Roasted Tomatoes

3 pounds ripe plum tomatoes (about 15)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Stem the tomatoes and slice them in half lengthwise. Gently squeeze out the seeds or scoop them out with a spoon.

Lay the tomatoes, cut side up, in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the thyme and garlic. Roast for 40 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees and roast the tomatoes until caramelized, about 20 minutes more.

Turn off the oven and leave the tomatoes inside for 10 minutes, then remove to a rack and let cool completely. Peel if desired. The tomatoes will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or store in the freezer.

From: Every Day with Rachel Ray: August 2006