Homemade Apple Pie Filling

4 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup cornstarch
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. lemon juice
2 or 3 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
5 1/2-6 lb. tart apples, peeled, cored and sliced
10 cups water

In large saucepan, blend sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir in water; cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Add lemon juice and coloring (optional). Pack apples into hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1 inch headspace. Fill with hot syrup. Use knife to remove air bubbles. Adjust lids. Process in boiling water bath 20 minutes for quarts or 15 minutes for pints. Yield: 6 quarts. Each quart is enough filling for a 9 inch pie.