Layers of Love

One of the Greek dishes I love is Pastitsio.

This is a super satisfying meal that is great to serve a large crowd.
Similar to Italian Lasagna it had layers of pasta, meat and a creamy white sauce known as Béchamel Sauce. The combination of allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon gives this dish a unique flavour.

It is a bit time consuming to prepare, but it is well worth the effort.


Greek Pastitsio

Meat Sauce

• 1 pound of lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1/2 cup of water
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp each of cinnamon and nutmeg

In a frying pan brown the ground beef and add remaining ingredients and cook for 10 minutes.


Pasta

• 1/2 package of short tubular pasta such as macaroni, penne or ziti
• 3 tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg beaten

In a large pot boil the pasta until done. Drain and add remaining ingredients and mix well. Set aside.

Béchamel Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
  
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 egg beaten
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

In a sauce pan melt the butter and then add the flour and salt mixing to form a smooth paste. Slowly stir in the milk.
Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until sauce begin s to thicken.
Remove from heat.
Mix in the egg and stir briskly.


Putting it all together.

Preheat oven to 350F 
Spray a large deep 9 x 15 or similar size pan with cooking spray.
Spoon half the pasta mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer the meat mixture over top of the pasta then follow with the remaining pasta.
Finally pour the cream sauce evenly over top so that it covers completely.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake in the oven for about 40 minutes until lightly browned.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Wine Suggestion: Vin De Crete Rose

Cheers!

Childhood Memories

There are some dishes that remind us of our childhood. Foods our mothers made that create a feeling of comfort.
For me, one of those dishes is Shepherd Pie.
My mother made it often and now I make it for my children and they adore it.
It is a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and vegetables.

I don't know what her secret is, but I have to say now matter how hard I try, mine still does not taste like Mom's.

Shepherds Pie

• I pound of lean ground beef
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp each of thyme, savory and parsley
• salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce
  
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables or diced carrots, beans and peas.
  
• 1/4 cup flour
  
• 4 cups of mashed potatoes
• paprika
  

Preheat oven to 375
In a large deep frying pan cook the onion and beef until brown.Sprinke with the flour and mix well.
Add the spices, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, vegetables and broth.
Bring to a low boil and simmer for 10 minutes until thick like gravy.
Remove bay leaves.
Pour into casserole dish and spread mashed potatoes over top.
Sprinkle with paprika and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

Cheers!