Down Home Dig-In Chili

      Yield: 8 Servings

    1/4 c  lard (or vegetable oil)

      2 md onions finely,Chopped

      2    green bell peppers,Chopped

      1    celery stalk. choppad

      2    garlic cloves,minced

  2 1/2 lb stewing beef,chuck,

      1    chopped

      2 lb pork shoulder (boston butt).

      1    chopped

      1    salt and,Freshly Ground

      1    pepper

      4    i4 1/2 ounce cans stewed

      1    tomatoes

      1    drained

      1    (liquid reserved),Chopped

      1    12 ounce

      7 T  chili powder (or),To Taste

      4    jalapeno chilies seeded

      1    minced

      1 t  cayenne prpper

      1 t  cumin

      1    hot pepper sauce

      1    garnish

      1    green unions,Chopped

      1    cheddar cheese,Grated

      1    avocado,Sliced

      1    bot  pale ale

Melt lard in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped

onions, bell peppers, celery,  and garlic and saute until onions are

translucent, about 10 minutes. Remove vegetables using slotted spoon

and set aside.

Increase heat to high. Add beef and pork; sprinkle with salt and

pepper. Cook until browned, stirring frequently, about 10 minutes.

Return vegetables to pot.  Add tomatoes, ale, chili powder chilies,

cayenne and cumin. Reduce heat, cover partially and simmer  2 hours,

adding reserved tomato liquid if chili appears dry.  Taste and adjust

seasoning with salt and pepper. Uncover and simmer until thickened

and meat is tender, 2 more hours.

Season  chili with hot pepper sauce. Serve with green onions, cheddar