Roasted Tomatoes

I mentioned here how much I enjoy watching Giada's cooking shows, there is however only one other chef that I watch just as often, Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. Her recipes are always easy and incredibly delicious, and for those 30 minutes you are watching you get to pretend that you are hanging out in her incredible East Hampton home. While recently watching her show I saw her make these super easy and delicious roasted tomatoes, so when I needed a quick and easy appetizer last Sunday night, I gave them a shot and they were great!

Roasted Tomatoes

• 12 plum tomatoes - you can easily adjust according to how many you will be serving
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 large garlic cloves - I used more I always use more garlic! 
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Basil for garnish

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Cut the tomatoes length wise and then spoon out the innards and the seeds with a large spoon.

Arrange the tomatoes on a the sheet pan, cut sides up. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic over the tomatoes making sure each one gets a little drizzle of each. Then sprinkle the garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper over them as well.

Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are concentrated and beginning to caramelize. Once they are out of the oven, julienne fresh basil, and sprinkle over the tomatoes, serve warm or at room temperature.