Murray's Girlfriend's Cincinnati Chili

      Yield: 6 Servings

      2 T  butter

      2 lb beef,hamburger grind

      6    bay leaves

      1    onion,large,finely chopped

      6    garlic cloves,med,fine chop

      1 t  cinnamon

      2 t  allspice

      4 t  vinegar

      1 t  red pepper,dried whole or

      1 t  chile caribe

  1 1/2 t  salt

      2 T  red chile,ground,hot-mild

      1 t  cumin,ground

    1/2 t  oregano,dried,pref. mexican

      1 cn tomato paste(6oz ea)

      6 c  water

      1 cn kidney beans,(16oz ea)

    1/2 lb vermicelli,cooked

    1/2 c  cheddar cheese,grated

      1    onion,small,finely chopped

1. Heat the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the meat to the skillet. Break up any lumps with a fork and cook,

stirring occasionally, until the meat is evenly browned. 2. Stir in

the remaining ingredients up through the water. Taste and adjust

seasonings. If the flavor is too sweet, add a small amount of

vinegar; if not spicy enough, add a small amount of ground chile. 3.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer,

uncovered, for 2 to 4 hours. Add the kidney beans to the mixture 1/2

hour before serving. 4. Place a small amount of the cooked

vermicelli in individual bowls. Spoon on a generous amount of chili.