President Reagan's Favorite Homemade Chili

Source: As prepared by White House Executive Chef Henry Haller

1/2 cup bacon drippings
2 cups chopped onions
4 chopped garlic cloves
2 pounds coarsely ground beef
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 cups red wine (optional)
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon beef base
4 cups canned whole tomatoes, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
4 to 6 cups cooked pinto beans

Using a 1 1/2-gallon heavy pot, melt bacon drippings. When hot, saut