet.  Toast in the 375 degree F oven until the edges are slightly golden brown, about 4 minutes. Add 1 to 2 tomato halves to the surface of each slice of toasted bread. Serve either at room temperature or warm. So beautiful, too! Timeline: Up to 5 days and at least 6 hours ahead: Make the tomato confit. Up to 1 hour ahead: Slice and toast baguette. Up to 45 minutes ahead: Assemble the croustades. 5 minutes ahead: Warm in the oven at 375 degrees recipe source here