Maple Syrup-Roasted Tomatoes for NYE

Appetizers ~ Canapes ~ Tapas ~ Dim sum ~ Hors d'oeuvres…

"...many of the great cuisines of the world -- Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern, Spanish, French and Italian, just for starters -- have long recognized that dawdling over small servings of many different dishes, sharing tidbits and discoveries, not only stretches out a pleasant social evening but bonds friends together in a very emotional way. In fact, the very word "companion" comes from the Latin com panis, or "with bread," meaning the person you share meals with -- friendship defined by dining...The most familiar versions are Middle Eastern mezze and their Spanish derivatives tapas; Chinese dim sum (meaning, sweetly, "touch the heart"); French canapes and hors d'oeuvres (themselves derived from the Russian zakuski); and Italian antipasti. In Vietnam, such drinking dishes are called "do nhau" -- literally, "little bites," and sounding not unlike "doughnut." The Thai, who might be the world's masters of outdoor gourmet dining, call them "kanto." Indians refer to samosas and other such little fried finger foods, cheerfully enough, as "chat."
---"Bite-Size Cusine," Eve Zibart, Washington Post, Sept. 4, 1998

These tiny tomatoes are marvelous straight out of the oven.  Roasting enhances their natural sugar and juices; adding the maple syrup intensifies their sweetness.  This recipe is adapted from Saveur.  

With a supply of toothpicks, this will be a tasty appetizer for you to serve on New Year’s Eve just as they are; or, topping baguette slices slathered with a little garlic butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or simply spread with goat cheese.

Other than an appetizer, they are perfect on salads, pastas, pizza, or even on your scrambled eggs for breakfast.  This could be your go-to appetizer that takes little time, and ingredients.  A hit for your crowd!

Maple Syrup-Roasted Tomatoes

Adapted

Ingredients:

16 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons olive oil

¼ teaspoon dried thyme

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and seasoned pepper, to taste

Method:

Heat oven to 400 degrees.

Arrange tomato halves cut side up on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet.

Whisk together remaining ingredients and drizzle over tomatoes.

Bake for 20 minutes, then stir and add a couple of tablespoons of water if they appear too dry.

Return to oven and bake for another 20-30 minutes until tomatoes are browned on bottom and begin to collapse.

They're tasty little bites!

Be sure to visit my friend, Linda’s blog, @My Kind of Cooking for great tips and delicious easy recipes!