On those mornings when you’re not in the mood for maple or apples and cinnamon, open a packet of plain oatmeal and add one of these less conventional stir-ins.

Jam, jelly, or preserves

Almond butter or natural peanut butter

Crumbled bacon

Wheat germ and honey

Applesauce or apple butter

Muesli, granola, or Grape Nuts

Thawed frozen fruit

Yogurt

Dried fruits, nuts, or seeds (such as dried cranberries or apricots, pecans, or pumpkin seeds)

Or, for an occasional splurge, try:

Chocolate chips

Broken gingersnaps or cinnamon graham crackers