Joe Cooper's Chili

      Yield: 1 Servings

      3 lb beef,ground or cubed

    1/4 c  olive oil

      1 qt water

      2    bay leaves

      8    dry chilie pods  *or*

      6 T  chili powder

      3 t  salt

     10    garlic cloves,chopped

      1 t  cumin

      1 t  oregano

      1 t  cayenne

    1/2 t  ground black pepper,fresh

      1 T  sugar

      3 T  paprika

    1/4 t  cocoa (optional)

      3 T  flour

      6 T  cornmeal

In a six-quart pot, sear meat in hot olive oil, stirring constantly

over high heat until grey, but not brown. Add water and mix well. Add

bay leaves now, but remove and discard after 15 minutes of cooking.

Simmer covered 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add remaining

ingredients, except for flour and cornmeal. Cocoa should be added

now. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 30 minutes. Skim off any excess

fat. Adjust seasonings and add flour and cornmeal blended with a

little cold water to make a paste. Cook, stirring constantly to