Oven-Dried Tomato Spread

total time:: 3 hr , including oven-drying time

Makes 1 cup spread

A tangy spread that is great with crostini for an appetizer. Leftovers can be used as a spread on hamburgers and sandwiches, or as a marinade for poultry.

ingredients

2 pints cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Cooking spray

directions

1
Preheat oven to 250 degrees.
2
Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray. Place the cherry tomatoes on the sheet and spray again with cooking spray. Sprinkle the tomatoes with a pinch or two of salt and place in the oven. Allow to dry 2-3 hours, or until shriveled. The last 20 minutes of cooking time, add the peeled garlic cloves to the cookie sheet. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
3
In a food processor, combine the dried tomatoes, garlic, and basil. Add chicken broth to acheive a thick, spreadable texture. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Source: Amanda Caudle