Friday's Recipes - 10/20/23

We’re Back! Hope you enjoy the new Sue’s Home Kitchen Newsletter!

Sun-Dried Tomato Questions Answered 

Sun-dried tomatoes are a delicious and versatile ingredient popularized recently for their sweet, tangy, and chewy flavor.

But what exactly are sun-dried tomatoes?

Are they just dehydrated tomatoes, or is there more to the process?

In simple terms, sun-dried tomatoes are tomatoes that have been dehydrated by being placed in the sun, a dehydrator, or an oven. During this process, the tomatoes lose 90% of their weight from the loss of water content, resulting in smaller and more concentrated pieces.

This drying method has been used for centuries to preserve tomatoes for consumption during winter months when fresh produce was not readily available.

But are store-bought sun-dried tomatoes actually dried in the sun? 

The answer is yes, but it's not as simple as just leaving them out in the sun. In most cases, producers will use a combination of natural and artificial methods to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. This can include using a dehydrator or an oven at low temperatures to speed up the process and ensure food safety.

So, what can you do with sun-dried tomatoes? 

The possibilities are endless. They can be used to garnish dishes like salads and pasta or incorporated into recipes for bread, soup, and even soda bread baps. Their intense flavor makes them a great addition to any dish that needs a burst of sweetness.

Enjoy,

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🤔 Today’s Trivia Question
Where did the tradition of sun-drying tomatoes originate?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

VIDEO: Italian Homemade Sun Dried Tomatoes 🍅 How to make them from Fresh Tomatoes!

🤔 Answer to Today’s Trivia Question
The practice of sun-drying tomatoes began in Italy, where Italians would dry tomatoes on their tile roofs.

Check out this Plant-Based Cookbook with over 100 mouth-watering recipes!

😂 Q: How do you put back together a cut tomato?

A: With tomato paste.