Columbian Beef and Sweet Potato Stew

Ingredients

 * 1 	lb cut-up stew meat
 * 1/2 	teaspoon salt
 * 1/4 	teaspoon pepper
 * 1 1/2 	teaspoons olive oil or vegetable oil
 * 3 	cups peeled sweet potatoes
 * 2 	teaspoons finely chopped garlic
 * 1 	dry bay leaf
 * 1 	cinnamon stick
 * 1 	large onion, cut into eighths
 * 1 can Italian-style tomatoes, with juices
 * 8 	dried apricots, cut in half
 * chopped fresh parsley

Directions

 * Remove excess fat from beef.
 * Cut beef into pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
 * Cook beef in oil about 5 minutes, stirring.
 * Mix beef and remaining ingredients except apricots and parsley.
 * Cover and cook on low 8 hours.
 * Stir in apricots.
 * Cover and cook about 15 minutes.
 * Discard bay leaf and cinnamon stick.
 * Sprinkle stew with parsley.