Snack sandwiches with confit tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 10 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 150°C.
2. Combine the tomatoes in a bowl with olive oil, thyme, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Place a rack on a baking sheet and arrange the tomato halves cut-side up on the rack. Bake the tomatoes until shriveled and tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
   Exit: 1.5 tbsp.
4. Coarsely chop the tomatoes, transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, and serve over crostini. Use as a sauce for grilled fish or chicken, or stir into store-bought tomato sauce for a richer flavor.