Track #1 Herbal Lifestyle Cooking Series
Slow Magic in the Kitchen
When late-summer tomatoes pile high on the counter, it’s time to turn them into something extraordinary. Tomato confit—a slow roast of tomatoes in olive oil with garlic and herbs—is one of the simplest ways to capture sunshine in a jar. Add to this a bowl of olive oil–soaked croutons, golden and crisp from the oven, and you’ve got the perfect pair for soups, salads, or just snacking at the counter with a glass of wine.
Tomato Confit Recipe
Ingredients:
2 pounds cherry or grape tomatoes (or halved plum tomatoes)
6–8 garlic cloves, peeled
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1–2 teaspoons herbs (see Herbal PYO Sidebar Key)
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil (enough to almost cover the tomatoes)
Method:
Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
Place tomatoes and garlic in a baking dish.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs.
Pour olive oil over until tomatoes are nearly submerged.
Roast for 2–3 hours until tomatoes are soft, wrinkled, and bursting with flavor.
Store in a glass jar with the cooking oil, refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks.
Serving Ideas:
Spoon over toasted bread or pasta.
Stir into risotto or grain bowls.
Use as a base for soups or stews.
Olive Oil Soaked Croutons
Ingredients:
Half a loaf of rustic bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon herbs (see Herbal PYO Sidebar Key)
Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Method:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Toss bread cubes in olive oil, salt, and herbs until evenly coated.
Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake 12–15 minutes, flipping once, until crisp and golden.
Cool before storing in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Serving Ideas:
Float on tomato soup or chowders.
Toss into salads for crunch.
Snack with a dab of tomato confit for a rustic appetizer.
🌿 Herbal PYO (Pick-Your-Own) Sidebar Key
Choose your flavor profile for both confit and croutons:
Classic Mediterranean: Thyme + Rosemary
Fresh Garden: Basil + Oregano
Rustic & Bold: Rosemary + Garlic
Sweet & Bright: Basil added just before serving
Each choice brings a different personality to the dish, giving you the flexibility to cook with what’s growing in your garden or available in your kitchen.
The Herbal Touch
The beauty of these recipes lies in their flexibility. A sprig of thyme makes them earthy, rosemary adds woodsy strength, oregano leans rustic, and basil keeps things fresh and bright. Think of this as herbal playtime in your kitchen—every variation tells its own story.
Until next time...
I am...
Phil Wilson...
And, here's to living an Herbal Lifestyle With You!