cabbage with apples and franks recipe

3 cups shredded cabbage
3 cooking apples, cored and sliced
5 frankfurters, cut into 1-inch lengths
2 tbs butter or margarine
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup water, divided
1/4 cup vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbs cornstarch
2 tbs cracker crumbs

Steam cabbage in a covered saucepan with a small amount of water for two minutes. Drain. Layer apples, steamed cabbage, and frankfurters in a lightly greased 2-qt baking dish. Melt butter in a small saucepan; stir in sugar, 1/4 cup water, vinegar, and salt. Dissolve cornstarch in remaining 1/4 cup water; add to hot mixture, stirring until thick and clear. Pour over casserole. Cover and bake at 350? F. for 25 minutes. Sprinkle cracker crumbs over top of casserole; bake, uncovered, an additional 5 to 10 minutes.