8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, sliced
3 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs made from firm, homemade-style white bread
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 large (6 to 8 ounces each) tart green apples, such as Granny Smith, greening, or Baldwin
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
Heavy cream (optional)

Preparation Instructions:

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees. Generously butter a 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish.

2. In a large heavy skillet melt the butter over moderate heat. Add the bread crumbs and, stirring frequently, heat until toasted and a medium golden brown.

3. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

4. Peel and core the apples and cut into 1/4 inch slices. In a large bowl toss them with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and apple cider.

5. Sprinkle one-fourth of the bread crumbs in the prepared dish. Arrange one-third of the apples and juice over the crumbs and sprinkle with one-third of the sugar mixture and one-third of the remaining crumbs. Repeat twice more. Bake about 45 minutes, until bubbly and browned. Cool about 15 minutes. Serve hot or warm. with heavy cream if desired.