Pomodori al Forno

Roasted plum tomatoes and garlic is a very easy dish to make --with a wonderful result! Use a large, shallow earthenware dish that will allow the tomatoes to sear and char in a hot oven.

Ingredients:
8 ripe plum tomatoes, halved
12 garlic cloves
4 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
3 bay leaves
salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 Tbs. fresh oregano leaves, to garnish

~Preheat the oven to 450 F. Select an ovenproof dish that will hold all the tomatoes snugly in a single layer. Place the tomatoes in the dish (you may leave their stems on) and push the whole, unpeeled garlic cloves between them.
Brush the tomatoes with the oil, add the bay leaves and sprinkle black pepper over the top. Bake for about 45 minutes until the tomatoes have softened and are sizzling in the pan. They should be charred around the edges, Season with salt and a little more black pepper, if needed. Garnish with oregano and serve.