Makaronia Pastitsio (Greek Creamed Macaroni and Cheese)

Serve hot or serve cold on lettuce leaves. Garnish with paprika, thin slices of lemon and green olives.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 12-16

Ingredients

• 2 1⁄2 quarts water
• 1  tablespoon sea salt
• 1  lb elbow macaroni
• 1⁄8 teaspoon oregano
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1  tablespoon flour
• 1⁄2 cup butter, melted
• 3  eggs
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 1⁄2 cups  warm milk
• 2  cups  grated romano cheese (fresh grated) or 2  cups  grated  kefalotiri (fresh grated)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large pot, bring water and salt to a rapid boil; add macaroni.
3. Stir a few times with a fork; boil macaroni until al dente according to package directions (7-9 minutes).
4. Drain macaroni well and return to pot.
5. Mix oregano, garlic powder and flour into melted butter.
6. Stir butter into pasta, cover, and keep warm.
7. Beat eggs until frothy.
8. Add pepper, cinnamon, and milk, and beat until well mixed.
9. Place half of the macaroni in a 9x12-inch baking pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
10. Cover macaroni with 1/2 cup of cheese.
11. Add another layer of macaroni.
12. Gently pour egg/milk mixture over macaroni, making sure macaroni is well covered.
13. On top of this add a thick layer of cheese.
14. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until top is bubbly and light brown.