1. 1. Choose Your Base: Spoon 1 cup of cottage cheese into your preferred serving bowl. Ensure the cottage cheese is well-drained if it appears overly watery, though most brands are ready to use straight from the container.

2. 2. Decide on Sweet or Savory: At this point, you’ll commit to either the sweet or savory path. It’s helpful to gather all your chosen toppings for that option before proceeding.

3. 3. Assemble the Sweet Bowl: If going sweet, gently place 1/2 cup of mixed berries over the cottage cheese. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of chopped nuts, and 1 tablespoon of granola. Arrange the toppings nicely for an appealing presentation.

4. 4. Assemble the Savory Bowl: If opting for savory, scatter 1/4 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup of diced avocado over the cottage cheese. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of fresh chives, a pinch of black pepper, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. A light drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the flavors.

5. 5. Taste and Adjust: Take a small spoonful and taste your creation. If making a sweet bowl, you might want a little more sweetener or cinnamon. For savory, perhaps a touch more pepper or a different herb.

6. 6. Serve Immediately: These bowls are best enjoyed fresh to maintain the texture of the toppings and the coolness of the cottage cheese.