6    Pequin chilies (small but
-very hot chilies!)
6    Ancho chilies (large dried
-chilies)
2 lb Stewing beef, cut up into
-1/2" cubes
1 tb Olive oil
2    Bay leaves
1 tb Cumin, ground
2    Cloves garlic, peeled
2 ts Oregano, preferably Mexican
2 tb Paprika
1 ts Sugar
-coarse salt
-fresh ground black pepper

Tear the chilies in strips and pour two cups boiling water over them. Let
soak for 30 minutes. Drain, reserving the liquid, and set aside. Heat the
oil in a heavy casserole and brown the beef cubes. Add the chilie soaking
liquid and bring to a boil. Add the bay leaves, turn down the heat and let
simmer for an hour. Meanwhile, puree the rest of the ingredients, including
the chilies, with a half cup of water, or more if needed, in a blender or
processor. Add the puree to the meat and let simmer for 30 minutes more,
adding water as necessary.