Costco Recipe Files: Roasted Tomatoes with Bacon and Pasta

I know a promised a Part 3 to my Costco review, but so much time has passed since I said I would, and since I have had a really topsy turvy past month, I am going to leave it there. Instead, I thought I would share with you some recipes I have created with the ingredients I have purchased from Costco since it has opened. I have no affliation with Costco, or any of the brands they sell, this is something I have done on my own. I will add recipes as I make them, so that it helps with your choice making when you are next there. I also think that some of the quanities that are available are a bit overwhelming and leave you thinking, what on earth am I going to do with that much? I am more than happy to share my best foodie knowledge and tips, maybe you might end up like me!!! Hahaha!!! I wouldn't wish that on you!!!

Roasted Tomatoes with Bacon and Pasta

When I saw that Costco were selling grape, cherry, and mini trussot and roma, tomatoes by the kilo, I was in heaven!! I really don't know why, but these items are so expensive at Coles and Woolworths. By the kilo most of these are at least $15-$24/kg. A couple of years ago I was buying mini roma tomatoes by the kilo at sydney's Femington Fruit Markets for $2/kg, so why were they being so grossly overcharged? Well, I suppose we don't have to be a genius to know the answer to that one!! Anyway, I had trouble purchasing mini tomoatoes of any kind over the past few years unless they were on special. Naturally, when I discovered Costco's prices ranged from $6-$10/kg I was over the moon. Why? Not only do my kids love these, and not only do are they good in salads, but they are also amazingly versatile in heaps of different recipes. When I got my mini romas for $2/kg I made amazing pasta sauces and they were also mouth wateringly delicious roasted with garlic and herbs and tossed through pasta. The later dish is what I did a lot because its not only healthy, but super cheap!!!
Here is what I did with my grape tomatoes from Costco.

Ingredients

500g grape tomatoes
350g bacon
Olive oil
2 tbsp minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste.
1-2 tbsp dried mixed herbs - or herbs of choice
Pasta of choice - cook according to packet directs.

Method
1. Oven at 180C, line baking dish with foil.
2. Cut tops of each tomato and squeeze out juice and seeds and add to baking dish. This is can take some time. Its up to you, you can just as easily cut them length wise and add them straight to baking dish.

3.Add oil and garlic together in a small bowl and mix well.Add herbs and stir through.
4.Pour oil mixture over tomatoes and toss to coat. Sprinkle salt and pepper to liking.

** Be careful with salt, if your mixed herbs or herb seasoning already has salt, you may not need to add anymore**
5. Bake in oven for up to 20mins or until kicthen smells delicious and tomatoes are black around edges.

5. While tomatoes are baking, chop bacon and cook in frying pan on medium/high heat until brown and crispy. Drain excess oil off bacon by putting on paper towel.

** I also added some zuccini by peeling it with one of these:
Add zuccini just towards end of bacon crisping up.

6. Add tomatoes and all juices and bacon into cooked pasta and gently stir through.

**Optional: add some dried chilli before serving***
Bon Appetit!!