Drying Herbs

• 1). Place single sprigs of herbs, such as fresh rosemary, thyme and chives, on a paper towel. Cover them with a paper towel.
  
  
• 2). Put the covered herbs on a tray in the microwave. Close the microwave door. Set the timer for two to two-and-a-half minutes.
  
  
• 3). Remove the tray of herbs from the microwave. Cool for a few minutes. Chop into fine pieces. Place herb pieces into assorted food storage jars for seasoning stews and sauces and more.
  
  

Drying Tomatoes

• 1). Cut about a dozen Roma tomatoes in half and remove the seeds.
  
  
• 2). Place tomato halves face down on a large microwave-safe plate. Spread out the tomatoes, so they are spaced in one layer on the plate. Place the uncovered plate in microwave and heat on the "High" setting for 15 minutes.
  
  
• 3). Remove plate from microwave. Drain excess liquid and turn the tomatoes over with the uncut side facing down.
  
  
• 4). Return the plate with tomatoes to microwave. Heat on high for an additional 10 to15 minutes. Remove from microwave. Tomatoes should have a "sun-dried" leathery texture.