Oven Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce

Sometimes a trip to the farmers market is what I need for dinner inspiration.  Do you ever feel like, what do I make that tastes really great?  I think sometimes the hardest part of making dinner every night for my family, is coming up with a good idea.  This Saturday these colorful tomatoes caught my eye.  My recipe for Oven Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce is easy and is bursting with fresh, bright tomato flavor (nothing that can come out of a jar).  I served it with a green salad, freshly grated romano cheese, and we just dipped crusty bread in it.  It can also be served over penne with Italian Sausage and sauteed peppers.

Oven Roasted Tomato Basil Sauce
5-6 cups of grape, cherry, or small tomatoes
1/4 cup Olive Oil
3 tbsp. freshly chopped basil
1 tsp. coarse salt (or more taste)
1 tsp. cracked black pepper
6 cloves of garlic coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp. fresh rosemary

Place all ingredients on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Toss ingredients together with your hands.  Bake for 30-45 mins. @ 350F.  Tomatoes will begin to split and look caramel colored.

Place tomatoes and all the juices from the pan in a blender.  Blend 10 secs., some chunks may still remain.  Serve with 1/4 cup romano cheese.