Peel and slice enough apples to fill 7 (1-quart) jars.

4 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
10 cups water
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Mix sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Add water, then cook until thick. Add lemon juice. Pour cooked mixture over the apples in the jars. Seal and process in hot water bath for 20 minutes.

To make pie
Add 1/2 cup sugar, if desired, to 1 quart of apple pie filling. Place in unbaked pie shell, cover with top crust, then bake as usual.