1/2 C. bacon drippings
2 C. chopped onions
4 chopped garlic cloves
2 lb. coarsely ground beef
2 T. chili powder
2 C. red wine (optional)
1 T. salt
1 T. beef base
4 C. canned whole tomatoes, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 T. granulated sugar
4 to 6 C. cooked pinto beans
Recipe
Using a 1 1/2-gallon heavy pot, melt bacon drippings. When hot, saut� onions and garlic cloves. Add ground beef and chili powder. Stir until meat is well browned. Add red wine (optional). Add salt, beef base, tomatoes, bay leaf and sugar. Simmer chili meat, covered, for 20 minutes, stirring often.
Add pinto beans to the meat. Simmer chili con carne for 1 hour, covered over low heat, stirring gently from time to time. Test for flavor.