Pasticcio di maccheroni

Pasticcio di maccheroni is a specialty dish of Ferrara. This elaborate treat is made with a mixture of maccheroni pasta, truffles, rich meat ragù, and nutmeg-flavored béchamel, all wrapped up in sweet shortcrust pastry, decoratively shaped to resemble a priest's hat. Although the combination of sweet crust and savory fillings might seem somewhat unusual, the dish definitely withstood the test of time - the recipe dates back to the 16th century, and it has been very popular ever since. Traditionally, pasticcio di maccheroni is prepared during the Carnival season.