Historic Jailhouse Chili Source: August 1999 Gold Platter Award Recipe Contest http://www.recipegoldmine.com/chili/chili59.html 6 slices bacon 1 pound hot Italian sausage 1 1/2 pounds ground beef 1 cup chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 cans beer 1 small can tomato paste 1 (12 ounce) can tomato sauce 1 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed 2 tablespoons red chili powder (or to taste) 1 can chili beans in gravy Salt and pepper Cheddar cheese Cook bacon until crisp; crumble. Season and brown sausage and ground beef; drain well. Reserve 1/4 cup of fat and sauté onion and garlic in large stockpot. Add bacon, meat, beer, tomato paste, tomato sauce, oregano, cumin and chili powder; simmer for 2 hours. Add beans and cook for 20 minutes more. Serve with grated cheese. If you like it hotter, add finely minced serrano chiles.