Today I thought I’d jump in with the Daily Prompt of the Daily Post – Middle Seat

It turns out that your neighbor on the plane/bus/train (or the person sitting at the next table at the coffee shop) is a very, very chatty tourist. Do you try to switch seats, go for a non-committal brief small talk, or make this person your new best friend?

Since I work at a cafe for almost twelve years now I’m used to talking to people. Some people are quite chatty, while others prefer to drink their beer in silence and read the newspaper in the meantime. Some like small talk about the weather or the latest news, others share the details about their personal lives. So many different persons, so many different preferences.

I’ve made it to an art to get some sort of conversation going with every kind of person. There’s always something you can talk about and during all those years working at the cafe I’ve learned that even the quiet person, sipping their drink in silence, is open for some small talk. Maybe the silent persons are even up for it the most…

I’m often surprised how many personal stories people share with you and how open they are towards a complete stranger. Quite beautiful. All it takes is some interest and a listening ear (haha not sure if that’s even an English expression..).

I like to think I can make the world a little bit of a happier place by smiling to strangers, by being friendly and make small chats with others. Now I come to think of it… Probably I am that chatty person at the middle seat…

Ofcourse I LOVE to talk about (healthy) food as well! One of the reasons I started this blog; sharing my recipes, ideas and thoughts about healthy food and living.

Well.. Besides a little peek into my thoughts I’ll share a new recipe as well: Choco Candy Balls! Easy to make, yummy and a healthy sweet treat! Based on nuts, seeds and dried fruits, which makes these candy balls loaded with healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Here’s how you make them:

• 1/2 cup of  Hazelnuts (but you can use a mixture of nuts as well)
• 1/4 cup of (mixed) seeds (I used sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds and sesame seeds)
• 6 depitted dates
• handful of dried gojiberries
• 3 tbsp of coconut oil
• 2 tbsp of (raw) cacao powder
• shredded coconut

Place all ingredients (except the shredded coconut) in a foodprocessor, blend until you get a sticky mixture. Now it’s time to get dirty! Shape small candy balls with the mixture by using your hands. I used about a spoonful of the mixture per candy ball. Roll through the shredded coconut and you’re sweet treat is done! You can store the candy balls in an airtight container in the fridge!

Why not share one of your choco candy balls with someone and get a conversation going?

Any thoughts on my post? Feel free to share them in the comments below!