Even though you can get apples year-round almost everywhere, there’s still something special about your favorite variety popping up at the farmers market when fall comes around. It’s a sign that cooler nights are coming and the best time of the year for comfort food is just around the corner.

The obvious first task is to bake a great apple pie — but after that, there’s plenty of time for creativity. Think perfectly roasted chicken with sweet apples, or a fresh apple and kale salad. These recipes will get you on track for endless apple creations so you can take full advantage of the fall produce.

Honey-Mustard Chicken and Apples

There’s always a reason to try a new chicken recipe, especially when it’s simple and you can pop it in the oven. The apples in this help bring out the savory flavors of the skin-on chicken thighs and the onions, while adding a subtly sweet note that is perfect for fall entertaining. But you don’t have to save it for a special occasion — this one is easy enough to be a weeknight meal.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Kale and Apple Salad

Don’t shy away from salmon just because you’ve never cooked it at home before. It’s surprisingly easy to handle and takes less than 10 minutes. This recipe calls for minimal ingredients on the salmon, so you can just focus on the cooking. Apples come into play in the salad on the side, which turns out incredibly crunchy and makes the perfect complement to the salmon.

Apple-Honey Drumsticks

If you love the taste of barbecue chicken but want something a little lighter to serve the family, this one is your best bet. Apple and honey give the drumsticks that perfect savory-sweet combo without all of the extra sugar from barbecue sauce. And because you’re using dark meat, the dish lacks nothing in the flavor department.

Pork Chops with Apples and Garlic Smashed Potatoes

We know, we know — apples and pork — groundbreaking stuff, right? Well, put plain and simple, this recipe does it better. Sage brings an unexpected earthiness to the dish, while apples and onions do their thing with the sweet and savory notes. Accompanied by buttery garlic smashed potatoes, it’s a meal worth sharing with friends — the recipe, that is.

Spinach and Green Apple Salad

Besides looking absolutely stunning, this salad tastes fresh, simple and light every time you eat it. Plus, who doesn’t love it when you can count the ingredients of a recipe on one hand? With a tangy Dijon-vinaigrette that gives the perfect bite to the whole dish, this salad is the perfect light lunch or starter for entertaining.