In an attempt to elevate your mind and 

broaden your horizons, I thought I’d share

some of my favorite dishes with you.  

In a nod to my fellow vegetarians

and individuals that aspire to integrate

more vegetables in your diet, you’ve got 

to try this simple recipe. Please your palette

when you sink your teeth into this

Makhouda D'aubergine (Crustless Tunisian Eggplant Frittata)

with a fresh salad and your favorite wine.

SERVES 4 -6 

Prep Time: 45 min

Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients  

•      1 large globe eggplant

•      salt, for sprinkling

•      1/4 cup olive oil           

•      1 medium onion, finely chopped              

•      1 red bell pepper, seeded, de-ribbed and diced              

•      8 large eggs          

•      1 handful chopped fresh parsley (about 1/2 cup packed) or coriander or cilantro leaf

•      4 garlic cloves, minced

•      8 ounces gruyere cheese, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

•      1/2 cup dried breadcrumbs

1 Teaspoon Tunisian Spice Blend (Bharat) or a mixture of:

•      1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon rosewater

•      about 3/4 teaspoon fine salt

•      harissa, to taste (North African hot pepper paste) (optional) or cayenne pepper 
        to taste (optional)

•      lemon wedge

Directions  

1.     Peel and cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch dice.

2.     Sprinkle generously with salt and place the cubes in a colander to drain for 
        about 20 minutes.

3.     Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

4.     Preheat the oven to 400ºF/200°C

5.     In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the 
        eggplant, onion, and pepper, stirring occasionally until golden 
        and soft, about 20-25 minutes.

6.     Transfer this mixture to a colander to drain off as much of the oil as possible.

7.     In a medium bowl, mix the eggs and add the herbs, garlic, cheese and bread crumbs.

8.     Add the eggplant mixture.

9.     Season with the bharat, salt, and a small spoonful of the optional harissa 
        or cayenne pepper.

10.   Grease a 2-quart soufflé dish

11.   Pour the egg mixture into the dish and bake in the middle of the 

        oven until golden brown and  puffed in the center, 40-45minutes 

       (a knife inserted into the center should come out clean).

12.   Let cool for 10 minutes before unmolding onto a serving platter 

       (you can also just leave it in the dish).

13.   Cut into wedges or squares to serve.

14.   Serve hot or at room temperature with lemon wedges on the side.

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Okay, so I really HATE men that hide behind a facade of heterosexuality.  The "DL" man that thinks its totally cool to cheat on his wife with another man, because secretly he really wants to be with "him" and not "her".  Or, the man that is scared of being "out" because he feels it will ruin his image.  News flash buddy, your cowardice is only perpetuating the unhealthy ignorance regarding homosexuality! Additionally, you "think" you're safe in your place, when you're really chained by your own fears.  BURN THE CLOSET MY FRIEND!!!  So, I'd like to take the moment to propose a toast to the brave souls that have combated bigotry and ignorance, fighting the "gay" fight for the community.  You're all so beautiful in your own way.  As a way to celebrate I'd like to hear about your coming out stories.  The best one will post on Independence Day (how coincidental right?) and win a gift certificate to the Cheesecake Factory.  Here's the rules:

• Submit your "Coming Out" story via text or video
• Only Followers/Subscribers may enter to win
• Your story MUST be unedited, candid and honest (10 minute max)
• Email your video/textual story to burnthecloset@gmail.com
• Submit your stories within the next 4 weeks (June 1-June 30)

The Perpetual "One That Got Away" wants to burn the closet that so many gay men and women think they are protected by, when the truth slowly leaks from the confines of their not-so-safe little world.  Just think how happy you will be when you let go and become that much closer to being yourself for a change.  You'll feel good, I promise, and fate will be that much kinder to you.

Well ever since I’ve walked I’ve heard men talk

about the one that got away
I’ve heard old men call
I’ve seen young men crawl
For the one that got away
And in their darkest hours
You can hear them say
I’d give all I got
For just one more shot
At the one that got away

- The Rainmakers 

Today more than ever in this aspect of my life, I feel as though God wants me to be alone.  Several failed relationships throughout my teens and twenties have become my reality check.  Okay God, I get it! In His infinite wisdom, God has a purpose for me, and damnit I intend to figure it all out.  Men always seem to have bigger fish to fry, and perhaps I wasn't "meaty" enough at first glance, so they let me go only to find the bigger catch wasn't half as fulfilling as me.  Oh well that's your loss.  So, what about this blog? That is where YOU come in.  This blog is the beginning of another journey (guess God isn't the only omnipresent spirit) for me, and I want you to come for the ride.  I'll share my triumphs and my failures throughout my life, and ask questions to really make you think.  Whether you agree or not is totally okay, and in fact I expect it.  I love a good healthy debate! So, welcome to The Perpetual "One That Got Away".  I'm free to swim in whatever waters I choose, no matter the temperature.  Thank you ex-lovers for being the witless cowards you turned out to be!