Savory Crouton-Apple Dressing

9 cups unseasoned croutons (see note)

2½ cups water

9 tablespoons butter, divided

1 medium onion, sliced

3-4 apples, any type, peeled, cored and sliced

1½ teaspoons cinnamon

3 teaspoons sugar

1½ cups celery with leaves, chopped

1-2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

1 teaspoon marjoram

Salt and pepper

1 egg

¼ cup milk

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

Place croutons in large bowl or roasting pan.

Boil water with 4 tablespoons of the butter. Add mixture to croutons and mix thoroughly.

In large frying pan melt 1 tablespoon butter and add onions. Saute over medium heat, stirring occasionally until brown and slightly crispy, 5-8 minutes. Transfer onions to a bowl.

In same pan melt 2 tablespoons butter and add apples; sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and cook 5-10 minutes, adding 1 tablespoon butter as they cook. Apples should still be slightly crisp.

Add celery, onions and apples to crouton mixture, tossing lightly. Add poultry seasoning, marjoram, salt and pepper to taste; mix. Add egg. If mixture is dry, add milk until all is moist. Transfer to a 9- by 13-inch baking dish or leave in roasting pan. Bake 30 minutes uncovered. If the top is getting too brown and it is not cooked through, gently mix and continue baking until hot.

Serves six to eight.

Cook's note: If using seasoned croutons, eliminate poultry seasoning, marjoram, salt and pepper.