Whether we consciously acknowledge it or not, our relationship with food is a profound reflection of how we navigate life itself. Eating is a fundamental, primal instinct, and the choices we make, the speed at which we consume, and even our preferences for certain flavors can tell a remarkable story about our innermost selves and the characters we embody. This deeply personal, often carnal, connection we have with food serves as an open window into our approach to the world, regardless of whether we are seasoned chefs or simply enjoy a good meal.

The Culinary Mirror: What Eating Habits Reveal About Personality

I confess, when I share a meal with others, especially those I’m just getting to know, I find myself drawn to observing their eating habits. It’s a subtle, almost subconscious act of deciphering character, and it’s surprisingly revealing.

Navigating the Menu: Adventure vs. Convention

Picture this: we’re seated at a restaurant, presented with an extensive menu. My curiosity piques as I watch their selection process. Do they gravitate towards the familiar, the “same old boring dish,” perhaps a testament to a desire for comfort and predictability? Or do they bravely venture into the unknown, opting for the most unusual or exotic-sounding item on the list? These choices often hint at whether they are adventure-seekers, keen to take the road less traveled, or conventional beings who prefer the safety of a well-trodden path in various aspects of their lives.

Furthermore, the pace of their decision-making speaks volumes. Do they meticulously ponder over what will be their next meal, carefully considering what will nourish them throughout the day, showcasing a thoughtful and perhaps dreamy disposition? Or are they quick to decide, slamming the menu shut before anyone else has even processed the appetizers, indicating a pragmatic, decisive, or perhaps even impatient nature? These subtle gestures help me gauge their approach to choices, not just in food, but in life’s broader landscape.

Decoding Preferences: From Meat to Dessert

My observations extend to specific preferences. I might discreetly wonder about their ideal meat preparation. Would they choose a medium-rare cut, richly slathered with vibrant chimichurri, embracing boldness and flavor? Or would they prefer their meat well-done, with nothing but a simple sprinkle of fine salt, perhaps signifying a more cautious or traditional palate? And what about the truly adventurous — those who might even dare to order steak tartare, a raw red meat dish that many would instinctively recoil from?

Chocolate, too, presents a fascinating study. Are they drawn to the fiery kick of chili hot chocolate, akin to my intrepid Czech friends Wivienne and Michal exploring America on a road trip? Or do they find comfort in the familiar indulgence of classic double chocolate brownies? Some might even forgo dessert entirely, preferring savory over sweet, or adhering to specific dietary constraints that speak to their discipline and self-awareness. Each choice is a small piece of a larger puzzle, revealing facets of their character.

Beyond Choices: The Art and Pace of Eating

Beyond the actual dishes chosen, the very act of eating offers further insights. Some individuals methodically chomp through their food, almost like soldiers on a drill, consuming their meal so hurriedly that whether it was a simple plate of plain white rice or Julia Child’s legendary beef bourguignon, the experience would seem identical. One might infer that they simply want to “get eating out of the way,” perhaps finding such pleasures a “waste of time,” an attitude that often extends to many other enjoyable aspects of life.

Then there are those who also eat quickly, but with a palpable hunger and a fervent enthusiasm, much like my Uncle Eric. It’s as if they fear life will pass them by too swiftly, and they must savor as much good food as possible for as long as they live. I often wonder about the underlying drive behind this hurried appreciation, whether it’s a quest to tick off Michelin-star restaurants or devour bowl after bowl of Japanese ramen. While the reasons remain a mystery, the zest for life is undeniable.

The Spectrum of Culinary Curiosity: From Habit to Adventure

The variety, or lack thereof, in a person’s food choices can also be remarkably telling. There are those who seem perfectly content with eating defrosted chicken nuggets for every single meal, a pattern that, when not dictated by economic constraints, often speaks to a broader lack of variety and adventurousness in their general activities. Their comfort zone extends deeply, preferring the known over any novel experience.

Conversely, others, even when dining alone, will go to great lengths to prepare a meal. They might buy a fresh piece of fish, meticulously cook it in a fragrant stew infused with ginger and soy sauce, and then savor every single bite with deliberate enjoyment. This latter group often exhibits a profound ability to appreciate the smaller, more nuanced aspects of life: the quiet moments, the intricate patterns of a blooming morning glory, or the subtle interplay of flavors in a well-crafted dish. Their culinary exploration often mirrors a deep-seated curiosity and appreciation for the richness of existence. To be frank, in life generally, but especially during meal times, I find myself gravitating towards the company of the latter.

The Joy of Shared Plates: Connecting Through Culinary Appreciation

I find my greatest sense of ease and connection when I’m at a table with individuals who truly engage with their food – people who allow themselves the luxury of chewing slowly, enabling every complex flavor and texture to unfold. It’s a quiet pleasure to witness their delight: the faint smile breaking across their face, eyes gently closing as they relish pomegranate scones slathered with whipped cream, or a deep, contented breath taken to inhale the aromatic spices that define a rich chicken curry.

My heart genuinely enjoys watching their eyes light up at a beautifully presented dish, where a vibrant combination of colors ignites a genuine pleasure, allowing them to “eat with their eyes” before even taking the first bite. This shared, amplified sense of happiness is precisely what makes me cherish sharing a meal with others who experience the same profound pleasure from food. There’s an exhilarating rush of joy in partaking in a meal with someone for whom each dish is an adventure, not a mere chore. This mutual appreciation elevates the dining experience, transforming it into something far more satisfying and memorable than if I were to eat alone.

My Culinary Adventures: From Observation to Creation

Given my deep dive into the psychology of eating, it’s likely evident that I not only enjoy eating immensely but, to an equal or even greater extent, I revel in the art of cooking. This passion drives me to constantly experiment with new recipes, explore unusual ingredients, and push the boundaries of my culinary comfort zone. Some days might see me purchasing an exotic fruit I’ve never tasted before, purely for the joy of discovery, which could lead to a delightful pomegranate cinnamon vanilla chia pudding. On other occasions, I might explore healthier alternatives, crafting delicious zucchini noodles, or embracing wholesome baking with a recipe like quinoa banana bread. Each creation is a small journey, a testament to the endless possibilities in the kitchen.

The Hazelnut Revelation: A Grain-Free Inspiration

Today, my culinary focus lands squarely on hazelnuts. Have you ever had the pleasure of tasting a whole hazelnut, in its purest, unadulterated form? The very first time I encountered one at my local natural foods store, a mere two blocks from my home, my eyes widened with unadulterated pleasure. It was an explosion of flavor, as if I had just experienced a Ferrero Rocher chocolate sweet, but with the taste amplified tenfold – richer, nuttier, and perfectly balanced.

As my friend Ally would describe it, it was “beautiful and perfect.” There was no room for doubt or hesitation. Within minutes, I had paid and left the shop, a quarter-kilo of these delightful hazelnuts nestled securely in my bag. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what grand culinary creation they were destined for. The kind lady at the store suggested eating them whole for breakfast, but I felt a deeper calling for them, a more transformative purpose.

That very night, inspiration struck with a brilliant clarity: I could grind these exquisite hazelnuts into a fine hazelnut meal. This would allow me to substitute it for almond flour in a cookie recipe I had been eagerly wanting to try, thus creating a delicious grain-free treat. You could say those hazelnuts didn’t stand a chance, for before I knew it, I had a batch of grain-free hazelnut chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. Their intoxicating, aromatic perfume soon filled every corner of my tiny apartment, promising a truly special indulgence.

Introducing: The Best Grain-Free Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies

The resulting cookies possess an incredible depth of flavor that, in my humble opinion, makes them the absolute best I’ve crafted in a very long time. Crunchy yet tender, and generously interlaced with tiny, rich chocolate chips, they are truly like a “super Ferrero Rocher” in cookie form. These are the kind of cookies that linger in your thoughts long after the last crumb has vanished. They are so, so good.

I genuinely urge you to try them. Pretty please? You won’t regret it.

GRAIN-FREE HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

(Makes 2 dozen large cookies)
Adapted from: Paleo Spirit

Ingredients:

1) 2 cups of hazelnut meal
2) 4 tablespoons tapioca flour (or arrowroot powder)
3) 1 teaspoon baking powder
4) 1/2 teaspoon of salt
5) 1/4 cup of butter (or ghee, coconut oil or palm shortening)
6) 1/2 cup of brown sugar (or ¼ cup honey)
7) 1 large egg (or two small eggs), room temperature
8) 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
9) 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (gluten, dairy, soy free)

Steps:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 deg cel)
2) Sift hazelnut meal, tapioca flour, baking powder and salt into a medium bowl. Set aside.
3) In a large bowl, cream shortening and palm sugar together. Add the egg and vanilla extract and continue mixing.
4) Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix until well combined.
5) Stir in the chocolate chips.
6) Use a small cookie scoop or large spoon to scoop out balls of cookie dough – each cookie approximately 2 tablespoons.
7) Place on a Silpat or parchment paper lined baking sheet and leave approximately 2 fingers’ spacing between each (this is necessary as the batter may spread quite a bit).
8) Bake for 15 minutes or until cookies are cooked through.
9) Allow to for at least 10 minutes cool before removing from tray and serving.

P.S. If you’re wondering why I’m trying to eliminate wheat from my life, I strongly recommend Wheat Belly – a book that will empower you and make you determined to get rid of wheat and its terrible health effects!