Step #1 the oregano, cloves & allspice & mix until smooth, adding a little more of the water in which the chiles were soaking if necessary.
Step #2 Add more lard to the pan & heat; add the onion and garlic & fry until translucent.
Step #3 Add the cinnamon pieces & fry until the onions & garlic are lightly browned.
Step #4 Transfer with a slotted spoon to the mixer jar.
Step #5 Add the plantain & bread to the pan & fry over low heat/flame until a deep golden color; transfer to the mixer jar.
Step #6 Adding more chile water if necessary, mix until you have a smooth puree.
Step #7 slowly add the soaked chiles with more water as necessary & mix until smooth.
Step #8 When all the chiles have been mixed, dip a spoon into the bottom of the mixer jar & take out a sample of the sauce to see if the rather tough chile skins have been mixed sufficiently.
Step #9 If not, stir well, add a little more water, & then mix for a few seconds more.
Step #10 Heat the remaining lard in a heavy pan or saute pan, & cook over med-heat/flame, add the mixed sauce & chocolate, stirring & scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking, for about 15 mins.
Step #11 The sauce should be fairly thick & lightly cover the back of a wooden spoon.
Step #12 Recipes courtesy of Emeril Lagasse, 1999.