1-First Step: Prepare your ingredients. Gather all ingredients and set up your cooking area. Peel, core, and slice the apples into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Measuring out cinnamon, brown sugar or maple syrup, lemon juice, and your choice of olive oil or vegan butter will streamline the process.

2-Second Step: Heat the fat. Place a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and warm the olive oil or vegan butter until melted. This step ensures even sautéing of the apples and helps release their natural sweetness during cooking.

3-Third Step: Cook the apples. Add the apple slices to the pan, stirring occasionally. Sauté the apples for about 5 minutes until they start to soften but still hold their shape. Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning while promoting caramelization.

4-Fourth Step: Add flavorings. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and brown sugar or drizzle maple syrup over the apples. Stir gently to coat each apple slice evenly with the spices and sweetener. The warmth of the spices combined with the sweetness will infuse the apples as they cook further.

5-Fifth Step: Add lemon juice and finish cooking. Pour in the tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and brighten the flavors. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the apples are tender but not mushy, with a light glaze forming in the skillet.

6-Sixth Step: Adjust and serve. Taste the cinnamon apples and adjust the sweetness or cinnamon to your liking. Remove from heat once you achieve your preferred tenderness. Serve warm as a comforting dessert or side dish, optionally garnished with nuts, a dollop of yogurt, or atop oatmeal or pancakes for added flair.