Cherry Tomatoes

Once a cherry tomato plant starts producing, you can end up with so many that you might run out of ideas....here are a few fun ways to eat them!

Vodka Spiked Cherry Tomatoes Rolled in Basil Salt

Use a toothpick to poke 6 holes in each cherry tomato and then soak the tomatoes in a shot, or more, of vodka for an hour or two, stirring them occasionally.  Remove from vodka and roll in Basil Salt.  Pierce them onto a cocktail skewer.  The perfect garnish for a Bloody Mary, steak or chicken!

(Directions to make Basil Salt HERE)

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Cherry Tomato Confit

Ingredients

• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
• 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, sliced
• 1 sprig of fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• Dash of sugar
• Optional: 1 T chopped onion and/or chopped green peppers

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 230°F.
2. Rinse the cherry tomatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. In a large oven-safe dish covered with parchment paper, add the cherry tomato and toss with the olive oil, garlic, and thyme. 
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. And a sprinkling of sugar, the balsamic vinegar and give it a good stir
6. Bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours at 230°F.
7. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
8. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the tomatoes to a clean jar or container.
9. Pour the remaining oil and garlic over the tomatoes until the tomatoes are completely covered, if more is needed add more oil.
10. Enjoy!  Store ups to 2 weeks in fridge.  Serve on crostini, cheese, in sauce, on focaccia, on chicken, fish or meat.

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Marinated Cherry Tomatoes

Marinate halved cherry tomatoes, chopped green peppers, oregano, a minced garlic clove and chopped parsley in a BalsamicVinaigrette for a few hours.  Toss tomatoes and dressing over prepared pasta.

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Quick Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Cut cherry tomatoes in half, sprinkle with basil olive oil, a dash of Balsamic, some spicy seasoning, lemon pepper and salt, toss a bit and roast at 375' for about 10-15 min.  You can add some crushed garlic and thinly sliced onions, too!  Before serving garnish with ribbons of basil

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Herbal Green Bean Salad

Steam 1/2 - 3/4 lb fresh green beans until al dente - you want them to still have a bit of crisp to them! Immediately dip them into ice cold water to stop the cooking.  Cut one cup of cherry tomatoes in halves, slice 1/2 small onion.  Toss the green beans, cherry tomatoes and onion with Balsamic or Italian dressing and serve chilled!

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You can substitute halved cherry tomatoes for the Roma tomatoes!

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Use them on a Charcuterie tray or skewer them for easy appetizers:

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