River Style Chili

1 pound bacon -- finely minced

4 pounds chili ground beef

2 cups onion -- minced

2 tablespoons garlic -- minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 tablespoons hot chile powder

1 cup dried mushrooms

16 ounces canned crushed tomatoes

48 ounces canned kidney beans -- undrained

2 tablespoons liquid hot pepper sauce

2 cups water -- boiling hot

1 tablespoon kosher salt

2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper

SAUTE BACON IN A SKILLET, OVER A HIGH FLAME, FOR 10 MINUTES ADD BEEF, ONIONS, A ND GARLIC HEAT AND STIR FOR 10-15 MINUTES, UNTIL BROWNED STIR IN REMAINING INGREDIENTS SIMMER FOR 1-1/2 TO 2-1/2 HOURS, UNTIL THICKENED SERVE HOT