I didn't really learn to cook until I was older. I got married when I was 20 but my husband was an excellent cook so I didn't bother. After I had kids (11 years later) I learned how to cook really well though - probably because I had more time.

I also make everything mostly from scratch. Since I'm from an Italian family I mostly cook Italian food. I bake my own bread (from sourdough starter), I make my own yogert and I can (preserve) all my own tomaotes for the sauce.

I can tell you for a fact that you don't need a mortar and pestle for pesto. I have a big mortar and pestle that I got from an online store here:

http://www.surlatable.com/product/gr...sc=true&page=1

I use it mostly to grind fresh herbs. When I want to make a big batch of pesto I use the Cuisinart - this way I can make a big batch and freeze most of it. Pour the pesto into paper cups and float a bit of olive oil over the top and freeze. It lasts forever in the freezer and during the winter you can have a dinner that smells like summer!