Marinated Cherry Tomatoes (R)

[Loupy]

Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
By: Loupy @ loupysrecipebox.proboards.com/
Adapted from: Raineyjr @ www.allrecipes.com


Original recipe was by RAINEYJR on allrecipes.com. The reviews were not that good and most people choose to customize the recipe. So, I thought I would try too. This is the one I came up with and we like it very much. I usually rate recipes I use, but since I doctored this one so much, I won't. But, I still think it's great!



Ingredients:
4 cups halved cherry or grape tomatoes
1/4 cup vegetable or olive oil
3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning...much better in my opinion.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar or 1 - 2 packets Stevia (or to taste)
1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese.
3 ounces sunflower seeds or to taste (optional)
Shredded Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top.(optional)

Directions:

1. In a blender or small bowl whisk together oil, vinegar, herbs, garlic, salt, sweetener and Parmesan cheese until completely blended.

2. If making the night before, you can refrigerate and then add to tomatoes at least 2 hours ahead of time.
Be sure to whisk it before pouring it over the tomatoes.

3. Pour dressing over the tomatoes in a serving dish, and gently stir to coat.
(I do not like cold tomatoes, so I cover and let it sit at room temperature until ready to serve.
Or you can chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.)

4. Gently stir from bottom to top, (like tossing a salad) coating all tomatoes.
Add sunflower seeds and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese just before serving.



Nutrition Facts
Calories 193
Total Fat 17.1g
Saturated Fat 2.2g
Cholesterol 2mg
Sodium 231mg
Total Carbohydrates 7.4g
Dietary Fiber 2.6g
Sugars 3.1g
Protein 4.7g

Vitamin A 18% • Vitamin C 22%
Calcium 5% • Iron 7%

[Loupy]

Made 6-21-10
These were very, very good. My husband loved them and took them to work until they were gone. I liked them, but I'm still getting my palate used to vinegar. I never was one to like "tart" tastes, but I'm learning. It was a great way to use up my grape tomatoes that were starting to go bad. It plumbed them right up and, according to my husband, were out of this world!! Try these, I think you will like them. We are giving these 5 stars. It was missing something for me and when I find that "taste" I'll post it here.
Enjoy!!

[Loupy]

Made these again tonight. (3-15-12) I had a bunch of grape tomatoes that needed to be used up in a hurry. I substituted Italian seasoning for the oregano because I didn't have any. I think this was the thing that was missing in the last batch! Fabulous!!! My husband and I love these!!!
We are now fighting over how much each of us get for tomorrows lunch...LOL.

We have upped our rating on these. We would give this 100 cupcakes if we could. I hope you try these.
They are truly Scrumptious!!!

[Let me just say that I make these at least once a month. We always have grape tomatoes that we buy from Costco and if they start to get a little soft and wrinkled, I make this recipe. It is fabulous and saves lots of money for these tomatoes.]

My husband and I give these...

[Loupy]

Made these again tonight. (11-5-14) I added some red pepper flakes and I think that was what it was missing. I only use Italian seasoning and not oregano as we prefer that taste. I can't believe that I have been making these for 4 years and still love them. Spring, summer,fall or winter...if you can get grape or cherry tomatoes make these.