Can I use this construction with an infinitive as the "object" of the liking?

Hi Stuart, 

You can do but more in written form although the 'manger me plaît' seems a bit strange to me using this structure.

I think you would say: " J'aime manger"...

You might say, "Danser le tango me plaît énormément" ...

Hope this helps!

You would probably want to say -

C'est ce que je croyais = That's what I thought