Oven Dried Tomatoes With Artichoke Paste Food

HOMEMADE TOMATO PASTE

Steps:

• Stir to combine the tomatoes with the olive oil and salt in a large Dutch oven. Cover and cook over medium heat until the tomatoes give up their juices and the skins start to peel off, about 10 minutes.
• Let cool for a few minutes, then pass the tomatoes and their juices through a food mill fitted with the finest disk into a bowl. (If you don't have a food mill, you can press through a sieve.) Transfer the puree to the Dutch oven. Bring to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to thicken and is reduced by about half, about 1 hour. Lower the heat so the puree is barely bubbling and continue to cook, stirring every 10 minutes or so, until very thick, 30 minutes to 1 hour more, depending on how juicy your tomatoes were. Once the puree is quite thick, keep an eye on it and cook, stirring frequently, until brick red and completely dried out (but not burnt), 10 to 15 minutes more. Let cool completely.
• Transfer to a nonreactive jar and cover with a thin film of olive oil to prevent a crust from forming. Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, transfer to ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, remove and transfer the cubes to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

OVEN-DRIED TOMATOES

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.

ARTICHOKE SUN-DRIED TOMATO PIZZA

Steps:

• Mix water with yeast and sugar in a large mixing bowl, set aside for 5 minutes to let it bloom.
• Add the garlic, oil, salt and herbs.
• Add about 1 1/2-2 cups flour, mix well.
• Pour onto a floured board, add remaining flour as needed, knead for about 5 minutes (this dough is really soft).
• Cover with the mixing bowl.
• Let rise about 20-30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
• Punch dough down, knead on lightly floured board, set aside.
• Coat your pizza pan with olive oil.
• Place the dough in pan, roll out in pan.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Spoon and spread the dough with the sauce.
• Sprinkle with the herbs and seasonings.
• Decorate with the artichokes, olives, onions, black olives,.
• and sundried tomatoes.
• Sprinkle with the cheese.
• Cook until bottom in golden, spray crust with the cooking spray, broil for about 1 minute to melt cheese and make it bubbly.
• Let stand 2 minutes, cut and enjoy.
• FYI, you can also make this pizza with some chopped, drained and defrosted spinach instead of the artichoke hearts and it is just as fantabulous.

CARRIE'S ARTICHOKE AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil.
• While the water is heating, melt the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add the onions, mushrooms, and garlic; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, wine, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer until liquid is reduced by a third, about 4 minutes.
• Cook the fresh pasta in boiling water until done, about 2 minutes. Drain.
• Toss pasta with sauce. Top with fresh tomatoes and cheese, add pepper to taste, and serve.

OVEN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 250°. Fill a large saucepan two-thirds with water; bring to a boil. Cut a shallow "X" on the bottom of each tomato. Place tomatoes, a few at a time, in boiling water just until skin at the "X" begins to loosen, about 30 seconds. Remove and immediately drop into ice water. Pull off and discard skins., Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise. Combine tomatoes, oil, basil, garlic, salt and pepper; toss to coat. Transfer tomatoes, cut side up, to a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Roast until tomatoes are soft and slightly shriveled, about 5 hours. Cool completely; refrigerate.