Confession: every fall, we walk into our local orchard with the confidence of a couple who definitely has a plan. Then we walk out with several bags of apples that weigh more than our dog.

If that’s you too, welcome to the cool kids club! Here’s how I actually use them up before they turn into a science experiment on the counter.

1. Make it dinner first

Slice apples thin and roast them with pork or chicken, or toss them into a sheet pan dinner with onions and sweet potatoes. This roasted pork and apples recipe is my go-to, and it’s a family favorite! Sweet and savory is a great combo, and it counts as a fruit serving, which is a very official-sounding excuse.

2. Double Duty it

Make extra! Tomorrow, the leftover roasted apples become an oatmeal topper, a quick crisp, or a spoonful on top of yogurt. Cook once, eat twice. Future You says thanks.

3. Let the tools do the boring work

Coring and wedging 12 apples by hand is a personality test that I can’t pass without help. I use my apple wedger, and it takes just a few minutes instead of a dozen songs on my playlist.

4. Freeze the rest

Slice, toss with a little lemon juice, spread on a sheet pan, freeze, then bag. Pie in February, no orchard trip required!

Which apple are you, firm and tart or soft and sweet? Tell me in the comments and I’ll share more of my favorite recipes.