Picky Eater Ponders: My Obsession with Specific Foods

As a self-proclaimed picky eater, I have my unique preferences and specific requirements when it comes to food. This article delves into my particular tastes and the foods that I am meticulous about, from my love for a good latte to my pickiness about certain dishes.

Why I'm Picky about Cheese and Cheesecake

One of the quirkiest aspects of my food preferences is my intense aversion to anything with the name 'cheese.' I can't even bring myself to eat a cheesecake because of its name. It's a strange quirk that often amuses and confounds those around me, especially when they see me happily enjoying a cheese-free meal. This pickiness extends to certain foods like suvaki, fried potatoes, steaks, and even homemade bread.

The Art of Making Coffee

Contrary to my picky nature with other foods, I take a considerable amount of pride in making my own coffee. I almost never drink a cup of coffee that wasn't made by me, and I meticulously grind and blend my own coffee beans for each cup. My coffee-making journey began in high school when I operated a kiosk where I discovered that my hand-ground coffee lattes were better than those served in nearby cafes. Even now, with better equipment, I still prefer to make my own coffee, ensuring that every sip is as perfect as I can make it.

Bread and Homemade Flour

Another culinary pursuit that brings me immense satisfaction is baking my own bread, especially in my adopted home of France. The local bakeries here are a godsend, as I can walk down to pick up freshly baked baguettes, still warm from the oven. But my love for fresh, handmade bread doesn't stop there. I also find great joy in the traditional French bakeries where I can get baguettes that aren't just mass-produced, but handcrafted with care.

A Notoriously Picky Eater

As a notorious picky eater, my food preferences go beyond the usual. I often pine for "kids' meal" type foods, which are typically fried, greasy, and carb-heavy with a dearth of vegetables. Even among these foods, I have particular tastes and requirements. For instance, my preference for fried chicken, pizza, and hot dogs sets me apart from the crowd.

Fried Chicken: A Culinary Dilemma

Fried chicken is a staple in Southern cuisine, and I hold the same love for it, albeit with a twist. I prefer my chicken to be boneless, with-breast tenders, and seasoned with a particular kind of hard bumpy breading, a far cry from the more common homemade type. My pickiness even extends to nuggets, where I require them to be made of real white meat and not just mashed chicken pieces. I find Chick-fil-A's nuggets and sandwiches to be ideal, and while Chick-fil-A is my primary source, I sometimes opt for frozen prepackaged chicken.

Pizza: Creamed and Cooked Just Right

Pizza, however, is a different story. I have some flexibility when it comes to this beloved Italian dish. My pickiness is mainly about spinaches on my pizza. For my pizza to be palatable, the spinach must be cooked and mixed with the cheese, not just put on top. The sauce must be a white alfredo-style sauce, not red, and the pizza must be perfect to the last detail.

Hot Dogs: A Culinary Detail-Oriented Dream

Hot dogs, those quintessential American meat sticks, are another picky affair. I demand a traditional ballpark-style hot dog, and the bun needs to be steamed briefly for maximum softness. The toppings are crucial, with chili being my primary choice. I'm even more particular about the chili, which must be finely ground and not a paste. A little grease from the chili-soaked bun enhances the overall experience, making it a true 'bun boat.'

Conclusion

My pickiness about certain foods is both a blessing and a curse. While it might limit my dining options, it also ensures that I enjoy the foods that I do with utmost satisfaction. Whether it's a homemade pastry, a perfectly crafted cup of coffee, or a hot dog with a chili-soaked bun, my meticulous demands are what make these experiences truly special.