Sun Dried Tomatoes-without the sun

I previously posted about my amazing Hot & Spicy Tomato Soup.....its as expensive as it is delicious!

Here's the approximate costs:
4 organic tomatoes = $4
1 organic jalapeno = $1
1 organic bell pepper = $2.50
1 jar organic sun-dried tomatoes = $8
1 carton organic vegetable broth = $4

TOTAL Cost = $19.50

Whooooo....that's some gooood soup!  It makes about 4 good size servings....but still pretty expensive.
I've decided the only way I can make this at a reasonable cost is to grow my own veggies (which didn't happen this year) or get a good amount form my CSA (which I did this week).
My CSA box this week contained several bell peppers, a couple of jalapenos, a bag of roma tomatoes....and the best part:  she saved a big box of "not-so-perfect" tomatoes for me, because she knows I'll take anything.  With these I made my own "sun-dried tomatoes", without the sun!
Here's how:
4 lbs of tomatoes
1 dehyrdrator

Wash tomatoes
remove tough stem end and any bruises
slice tomatoes in approximately 4 equal portions
place on trays in dehydrator

dehydrate until leathery (raisin like) not brittle

How easy is that???
It took about 18 hours in my "old" dehydrator....but, it may only take only 4-6 hours if you have one that can actually regulate temperature, and you set it at 140.
This made a little over a pound of sun-dried tomatoes.....enough for 4 little packets which I sealed and placed in freezer.  I will use 1 packet in each soup recipe.....so just saved myself $32.  Now, the only thing I will need to buy is the vegetable broth.
My next goal is to make my own veggie broth.......I wonder if I can make it from my leftover pulp???