2 1/2 c. dry bread crumbs
2 1/2 tbsp. butter
9 medium tart apples
2/3 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 c. water

Butter 8 cup casserole. Spread 1/3 crumbs over bottom. Mix together sugar, spices, and salt. Spread 1/2 amount of apples over crumbs. Cover apples with 1/2 of sugar, spice mixture, layer crumbs, apples, and spices, ending with crumbs on top. Moisten evenly with water and lemon juice. Top with bits of butter. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more. Serve hot with cream or cold with whipped cream. Dates, nuts, pineapple, or mincemeat may be substituted for apples.