Sun Dried Tomatoes and Basil

• Slice tomatoes in half lengthwise.
• Remove the seeds and meat from the seed cavity.
• Sprinkle lightly with salt and place cut side down to drain for an hour.
• Transfer to a lightly oiled baking tray and bake in a slow oven set at 150°.
• Let the tomatoes dry until they have a leathery texture, at least 8 hours and up to 16 hours.
• About halfway through baking, turn them over.
• Do not rush the baking by increasing the oven temperature, or the tomatoes may burn.

-Ellen Ecker Ogden, author of From the Cook's Garden cookbook