Canning Apple Pie Filling

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 1 tsp. salt
• 3 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 3 drops yellow food coloring (opt.)
• 4 1/2 - 6 lbs. tart apples (pared, cored and sliced)

Directions

In a large pan, blend the first 5 ingredients. Stir in 10 cups water; cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add lemon juice and food coloring. Pack apples into hot jars leaving 1 inch head space. Fill with hot syrup, leaving 12-inch headspace. Adjust lids. Process in boiling bath for 20 minutes. Use 1 qt. for making pie and 2 qts. for large apple crisp.

By Robin