By Gina Matsoukas | Associated Press

The abundance of sweet and juicy apples in autumn is a tempting sight at grocery stores and markets. While an apple pie is a delicious way to use apples, this fall is a great time to get creative and try some exciting new apple recipes.

Embracing fall with in-season apples

Biting into a crisp apple as temperatures begin to cool in September is one of the first signs that fall is on its way. Most apples start to ripen near the end of August and are at their peak for picking from September to November. During these months, apples are generally larger and strike that perfect sweetness.

According to the U.S. Apple Association, all 50 states grow apples with more than 7,000 different varieties available. They are also the most consumed fruit in the U.S. This means that your grocery store, local farmers’ market, roadside stands, pick-your-own orchards and even backyard trees can supply a bounty of apples.

An apple pie is as quintessential for fall as the apples themselves, but the options only start there. Whether you are baking, snacking, making dinner, drinking or even preserving apples, you have nearly endless options for using apples this year.

Apple desserts beyond pie

Striking a balance between sweet and tart that complements the warm, spicy flavors of fall, apples are ideal for baking. Heat them and the texture turns soft, making them a nice addition to pie crusts, breads, muffins and cake.

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If you are craving the cinnamon and flakiness of a pie, an apple crumble or apple crisp uses a similar apple filling with a streusel top. Try a microwave apple crisp for a quick and easy, single-serve alternative.

Apple cake or apple quick bread makes for a delectable breakfast or tea-time treat. The water content in apples also helps contribute to a moist crumb in your baked goods. Apple fritters, a type of donut with diced apple pieces, are a fun fall dessert. If you have applesauce or apple cider, these can also lend a more delicate sweetness and apple flavor to donuts.

When baking with apples, choosing the best variety will elevate your recipe. The right apple will offer the exact amount of tartness and moisture, and will stay firm while baking rather than turning mushy with the heat.

Apple dishes for your daily menu

A bushel of fall apples can work well in savory dishes. For breakfast, dinner and snacks, apples can bring a new depth of flavor, some crunch and healthy vitamins and fiber.

Incorporating apples into breakfast

In addition to baked goods for breakfast, apples work well in apple cinnamon oatmeal. They are also ideal in smoothies, particularly in green smoothies where they will mitigate the bitterness of kale or spinach.

Dinner and lunch ideas with apples

The sweet flavor of apples can contrast well with the savory flavors of many dishes. This fall, try adding slices of apples to salads. A spinach or kale salad holds up well to apples. A Waldorf salad traditionally mixes apples with celery, grapes, nuts and a mayonnaise-based dressing.

An apple slaw with grated apple and red cabbage can be an addition to sandwiches or a bright side to other dishes. You can also add apple slices to a grilled cheese for a gourmet sandwich with a bit of crunch. Apples go particularly well with a high-quality cheddar or brie.

Pork is traditionally served with applesauce or stewed apples, but apples also go well with chicken. Try sauteed apples or apple stuffing alongside chicken for an autumnal dish.

Many fall soups can use up extra apples, particularly those that will be blended. Adding an apple to butternut squash soup or potato soup can bring an interesting flavor and texture.

Apples for a sweet and healthy snack

A sliced apple is the perfect snack at any time of the day, but there are plenty of ways to get creative as well. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on apple slices or dip slices in peanut butter or yogurt for a little extra protein. Dipping apples in caramel is also an easy sweet treat.

Apple chips are a crispy snack. Thinly slice apples, lay them flat on a baking sheet, sprinkle them with cinnamon and bake in the oven until crispy. You’ll have a healthier snack and baking apples will fill your home with the aromas of fall.

Preserving your fall apple haul

If you still have an excess of apples after cooking and baking or want to have apples in winter and spring, there are several ways to preserve them. These methods will allow your apples to last for several weeks in the fridge or even several months on the shelf if you can them.

You can core and dice apples before placing them in a slow cooker or on the stove top with sugar, cinnamon and other spices. For homemade applesauce, cook the apples until soft and mash them to the desired consistency. Alternatively, try a longer cooking time over low heat to reduce the apples to a spreadable apple jam. Use an immersion blender to create a smooth apple butter.

You can also slice your apples and dry them. A food dehydrator works particularly well, but you can also dry apples in the oven. Dried apples will last about six months, giving you a healthy snack throughout the year.

Get ready for apple season this autumn

Baking an apple pie or two is one of the best ways to celebrate fall. But this year, don’t limit yourself to only pie. Head to your local store or orchard, and stock up on apples for savory dishes and creative baking recipes. Bake apple recipes with your favorite flavors and discover new favorites to welcome this fall.

Gina Matsoukas is the writer, photographer and recipe creator of Running to the Kitchen. Focusing on healthy, seasonal, whole-food recipes, her work has been featured in various online and print publications including Food Network, Prevention Magazine and Women’s Health. Gina lives in central New York, where she enjoys an active outdoor life.