John Gambill's Texas Chili

DIRECTIONS

• Brew strong coffee.
• Wash, de-vein/de-seed peppers and chop onions, garlic, peppers, and cilantro.
• On the stove in a large dutch oven fry bacon until crisp.
• Remove from oven with a slotted spoon and allow bacon to cool on paper towels.
• Brown remaining meats and onions in bacon fat over medium heat, stirring often.
• Drain fat and discard.
• Add beer and garlic to browned meats, simmer until beer evaporates.
• Crumble cooked and cooled bacon and add to the oven.
• Add all other ingredients and bring to a boil.
• Stir well, reduce heat to a slow simmer and cover.
• Cook for at least 4 hours (the longer the better) being sure to stir occasionally.
• I like to cover and refrigerate it overnight after cooking (this allows the flavors to meld).
• The next day bring it back to a boil and reduce heat to a slow simmer for another hour or two (uncovered), stirring often.
• You may add more beer or water at this point if it gets too thick or if you like a thicker chili use either 1/2°C masa harina or 1/2°C flour mixed with enough water to make a thin fluid and stir into the hot chili.
• You may add more salt to suit your taste at this point.
• Simmer for another 15 minutes.
• Remove bay leaves, if you can find them.
• Best served hot and steaming with chopped fresh onions, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Tabasco sauce, ice cold Heineken, and homemade cornbread.