Pastitsio
(Meat and Macaroni Layered Casserole)

Try this for your next buffet supper. It can be prepared and frozen prior to baking. When ready to serve, thaw and bake
as directed. Be sure to cool before cutting into serving pieces.

Meat Layer:

2 lb. ground lean chuck or round steak
1 stick butter (1/4 lb.)
1 c. grated onion
1 T. salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp. cinnamon
6 oz. can tomato paste
½ c. dry red wine
½ c. water
¼ c. fresh parsley, chopped fine
1 egg

Saute onions in butter. Add meat, stirring until browned. Add seasonings, tomato paste, wine and water. Simmer,
uncovered, until water is absorbved (about 20 minutes). Cool. Add an egg, which has been well-beaten, to mixture. Stir
in parsley. Set aside.

Macaroni Layer:

1 ¼ lb. long macaroni
4 eggs, well beaten
2 c. grated imported Romano cheese

Cook macaroni according to directions on package. Rinse and drain well. Toss macaroni in a large bowl with the beaten
eggs and grated cheese.

Sauce:

½ c. butter
½ c. flour
3 c. milk
5 egg yolks
¼ c. grated imported Romano cheese

Melt butter in saucepan. Add flour and mix well. Gradually add cold milk, stirring all the time. Continue to whisk the
mixture as you cook it over medium heat. When thickened, remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Meanwhile,
beat egg yolks well and blend into cooled sauce. Finally, stir in cheese.
Grease a 10x14-inch pan with butter. Layer half of macaroni in pan, followed by the meat mixture, then top with other half
of macaroni. (Do not pack down the macaroni.) Pour white sauce over casserole. Sprinkle with cinnamon lightly and
bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 45 minutes. Cool the casserole before cutting into squares to serve.

Variation: Instead of using a white sauce, use the following to top the casserole before baking: Beat 1 dozen extra large
eggs with 1 quart milk. Be sure to beat eggs for 5 to 10 minutes before adding milk. Pour over top macaroni layer and
sprinkle with ½ cup grated cheese. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, or until a silver knife inserted in
the center of the casserole comes out clean.