Yiayia Sampanis' Pastitsio

Preheat at 350°

Boil macaroni (1 lb) in salted water. Drain. Return to pan. Add melted butter (1/4 lb), eggs (3), some grated cheese, salt and pepper, and mix together.

Brown meat (2 lbs) and sauté onions in pan. Add tomato paste (1/3 can), wine (1/3 cup), seasonings and a little water. Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed.

Spread half the macaroni on the bottom of a buttered 11 x 17 x 2" baking pan. Sprinkle with grated cheese. Cover with meat sauce. Add rest of macaroni.

Cream sauce: Melt butter (1/4 cup) in pan until it bubbles. Blend in flour (1/2 cup), salt (1 tsp), pepper (1/4 tsp), and nutmeg (1/8 tsp). Blend vigorously until it makes a smooth paste. 

Add 2.5 cups milk gradually, cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens and comes to a slow boil. 

Meanwhile, beat together the eggs (3) and 3/4 cups milk. Stir into thickened sauce, blend well, and continue to cook until thickened. Immediately pour over macaroni. Sprinkle with remaining grated cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 hour, or until golden brown.