3 cups (750 mL) coarse fresh bread crumbs
1/3 cup (75 mL) butter, melted
8 cups (2 L) thickly sliced peeled apples (about 3 lb/1.5 kg)
2/3 cup (150 mL) packed brown sugar
2 tsp (10 mL) finely grated lemon rind
1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon
Pinch each allspice and nutmeg
1/4 cup (50 mL) apple juice or water
2 tbsp (25 mL) lemon juice

In bowl, toss bread crumbs with butter; spread one-quarter in 8-inch (2 L) square glass baking dish.

In large bowl, toss together apples, sugar, lemon rind, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg; spread half over crumb base in dish.

Top with another quarter of the bread crumb mixture; spread remaining apple mixture over top. Drizzle with apple juice and lemon juice.

Sprinkle with remaining bread crumb mixture.

Bake in centre of 375 F (190 C) oven until golden and apples are tender, about 45 minutes.

(Make-ahead: Let cool. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; reheat if desired.)