Ten jars (and other jar-like containers) to stock: #2 Whole in the Wall Chipotle Pesto

You know the kind of people who stalk sampling tables, circling and circling again, or, in the most brazen cases, just standing there shoving bread bite after cracker after cupcake quarter in their mouths.

I had just such a visitor at a recent tasting table I hosted. Judging by the state of his pricey shoes and ruggedly expensive sweater, I don't think he was someone who had to get a free meal whenever the chance offered itself. But there he was making no pretense at conversation or roaming, just bite after bite after bite, until plate after plate on my table was reduced to crumbs. I stood there a bit shocked, and, having no idea what to say, I just let him eat and took the time to ponder this very thin man's metabolism and wonder what it must be like to be filled with such insatiable urges.

Which brings me to the subject at hand …chipotle pesto, specifically, the chipotle pesto made by Whole in the Wall, a restaurant in Binghamton, NY.

I've served this pesto on several occasions and each time, I've watched normal, well-mannered people turn into variations of my table stalker. It's become a bit predictable. They dab a bit of bread in, curious at the red stuff in the bowl. They taste and then take one more sample just to, you know, make sure. Then they wander away, but not too far. Soon they are back. This time with questions. What is this stuff? Where did you get it? And so on. On their next trip back -- the circles are getting smaller now -- they stand with their eyes closed over the bowl, sometimes a piece of bread in each hand. Eventually, all pretense slips away in a haze of pungent, smoky-with-a-bit-of tang yumminess. They remain parked near the bowl -- making conversation the best they can -- for the rest of the evening.

I suppose I could try cooking with it, but it so good just scooped into a bowl and served with bread. The one thing I have used it on is a hamburger. Incredible. Just make a hamburger and spread some on top (melt cheese over that if you wish). This was one of those moments when you think, if I had a restaurant this would be on the menu.

The flavors would also be wonderful with a pork roast or chicken.

You can buy Whole in the Wall chipotle pesto at EATS in Stuyvesant Plaza. Cost is $6.38 for a 5.5 oz container. I've also seen it at Indian Ladder Farms, although I am not sure of the price there.

I've tried the traditional pesto and it isn't as good. Not bad, but you can do better.