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Roasted tomatoes are simple to make and a great addition to a sauce or soup recipe. As they roast in the oven, they lose moisture, which intensifies the flavors. Roasting tomatoes brings out a deep, concentrated, sweet tomato flavor which makes them perfect for preserving the flavor of summer.

There are so many amazing people in my life that drop off tomatoes from their gardens throughout the summer. Rocco waters our neighbors' garden when they are away, so we often reap the benefits of their harvest too! I feel so fortunate that people think of me and know that gifts like these are so appreciated.

In Illinois, we had a rather large garden, with somewhere between 9-12 tomato plants. Since the big move to Michigan, I’ve only been able to keep herbs alive in a raised bed on the back deck. Our house is surrounded by very large mature trees that block most of the sunlight, which makes it difficult to keep plants alive without sunshine. Plus, the wildlife would probably eat anything that I was able to grow.

Southwest Michigan, is filled with farms, pick your own orchards, and farm stands. I like to take advantage of all these, but my favorite Saturday stop is the Kalamazoo Farmers Market! It is an incredible representation of the agriculture available in the area. A must-see if you are planning on visiting Southwest Michigan any time between May and October!

In late summer I like to preserve tomatoes in several different ways. I can tomatoes in several forms: whole tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato jam, tomato bruschetta and even tomatoes juice specifically for Bloody Mary’s. Roasting tomatoes is as close as I get to replicating that fresh off the vine tomato in the middle of winter!

How you decide to store them will depend on how you plan to use them. They can easily be stored in a zip top bag in the freezer for up to six months once they come to room temperature. Or submerge them in olive oil (as pictured below). Don’t toss that olive oil, it will be delicious in a salad dressing!

Be prepared when you bite into these tomatoes! If cooked properly, you will experience a rush of sweet, juicy, earthy tomato goodness. If you’re gifted some tomatoes or trying to figure out what to do with that end-of-the-summer crop from your garden, I hope you try this recipe!

Feeling Social? If you try this recipe, please share a photo so I can see your dish!

Go make some memories in your kitchen!