Spiced Braised Beef & Sweet Potatoes

-Heather Jordan

1 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
2 sweet potatoes (abt 1 lb), cut into 1/2 moons
1 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes
1 lg red onion, cut into wedges
1/2 C dried apricots
2 t cumin
1/2 t cinnamon
2 t ginger
1/2 t cayenne
1 10 oz box couscous
1 15 oz can chick peas, rinse
2 C fresh baby spinach
1/2 C roasted almonds

In a 4-6 quart slow cooker combine; beef, potatoes, tomatoes (and their juices), onion, apricots, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne, 3/4 t salt and 1/2 C water. Cook covered until the meat is tender on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours. Ten minutes before serving prepare couscous. Add chick peas to cooker and cook until heated 2-3 minutes. Stir in spinach. Serve with couscous and sprinkle with almonds.