Food is something we can’t live without! But it is also something we thoroughly enjoy. I don’t know anyone who eats just to stay alive. In fact, most of us live to eat!

Everyone has a favorite delicacy that they just can’t resist. At times I give myself a night off, away from the house and the kids (and sometimes the husband as well). On those nights I try to have the foods that I love very much but don’t get to indulge in that often. If you were to give yourself one of those nights – what would you choose?

Chocolate, of course, would be a very common choice for most women. Or for a romantic evening, maybe champagne and strawberries would be a wonderful choice. I have often wondered what makes us like or dislike certain foods. In my experience, it has seems to be genetic. Otherwise, why does one small child love carrots, and another one hate them at first taste?

Genetically, we all have a preference for sweet and salty and a dislike for sour and bitter. Psychologists believe this genetic preference/dislike is a built in survival measure. Most foods in nature that are poisonous have a bitter taste.

However, once exposed to these flavors, we can grow to like them. One interesting fact is that most likes or dislikes of foods has more to do with texture and smell then with actual taste. Sight and touch can also play a part in whether or not we like certain foods.

Each experience we have as a child with food will influence whether or not we grow to love or hate that particular food. Peer pressure seems to also have a great influence over whether or not we learn to like certain foods. If your best friend in first grade loves peas, and you watch them eat peas for lunch over a period of time, you may also decide you like peas.

I personally watched my Mom enjoy avocados for years before I finally decided to give them a try. At first, I still didn’t like the taste. But over time, each time I tried one it tasted better. Now I love them!

There are certain foods that just about everyone loves and that make awesome gifts. Luscious chocolate truffles, fine wines and delicate cheeses, fresh baked muffins, or assorted cookies – all make wonderful gifts.

So, the next time you are struggling to decide on a gift, consider sending something that will be sure to please – send a food gift basket!