Instructions

Roasted Tomato Ketchup

1. Preheat the oven to 450°.
2. Slice the tomatoes in half.
3. Place cut-side down onto a baking sheet, coated with vegetable oil spray.
4. Bake until the tomatoes are tender and wilted, about 10 to 15 minutes. Pass the tomatoes through a food mill, first using the coarse blade and second using the fine blade. (Alternatively, you can pulse the tomatoes in the bowl of a food processor. Then pour the tomatoes through a sieve and into a bowl.) Whatever method you use, the goal is a smooth-textured tomato puree free of tomato skins and seeds.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
6. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
7. Add the tomato puree, cider vinegar, brown sugar, and remaining seasonings.
8. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the ketchup until the flavors merge and the liquid reduces to about 2 cups. This will take at least an hour. Watch and stir your ketchup often to prevent burning.

Garlic-Parmesan Fries

1. Peel the potatoes.
2. Cut each lengthwise into ¼-inch slices.
3. Cut each slice into ¼-inch strips.
4. Place the strips into a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes.
5. Drain the potatoes through a colander.
6. Transfer to paper towels and pat completely dry.
7. Pour enough canola oil into a deep pot or skillet to come one-third up the side.
8. Heat over medium-high heat to 325°. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
9. Fry the potatoes in batches, until they just begin to turn golden, about 5 minutes. This will cook the inside of the fries. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the potatoes to a platter lined with paper towels. You can hold the fries at this stage for several hours.
10. Mix together Parmesan cheese, parsley and garlic in a small bowl.
11. Set this seasoning mix aside. When you are ready to serve, heat the oil to 375°.
12. Cook the fries in the oil until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside, about 5 minutes.
13. Transfer to a platter lined with paper towels and season with Parmesan seasoning, salt and pepper.
14. Serve the fries with homemade ketchup.