Ingredients

• 8  plum tomatoes (1-1/2 lbs.)
• 4  teaspoons olive oil
• 5  sprigs fresh thyme, stems removed (1 tblsp. thyme leaves)
• 1/4  teaspoon salt
• 1/4  teaspoon ground black pepper
•   Coarse brown sugar (optional)
•   Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degree F. Halve tomatoes lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and center membrane. Place tomatoes in a shallow roasting pan, cut side up; drizzle with olive oil. Combine thyme leaves, salt, and pepper; sprinkle mixture over tomatoes.

2. Roast, uncovered, for 45 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle lightly with sugar, and top with thyme sprigs. Serve warm. Makes 4 to 6 servings.