Cut apples into quarters (about 2-inch chunks).
Squeeze lemon juice over mixture.
Fill saucepan with water and bring to a boil.
Add apple slices. Cover saucepan almost all the way (leaving lid cracked open about 1 inch).
Simmer the apples until they are the consistency you like (between 10 and 20 minutes).
Season with cinnamon and nutmeg, if desired.