My friends often ask me: “Alan”—they ask—“my morning bowl of oatmeal is so boring! What can I do to add some pizzazz?”

Fortunately, I have spend a good deal of time thinking upon the subject of oatmeal and experimenting with different toppings. Here are a few I have found success with:

• Peanut butter and honey
• Tahini and honey
• Olive oil, parmesan, freshly ground black pepper
• Toasted pumpkin seeds, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese
• Roasted brussels sprouts, a poached egg, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper
• Pickled red onions, mashed avocado, goat cheese, a pinch of cayenne

Let me know if you find any other combinations of toppings you feel should be more widely known, and I will add it to this list!