Elder Barton's Mom's Autumn Apricot Beef Ragout

1 lb beef steak or beef roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2/3 cup apricot nectar (I usually puree a large

can of apricots with about 1/3-1/2 of the juice instead)
1 cup thick & chunky salsa (or amount roughly equal to nectar)
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup dried apricots (these are good, but optional)
1/2 cup green onions, sliced
3 Tablespoons water
2 Tablespoons flour
3 cups hot cooked rice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (don't skip this ingredient!)

1. Place beef, apricot nectar,  salsa, spice & salt in crock pot. Cover, cook on low 8-10 hours.
2. Turn crock pot to high. Add dried apricots & green onions. Cover & cook 10 minutes longer.
3. Stir water & flour in small bowl until smooth. Add to crock pot & stir well. Cover, cook on high 15 minutes or until thickened.
4. Serve ragout over bed of rice. Garnish with cilantro.