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

Phase 2: 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. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 hours longer, adding more beer or water and stirring as needed. Skim off fat before serving. This is the first time I tried this. Phase 1 was browned in a Dutch oven. Placed in a C/P, all other ings. Were added. Heat was on high for 4 hours. 01/30/94 Carol and Ed were over.