Slow- Roasted Tomatoes

I was not about to let the fact that my tomato plants failed miserably  to produce any significant quantity of fruits this summer, stop me from making Slow Roasted Tomatoes. I hit the Farmer Market for my supply of lovely tomatoes. I roasted and bottled the tomatoes. Now, I can look forward to delicious Slow Roasted Tomatoes in the fall and winter when only yucky tasteless tomatoes are in the market.

Besides I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE hearing the pop coming from the jars when the vacuum effect takes place which causes the seal pop down and seals. You know it is coming but you don't know exactly when. It is almost musical and magical :)

Adapted from Eating Local

Ingredients
3 lbs of large slicing tomatoes, about 1/2 lb each
kosher salt
granulated garlic
dried italian herb
extra virgin olive oil

Method:
Core and slice each tomato in half horizontally. Place on rimmed baking sheet, cut side up. When all the tomatoes have been sliced and placed on baking sheet, you can season them. Sprinkle each tomato generously with salt, dried italian herb and granulated garlic in turn. Finally drizzle each tomato with extra virgin olive oil. Place in oven and roast for 3 hours until they are very soft and just about to caramelize.

Sterilize the jars and lids in a hot water batch

Roasted tomatoes should be reduced in size, slightly caramelized but still juicy.

When the tomatoes are ready, use a spoon to transfer 3-4 tomato halves into prepared canning jars. Use a Jar Funnel if you have one, to avoid drips on the threads of the jar.

Top with olive oil, leaving 1/2 inch headspace

Use a bubble remover / headspace tool or a skewer, if you do not have the former,  around the edge of jar contents  to release air bubbles. Take your time to remove the bubbles or you may not get a good seal on the jars.

Wipe the threads of jar clean with a damp clean cloth. Remove sterilized lids with tongs or magnetic wand. Cover filled jars with sterilized lids. Tighten just to hand tight. Process in hot water bath for about 30 minutes. Use a Jar Lifter to remove jars and cool on counter. You should hear the seal set when a pop is heard. This will take place over the next few hours and up to 24 hours.

After it has cooled for 12 to 24 hours, check the seal by pressing the center of lid. The safety button in the center should not flex. If you remove the ring, you should be able to hold the jar by the seal. If you find that some jars that are not sealed, place jars in the refrigerator and use within a few days.