Instructions: 1. Combine the beef with the ground chile, caribe, cayenne pepper, oregano, garlic, bay leaves, gumbo file, cumin, woodruff(if used), paprika, and salt.

2. Heat the bacon drippings in a large heavy pot over medium heat.

Add the meat-and-spice mixture to the pot. Break up any lumps with a fork and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is evenly browned.

3. Stir in the remaining ingredients(including the chocolate, if used, and the optional chicken fat and liquid hot pepper sauce). Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings.

4. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 hours longer, adding more beer or water and stirring as needed. Skim off fat before serving.

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.