A Rainy Day

Comfort food comes in many shapes, flavors, and caloric intensities.  This recipe is one of my favorites: warm, satisfying and full of carbohydrates.  If you have a nice stash of bread-crumbs already on hand (the ones that you were saving for a rainy day, perhaps?) this recipe is a really low stress way to eat your other stresses away.  If you need comfort food it is always a bonus if the process of making it is simple and to the point.  All you need are some rosy red cherry tomatoes, a handful of parmesan, a couple of garlic cloves, and your pre-made home-made bread- crumbs and you are ready to go.  

I discovered this recipe at Smittenkitchen.  It is very forgiving - it changes a little bit every time I make it.  It has never been bad, and almost always tastes better then the last time.  

Baked Tomato Sauce

Cherry Tomatoes (small or large carton, depending on how much you want)

1/2 cup (+/-) bread-crumbs

1/3 cup (+/-) parmesan

2 garlic cloves (crushed or chopped finely)

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil (as necessary)

Fresh Basil (not necessary, but a good addition)

Pasta of your choice (I prefer a small pasta, like penne, fusilli, or even little elbows)

Pre-head the oven to 450°

Slice the tomatoes in 1/2 and spread them in a large baking dish, cut side up, and douse with olive oil.

Mix the bread crumbs with the parmesan, garlic, salt and pepper.  Stir in a little olive oil, just enough to coat everything.  Spread the bread-crumb mixture over the tomatoes and pop it in the oven for 20-30 minutes.  The crumbs should be crispy, the cheese melty, and the tomatoes perfectly roasted.  While the tomatoes are baking, put your pasta water on and cook your pasta.  When everything is done cooking, drain the noodles, mix in the tomatoes, rip up some basil and sprinkle it on top (or not).