Serves 6 people
6 medium heirloom perfectly ripened tomatoes,
preferably a mix of red, yellow and green
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
6 sprigs fo thyme, leaves removed and finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. In a large saucepan of boiling water, blanch the tomatoes for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon or strainer and immediately chill in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. The skins will slip right off. Cut the tomatoes in half, crosswise. Gently squeeze each half to remove seeds.
2. Oil a 12-by-8-inch or 14-inch oval baking and sprinkle with half of the garlic and thyme. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Now arrange the tomato halves, cut sides up, in the dish and baste with the remaining oil. Season generously with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the remaining garlic, thyme and vinegar.
3. Bake the tomatoes for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. When done, they will be soft and just starting to caramelize but still hold their shape. Spoon the pan juices up over the tomatoes and serve from the baking dish
