Slow-Dried Tomatoes

8 ripe, firm, Plum tomatoes, cut in half horizontally

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 tbsp thyme leaves, picked fresh

½ tsp caster sugar

60ml olive oil

Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

To Make:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 200 °C or Gas 6. Place the tomatoes on a baking tray, cut side up. Scatter over. then rub on. the garlic, thyme leaves, sugar, salt and pepper.

2. Drizzle the olive oil over the spiced tomatoes.

3. Place in the oven to bake until very soft and shrivelled. Leave to cool.

4. These keep in olive oil for 1 week in the refrigerator.