Apple Or Peach Pie In A Jar - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. quick cooking tapioca
1 tsp. salt (optional)
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
10 c. water
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 or 3 drops red or yellow food coloring (optional; I omit)
8 or 9 lb. tart apples or peaches, peeled, cored and sliced (about 16 to 18 c.)

Preparation

In a large saucepan, blend the first 5 ingredients well.
Stir in 10 cups of water; cook on medium-high and stir until thickened and bubbly.
Cook an additional 2 minutes.
Add lemon juice and, if desired, food coloring, but I don't.
Add apples or peaches to sauce.
Stir constantly; bring to a rolling boil.
Cook for 1 minute at a rolling boil.
Keep saucepan on burner and ladle mixture into sterile, hot jars; leave 1/2-inch headspace.
Process in boiling water bath 25 minutes for pints or quarts.