Tapioca apples

6 servings, about ⅔ cup each

⅔ cup sugar

3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca

⅛ teaspoon salt

1½ cups water

5 cups tart, pared apple slices

Mix sugar, tapioca, salt, and water in a large saucepan. Let stand while preparing apple slices. Then, bring tapioca mixture to a full boil, stirring to prevent sticking.

Add apples. Boil gently, covered, until apples are tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

NOTE: Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve with plain or whipped cream, if desired.

VARIATION

Dessert apple slices.—Omit the tapioca. Do not stir apples while cooking.