What a wonderful article about one of my great pleasures in life. For the last 3 decades, pesto has been a staple in my refrigerator, and friends and family always know if they stop by, they can grab a jar from my freezer to take home. When my children come to visit, it’s not homemade cookies and brownies they search for, it’s the pesto they know that is always there. Within the first hour of arrival, they will whip out the panini maker and begin crafting the sandwich that represents home. Years ago I had the happy accident of not having my traditional pine nuts or walnuts in the pantry and substituted pecans. Now that rendition is the staple in the Peckinpah-de Girolamo home! Thanks for writing a terrific article. I really enjoyed reading about your experience!