When tomatoes are cheap and plentiful, I like to buy a few kilos and caramelise them. The lovely deli up the road sells them but they are very,very expensive. And if ,like me you like to put them on your pizza, your toasted sandwiches, in salads, through pasta and nibble on them with cheese, then perhaps instead of considering a second mortgage ( they are really expensive) you could try this recipe.
Two kilos of tomatoes seems like a lot but it makes more sense timewise to do this many. They keep well in the fridge ( probably 6 weeks to two months but ours never last that long) and if your sister in law develops a taste for them ( you know who you are!) then best make up a good size batch!
Take two kilos of tomatoes ( I have used Roma but have also successfully used cherry tomatoes when there was a glut of them), slice them in half ( no need to slice cherry or very small size ones) and throw in a heavy based dish.
Drizzle with two tablespoons of olive oil.
In a saucepan combine a firmly packed cup of brown sugar, a half cup of brown vinegar ( or balsamic) and about 3/4 cup of water. Stir over low heat until dissolved.Taste it and adjust accordingly to taste...if you like it quite vinegary add a bit more vinegar. Add a bit more sugar if it's a bit too sharp for your liking. Pour over the tomatoes.
Cook in a moderate to low oven for a very long time - usually 4-5 hours at about 140-150 deg cel. Stir every half hour or so, or whenever you remember to. When they are sticky and caramelly looking , they are done! Once you've made them you will have an idea of whether you like to cook them a little less or a little more. I usually cook mine on the more side as I like them quite sticky and toffee-ish!
Cool and store in airtight container in the fridge. You could probably bottle them like jam and keep then much longer but I hate sterilising jars! I just make up a new lot when we run out.
They are particularly good with mushroom, avocado and baby bocconcini on a homemade pizza- be sure to throw a good handful of rocket on top before you eat it. Tomato heaven!

I am definitely trying this one, they look absolutely delicious and that pizza sounds better than home delivery any day! Thank you!
Posted by: nel | Saturday, 03 March 2007 at 10:03 AM
mmmmm, I can taste them now .....
I will have to give that one a go. And I love the colour in your photo. Gorgeous.
Posted by: Jo | Saturday, 03 March 2007 at 10:21 AM
Thanks for that! I'll make some in the summer. They'll go well with my roasted peppers.
Posted by: Ash | Saturday, 03 March 2007 at 01:56 PM
I love when you post recipes ...always good simple food that is delicious!
Posted by: LilyBamboo | Saturday, 03 March 2007 at 04:10 PM
Yummy. Must try this!
Posted by: jen | Saturday, 03 March 2007 at 05:01 PM
these look so yummy and sweet - just a tease in our cool winter weather - i'll just have to remember to try it in September
Posted by: Leah Adams | Saturday, 03 March 2007 at 08:38 PM
My Husband will love this:)
Thanks!
Posted by: Zélia | Saturday, 03 March 2007 at 10:42 PM
Thank you for the wonderful tomato recipe,
I live not far from a tomato farm on the central coast of NSW, so I will be paying them a visit on the way home from work.
Can't wait to try them
I really enjoy your blog
Take care,
Lyn
Posted by: Lyn Ford | Monday, 05 March 2007 at 05:21 AM
Thank you! I have a similar, but slightly different recipe that involves halving the tomatoes, drizzling with olive oil, sprinkling with salt and fresh ground pepper, and baking at 200 degrees Farenheit for 4 hours. I'm looking forward to trying your recipe as I love balsamic vinegar.
Posted by: Rina | Monday, 19 March 2007 at 02:23 AM
I think Tomatos are great to look out. However I think it does't take kind care of your stomach.
Posted by: wa verzekering afsluiten | Wednesday, 11 March 2009 at 11:30 AM