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There's a reason apple picking is a favorite fall activity. The crisp taste of apples is an iconic fall flavor and so versatile in recipes. You can use apples to make sweet desserts, like apple pie and caramel apples, or savory dishes, like chicken and apple stuffing or pork tacos with apple salsa. And no one can say no to a glass of apple cider in the fall—and you can add brandy or spiced rum to make it a grown-ups only version.

Pictured: Apple Squares

Spicy cinnamon is the perfect flavor for fall, especially when paired with other classics like apple, sugar, or vanilla. Apple and cinnamon are the best fall flavor combo for sweet treats like apple crisp and applesauce, but cinnamon can also stand on its own. Use cinnamon to spice up your holiday teas, pancakes, or quick breads, or stick with everyone's favorite cinnamon treat: cinnamon rolls.

Pictured: Cinnamon Coffee Bars

Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce

If the first thing that comes to mind when you think of maple is pancakes, think again, because maple isn't only good for breakfast. Of course, everyone loves real maple syrup on pancakes and waffles, and even coffee shops are getting on board with new maple lattes, but this flavor can do so much more. Sweet maple flavor can be used in desserts like maple buttercream frosting, maple cookies, and even pumpkin pie, but it's just as tasty on savory foods like maple bacon, maple-glazed salmon, and maple and chipotle chicken wings.

Pictured: Ultimate Maple Snickerdoodles

Before there was pumpkin spice, there was chai to keep you warm and cozy all autumn long. You might even recognize some of the flavors in chai as they are similar to pumpkin spice with clove, cinnamon, and cardamom. The classic way to enjoy chai is in tea, but you can also use it to make banana chai bread, chai cheesecake, and chai apple pie.

Pictured: Chai Sugar Cookies

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From the mint family, sage's earthy aroma makes it a great herb for fall cooking. Sage works well in heavy comforting dishes that are filled with flavors that won't be overpowered by the herb. Add this bold flavor to pork as well as butternut squash soup and butter sauce for pasta.

Pictured: Chef John's Sweet Potato Souffles

Pears are often overshadowed by pumpkins and apples during the fall months, but pears are also at their peak sweetness during this time. Instead of heading to the apple orchard this autumn, pick some pears instead, and use them to sweeten your desserts just like you would use apples. Use pears to create a moist almond and pear cake, poached pears, or a baked brie with caramelized pears.

Pictured: Scandinavian Pear Tart

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Brown butter is butter that is cooked long enough to turn the milk solids brown, and thanks to this technique, it produces a deep, nutty flavor. Brown butter can add a rich, robust flavor to desserts, like cookies and icing, as well as savory dishes, like fish and vegetables. Normally when brown butter is made into a savory sauce for vegetables, pasta, or fish additional herbs, such as sage or tarragon, or garlic are added.

Pictured: Brown Butter Cookies

Ginger is typically associated with the people-shaped cookies of the holiday season, but the peppery sweet flavors of ginger also make it a tasty fall spice. Fresh ginger has a spicier bite than ground ginger, but both will add a little zing to your recipes. Use ginger to spice up cupcakes, butternut squash soup, and even pork.

Pictured: Ginger Marmalade

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Bourbon's flavor profile is filled with some of our favorite fall flavors: vanilla, oak, and caramel. And while a bourbon neat or a hot toddy co*cktail might be up your alley, you can also use bourbon in some tasty fall recipes. Add bourbon to pecan pie, candy, and bourbon chicken for some flavorful whiskey-infused food.

Pictured: Bourbon Bread Pudding