Apple Pie Filling

8 C apples, peeled and sliced. If you are using crab apples, don't bother peeling them.
1/4 C water
1 1/4 C sugar
4 T quick cooking tapioca
cinnamon and nutmeg to taste (optional)

Peel and slice apples. Place into a pot large enough to hold the ingredients. Sprinkle with one cup of sugar. Let stand for five minutes.  Add the water, bring to a simmer, and cook mixture for about two minutes on medium heat.  Stir together tapioca with remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, add to the apples, cook two minute more. Spoon into containers or plastic zippered bags and freeze, ready for pie.  Two recipes make three ten-inch-deep pies.