Pecan is not a traditional nut found in the Middle East, walnuts, pistachios, and almonds are very plentiful there and used in many desserts and recipes.
Dennis glad you've enjoyed it. I have to make some more with the dried figs. The recipe was published in our local newspaper along with an interview and pictures. Many people emailed me about some of the recipes in the paper.

NOCINO is from ITALY!! 

The nocino liqueur I have read about is made with walnuts not pecans.

Bass, rethink!!

Suzi

While pecans are native to the Western Hemisphere only, there are species of walnuts that are native to both hemispheres.

Therefore that's why pecans would not be a traditional food in Italy or the Middle East, but walnuts would be a traditional food in both Eastern Hemisphere and Western Hemisphere cultures.

I imagine a liqueur made out of black walnuts would be a pretty potent brew.