1/2 c. butter
4 c. 1/2 inch cubes white or whole wheat bread, tightly packed
6 c. sliced, peeled apples
3/4 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 tsp. grated lemon peel
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1/3 c. water

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Melt butter in skillet; add bread cubes and toss together. Spoon one third of the bread into greased 2 1/2 quart casserole. Toss together sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and grated lemon peel. Cover layer of bread cubes with half the apple mixture. Repeat layers one again, reserving one third of the bread cubes for last layer. Mix lemon juice and water and pour over crumbs. Cover tightly and bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake 30 to 40 minutes. Serve warm with cream whip, if desired. Serves 6 to 8.