2 tb Butter
2 lb Ground beef
6    Bay leaves
1 lg Onion -- finely chopped
6    Garlic cloves -- finely
Chop
1 ts Cinnamon
2 ts Allspice
4 ts Vinegar
1 ts Dried whole red pepper -OR-
1 ts Chile caribe
1 1/2 ts Salt
2 tb Ground red chile -- hot
1 ts Ground Cumin
1/2 ts Oregano
6 oz Tomato paste
6 c  Water
1/2 lb Vermicelli -- cooked
1/2 c  Cheddar cheese -- grated
1 sm Onion -- finely chopped

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. 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.Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower
the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2-4 hours. Place a small amount of the
cooked vermicelli in individual bowls. Spoon on a generous amount of chili.
Top with grated cheese and raw onion or pass in individual bowls.