CRUMB MIXTURE:

1 1/3 c. fresh bread crumbs (from about 3 slices firm white or whole wheat bread)
3/4 c. packed brown sugar
1 tsp. freshly grated orange peel (optional)
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

FILLING:

6 med. size Granny Smith apples (about 2 lbs.) peeled, quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
4 tbsp. butter, cut in small pieces
1/4 c. water

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Have a 1 1/2 quart baking dish ready. Mix all crumb mixture ingredients in a bowl until blended.

Arrange half the apple slices over bottom of ungreased baking dish. Sprinkle with half the crumb mixture and dot with half the butter. Repeat with remaining apples, crumb mixture, and butter. Drizzle with water.

Cover and bake 45 to 55 minutes until apples are tender in center. Serve warm or at room temperature. Good with whipped topping or vanilla ice cream.